As a new Airbnb user, I’ve had several successful stays across Europe in the past year. Most of my experiences were wonderful—great hosts, clean accommodations, and smooth communication. However, one recent stay in Zurich turned into a nightmare that I feel compelled to share to warn others.
We booked a studio in Zurich for a short stay, arriving on the 16th and checking out early the next morning. The entire stay lasted less than 24 hours. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the flat was not in the best condition. The oven and shower tube were already broken. Being a responsible guest, I took photos and immediately informed the host to ensure she knew these issues existed before our stay.
The host, while polite, was unusually persistent and overly friendly. She asked a lot of questions, begged us to leave her a 5-star review, and generally came across as excessively accommodating. Despite the fact that the flat was far from a 5-star experience, I decided to help her out and leave the review. I try to be a trustworthy and considerate person, and at the time, I couldn’t imagine that her behavior could be a setup for what came next.
After leaving the property, I was shocked to receive a claim from the host accusing us of damaging her dishwasher—a dishwasher we never even used! She is now demanding €2,136 in repair costs. Let’s put this into perspective: even high-end dishwashers rarely cost more than €1,000. Her claim is not only absurd but feels completely fabricated.
Looking back, I’m beginning to suspect that her excessive kindness and insistence on a positive review were calculated. It seems she wanted to secure a good rating before filing this baseless damage claim, assuming I wouldn’t challenge her due to my lack of experience with Airbnb.
This has been a frustrating and disheartening experience. I trusted the process and acted in good faith as a guest. Yet, I now realize the importance of being extra cautious:
- Always document the condition of the property thoroughly upon arrival, even for appliances you don’t plan to use.
- Report all pre-existing issues immediately through Airbnb’s messaging system.
- Trust your instincts if something feels off, especially with overly insistent or manipulative hosts.
I’m now disputing the claim and fighting back against these false accusations. I hope that sharing my story helps others avoid similar situations. If you’re new to Airbnb or haven’t experienced anything like this yet, be vigilant. Most hosts are wonderful, but there are exceptions, and it’s important to protect yourself.
Airbnb can be a fantastic way to travel, but incidents like this highlight the need for transparency and caution.
