Host admitted videotaping

[Alicia1492]

I booked a room at a Hyde Park London airbnb. Long story short I was forced to leave on day 3 out of a 24 day stay because I found out she and her husband were videotaping me. She proved it by submitting video footage of me preparing to leave airbnb. When I asked them for help they refused and did not acknowledge the crime. Local authorities have now stepped in but I would like to know why she is still allowed to rent?

[Helen3]

It's shocking you assume the host has done something wrong without clarifying what actually happened @Elegant-Homes-Retreat0 

[Frances3408]

@Alicia1492. Hi Alicia, in answer to your question, I suspect Airbnb would require proof from you of the actual camera's location inside if the host denies it. Footage could, hypothetically, have been taken from a phone, but with you in the video if they were using a phone, that would suggest that you would have been aware of them recording you?. If not, the question where is the camera located remains.

Next step would be to seek legal advice and seek arbitration if you believe you require compensation from the host or Airbnb.

You have also taken steps to make a complaint to local authorities. If this is a licensing authority for Short Term Rentals in London then Airbnb will be notified.

I dont see any reviews on this profile. As you commenced your stay you are normally entitled to leave a review within 14 days. Sometimes stating your experience in a review can help others after you.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Helen3]

Hi @Frances3408 

Just to clarify we don't yet have licensing in London or in England, so there wouldn't be anyone to report it to at the local council. 

Nor would the police take a report as it's a civil rather than criminal matter .

so it would be interesting to to know which part of the Council has 'stepped in' as @Alicia1492 mentions.

[Alicia1492]

That's twice now that you have insinuated to someone else that I am not telling the truth.

[Helen3]

Not at alll I was responding to  @Frances3408  post about how STR regulations work in England as that's where I'm from @Alicia1492 

[Frances3408]

@Helen3. Wow, good to know. In NSW we've had STR licensing for quite a few years and it evolves in line with consumer awareness/rights whilst trying to balance with owner property rights too. Three strikes and you are out in NSW. I think it has helped to lift the standard considerably and maybe thats what is needed here.

[Alicia1492]

I had hoped someone could answer my question.

*I have proof or I wouldn't say anything. 

*Airbnb has proof and they admitted I was taped, in writing. 

*She was not home when the footage happened. 

*I've reported it every possible way.

The host also committed fraud, for one. One of the room photos is a stock footage photo. There is no doorman, no balcony and only one bed. They relisted several times after receiving negative reviews. They asked me to pay more money outside of Airbnb, multiple times. This is all proven.

[Joan2709]

@Alicia1492 

So sorry this happened..

We aren't really able to see all the details of the situation between you, the host and Airbnb, so can't really provide additional advice other than to continue to work with Airbnb.

Is this a Home share listing (you are renting a room in a home)? The reason I ask is you said "She was not home when the footage happened" and you mentioned you booked a room? Were there other guests in the home at the time? Did you book the room just for yourself, or yourself and another guest?

Airbnb prohibits cameras inside the property, or undisclosed or improperly disclosed exterior cameras very seriously They usually suspend a Host's listings while they complete an investigation. The investigation usually takes 10 business days to complete. They also have a system to remove listings that are trying to circumvent negative reviews. 

Creating Duplicate Listings to Avoid Bad Reviews

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3566