Respond to the false review from host or Not?

[Anna13700]

Hi, I'm Airbnb beginner. I need some help.

Would you respond to a false review from a host?

I guess he wrote it out of spite. I asked Airbnb for a refund because he didn't get ready for the cleaned room and I couldn't enter the room for an hour though after check-in time and so on, anyway  terrible stay.

I only have another review (it's good, totally opposite). I'm concerned this review may negatively impact future use. I've already asked Airbnb but nothing helped.

Please let me know your opinion if you've had the experience like this.

[Anna13700]

P.S.

I hesitate to respond him because he may lie again. I don't wanna continue this unpleasant conversation. That's why I posted this question.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Anna13700 unlike the community centre once you respond to a review that is the end of it. No further responses are possible

[Anna13700]

Thanks the comment @Mike-And-Jane0 

Sorry if I misunderstood, I'm aware I still have a chance to response to a review within 30 days after the review posted. Airbnb said the only thing I can is to respond...

[Till-and-Jutta0]

@Anna13700 Please don't understand it wrong, but I would change your profile picture to a more serious one. The current one could be interpreted like some "party-like" style which could reaffirm the bad review.

If you respond, then keep in mind that you address future potential guests. Do that in a professional way.

At the moment, no good response comes in my mind 😞

[Anna13700]

Thanks @Till-and-Jutta0 ! That's so helpful.　I'm changing the pic.

[John5097]

@Anna13700 

I would keep contacting customer support to have that review removed. How would he know you were drunk? How does one show up last minute? That makes no sense. 

It's the host responsibility to change their settings if they don't want guest to book same day. The unit also needs to be clean at time of check in. Also should be able to check in without being harassed by security, unless that is in the listing description that guest needs to submit ID or something when checking in. 

Although you would need to give host opportunity to clean or address any issues if you planned to stay. 

[Till-and-Jutta0]

---

@John5097 wrote:

@Anna13700 

I would keep contacting customer support to have that review removed. How would he know you were drunk? 

---

You might try it, but with a low chance of success, as Airbnb does not generally mediate disputes concerning the truth of reviews, but provides the chance to respond (source).

[Anna13700]

As you said it's unlikely that they will delate the review if I tell them again. they've told me they won't be delete it already. Do you think I should respond to the false review from host if Airbnb wouldn't delate it?

[Anna13700]

Thanks @John5097 . I'll try contacting CS again. I don't understand  why Airbnb doesn't care the fake review...

[John5097]

@Anna13700 Yes sometimes you have to keep trying CS. 

This is clear violation of the review policy content. 

Host can change their settings to not allow same day check in. They can set up to 2 weeks preparation time, meaning guest don't have option to even book it. Airbnb does this to avoid this exact situation. 

You booked the listing. Followed check in instructions. There was no key in the lock box so you didn't have access to the unit after stated check in time. 

The host needs to take responsibility for this. 

How does he know you were drunk or disrespectful to security. There was no security mentioned on the listing. They were involved because you didn't have access to the place you rented because of the host fault. 

The other review just after yours also said it was filthy with sand all over the floors and bed. This means it wasn't even cleaned between guest. The host apologized to that guest and said they made changes to the cleaning personal. 

This was a retaliatory review by the host, claiming lies. The listing is for two people. So what if you were there with your bf.

But keep it very concise. Just state the facts that there was no key in the lock box and it wasn't cleaned an hour after check in. That you were not drunk or disrespctful. That you simply were tired and didn't have any access to the place you rented that was filthy. This was also verified by the next guest.

@Jenny @Paula  

 

[Anna13700]

I spoke to CS but they just showed me Review Policy and then said read it and won't delate it. I need to respond to his review concisely.

It's really hard to understand that Airbnb allows the defamatory review and they don't care they are also complicit in. Anyway I appreciate your replys.

@Jenny @Paula  

[Kia272]

@Anna13700  I don't think that he should be able to say something like that in a review, so keep calling and asking to have it removed. It probably violates AirBnB review rules in some way. 

BTW, he looks like an awful host. There are so many complaints about how filthy the unit is, going back a long way. Always read reviews carefully before you book. Good luck. 

[Anna13700]

Thanks @Kia272 

I'm contacting Airbnb again and I should check reviews and stars more carefully when I choose the unit next stay.  I think next stay never happens, I don't wanna use  Airbnb haha.

[Bea2137]

I think you should. As a host, I read thru the reviews of my guests. Normally, i would accept bookings even if a guest has a bed review as long as the other reviews are good — we all can’t be perfect at all times. But it would be helpful if we have reference to your side of the story.