Unsafe home with no fire egress

[Michelle3362]

I rented an unsafe home that had a bedroom with no fire egress in it (meaning I would burn to death at night in the event of a fire since there was no window in the bedroom). I told the host I did not want to stay. Then I ran around trying to find a hotel for my family. However, both Airbnb and the host are refusing to refund me or make the home safe. I spent about a month trying to talk to someone with Airbnb who cares, but they constantly say "they tried to call but I did not answer" yet I have no missed calls.

Anyway, I called the local governing authorities and had the host's home removed until she corrects the building violation, but Airbnb has no problem renting unsafe homes. They do not care at all about the safety of its guests and want to force other to stay and pay for an unsafe home. Then they give the guest a run around, trying to wear us down... doing nothing to make anything correct... operating in full knowledge that they are breaking the law and putting lives at risk. 

I have come to find out that there are many sexual offence violations that have occurred in Airbnb's, since they have no safety standards in place. They are not going to change on their own. They do not care. If you have been wronged by Airbnb please contact me, so we can do something to at least force them to love someone else other than themselves.... lives will be saved from horrific harm or death.  **Thank you

**[E-mail address removed as per - Community Center Guidelines]

[Bhumika]

Hi @Michelle3362 ,

We are so sorry to hear about your experience. I have reached out to the related teams if they can get in touch with you and address your concerns. I hope you get to hear from them soon.

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[Michelle3362]

I'm sure I will get a reply... but nothing that changes anything. 

[Kiani1]

re: joining a class action suit:

I am currently arguing with airbnb re: my last stay. 

I rented a 5BR home for 7 people, about 2weeks  before check-in. Told the host then that we were coming for an event on the saturday, that I was hosting for 60 people, not far from the home.  Messaged with the host several times during the week prior and he never mentioned any ongoing maintenance issues. I even contacted him the day before to see if me and my family could get in the space earlier. I paid $1400.

On the day of check-in at 9am,  the host messages that unfortunately the space isn't available and he offers me a 3bedroom, and that if I accepted the downgrade, I couldn't use the monies I already paid, that I would have to shell out the cost for the new home, roughly $1000.00.  I was literally on my way to the airport to pickup family when I spoke to someone from Airbnb. I asked what could have possibly needed to be fixed on the day of check in. The host told me it was an HVAC issue. I asked if there wasn't any heat. He responded that there may be alot of noise on the day they needed to fix whatever. I told him I cannot just shell out an additional $1000, move 7 adults into a 3br, and how this was too much of a hassle the day before the event. I said noise for one day wouldn't be a problem, especially if its on the day of the event, which was at a separate venue. He thanked me and a few hours later said everything was fixed and we can enter the home. 

We get to the home, and 15minutes later the owner knocks on the door to tell us he just wanted to make sure we were okay with the noise. I asked about the HVAC and he responded "its not an HVAC issue, we are repairing the roof." He continues to say how the house was just sold and they have to complete work before closing which was a week later. I told him the host said it was an HVAC issue, not a roof repair, but what am I to do now at 4pm on a friday. 

So the guys come on Saturday to remove shingles from the roof and we noticed late saturday night, they left multiple roofing nails, broken shingles across the front entrance, and back porch , and out onto the street where the rental car. I don't need a nail stuck in the tire of a rental car. 

They also left 2 ladders on the back porch. All of this created a safety hazard.  I took photos.

ON TOP OF THIS- I sent at least 15 pictures of the stained linen and shower curtains and all the long hairs on the primary bathroom floor , the dust on the side tables. Certainly not worth the $150-175 cleaning cost. 

After several message threads with Airbnb ,  they offer me $29.50 (10% off the first night), stating since I showed pictures this is what they can refund me, but that it doesn't fall under the Aircover agreement. I told them how can I show proof and at the same time not be covered? Literally the Aircover discusses safety hazards and cleanliness. 

I can go all day with them and I have all the time and resources to take this further. I would be satisfied with a refund of my entire cleaning fee AND  percentage off the entire cost. 

[Bhumika]

Hey @Kiani1 ,

Hope you and your family are safe!

Although I cannot promise anything, I have made sure to pass on your concerns to the related teams, if they can look further into your case. I hope someone reaches out to you soon!

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[Michelle3362]

Sorry, to hear about your issue. I was told I needed to show proof too and even after I did, I still received no refund. I have spent over a month and regardless of the house being illegally unsafe, they have still refused me a refund... and even worse they did not care to remove or force the owner to correct the safety violation. There is a serious problem with Airbnb.

I'm looking into different legal avenues and will be in touch when I have a more established game plan. Take care

[Helen3]

You might also want to remove @Michelle3362  contact details @Bhumika 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Helen3, Thank you for notifying me regarding this! Seems they added it later. Really appreciate your nudge.

Hey @Michelle3362, Please note that as per the  Community Center Guidelines, it is not allowed to share personal details. Thanks for understanding!

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[Michelle3362]

Okay... I understand policies are created for Airbnb's best interest, but please know all I want is CHANGE. I found a complete lack of care... such negligence is unethical.

[Basha0]

being that you are in the trades and egress is a big issue, why didn’t you ask the hosts before you booked as to what the size of the window is. 
Plus, is there a ladder to get out? Hotels I’ve stayed in you can’t open the windows without breaking them. Are you going to Sue hotels as well?

[Michelle3362]

Hotels, by law, have a fire sprinkler system so one does not burn to death... They are liable to even greater safety measures. Their guests are being well taken care of. 

[Michelle3362]

Am I supposed to ask a host about every law there is to see if they are breaking any of them? That is ridiculous. If someone is renting a home it MUST be legal. 

[Mark116]

@Michelle3362   I understand that according to zoning laws in the US a bedroom has to have a window, but I wonder, why did you book the property in the first place if the photo shows there is no window?

[Michelle3362]

I could not see all the walls in that photo. I did not know there were no windows on any wall. Plus, I was not looking for code violations. I was expecting Airbnb to rent safe homes. It was not until I got there that I realized there we several code violations (I happen to be in the construction industry) so they jumped out at me. That one being the most unacceptable. I have never left a home for code violations but this one I did. I should not be forced to stay or pay... and they should implement a policy to prevent this from happening in the future.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Michelle3362 Are the building codes the same between the USA and Canada?