airbnb is not so safe anymore

[Stella812]

This will probably get removed but I wanted to warn people. I only ever use airbnb now unless I have stayed with a host before and trust them. Otherwise I use hotels now and will continue to do so!! Airbnb is not safe. One of the last times I used it staying with a superhost a man who seemed affiliated with the property was standing by my bed at night wearing elbow length welding gloves and airbnb did NOTHING to investigate. I had booked the whole property so no one should have been there and after I complained several times I was only given half of a refund. I can share the address for anyone interested but my point is that this sort of thing is relatively common and airbnb wants to sweep things like this under the rug so you don’t hear about dangers. You never know who has access to a unit besides the host with cleaning people, past guests and who knows who else having access! You also don’t know what the property you are staying at has been used for or any of the nextdoor neighbors. There are so many things that could go wrong and airbnb with it’s outsourced customer service will do nothing to help in the instance anything bad happens. I work a lot so I never got to share my story here before but everyone knows I don’t stay at airbnbs anymore when I can help it because I like living!

[Tonia687]

Wow, that sounds extremely disturbing!!  I'm guessing he said he was there to fix something?  Even so, in the middle of the night? 

However, you need to realize that hotels aren't safe, either.  Neither are apartments or any home you rent, as someone else will ALWAYS have a key, at least one, likely many more. 

This is why many people travel with Mace, a gun or something to block the door with.  They sell things that will at least make noise and stop the intruder long enough for you to wake up and do something immediately.

It is hard to trust people, I understand.  But such is life... We just have to do it else hide in our homes and never have any sort of fun or adventure.  Me, I go by my gut instinct and if I ever feel iffy about anything at all, I drop it immediately.

[Stella812]

@Tonia687 Yes I suppose you’re right about hotels not being completely secure either, and even weirder, he wasn’t there to fix anything he actually told me he had come to check up on me. Mind you this was at 4 in the morning lol and if they are to be believed, the host had no idea who he was. No one else seemed to want to look into it so the disturbing part is that he probably still has access to that same airbnb to this day. Makes me wonder how many other airbnbs have secret visitors, if you think about it anyone could copy a key or remember lock box info! Some hosts are vigilant but a lot of airbnb’s just sit empty for long periods of time and there are a lot of weird people out there! I never thought about  anything like that before until it happened to me but now I know better. But you’re definitely right that hotel rooms can be accessed by any number of staff and even your own home for renters, that’s why I have cameras around my home and I only stay at nicer hotels but it goes to show to use discernment everywhere you are staying! 

[Tonia687]

That is SO creepy.  I would have probably called the cops, actually.  I don't think we Hosts can enter while renting without an emergency or permission from the guest.  It has been a while since I read the rules, though, so maybe I'm wrong. 

Even if it doesn't say that, *I* won't enter with a guest in our property unless it's an emergency or I have express permission from the guest.

[Helen3]

Hi @Tonia687 

I wouldn't say that many people travel with guns to protect themselves while staying at an Airbnb - most of us don't even own one .

[Tonia687]

Well, Helen3, here in America it's pretty common.  We like the ability to protect ourselves. 

But I also mentioned Mace, are you not allowed pepper spray, either?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Tonia687 No -  Mace is not allowed in the UK. It is, and hence is deemed, an offensive weapon.

Thankfully the lack of ability to self protect also means it is highly unlikely that any children will be killed in school or mall shootings.

[Helen3]

I appreciate that - that's sadly why guns are the biggest killer of children in the US .  Protecting our children is a priority.  @Tonia687 

none of my family and friends in the US have guns or would think of travelling with one to a STR .

i don't think you can generalise and say many people travelling  globally to stay in an Airbnb choose to bring a gun with them.?

[Tonia687]

Well all of my family use guns and... As do all our neighbors and most of our friends. 

If we didn't have them, only the bad guys would. 

Criminals don't obey laws, especially gun laws, so whoever said lack of guns for protection means they can't be used is incorrect.  However, this should not turn political.  I am exiting the conversation now. 

I will continue to enjoy my freedom and ability to defend myself and my family, thanks.

[Helen3]

This sounds truly awful @Stella812 

What did the host say when this happened ? 

Did you move out straight away when this happened ? 

So dreadful that Airbnb did nothing to investigate.

when you say you were 'only given half a refund' ....do you mean you only received 50% of your money back for the remaining days of your stay once you asked Airbnb to cancel the remaining days of your booking? 

please do leave an honest review to warn future guests but do read Airbnb's review policy first to make sure your review meets their guidelines. 

[Mark5779]

Hi Stella, I'm so sorry to hear that something like that happened to you.  Personally I would have called 911 and let the authorities sort it all out.  That "night visitor" would have been met with a barrel or two aimed at his face. And since it was inside of the bedroom inside the rental unit, he would have been detained until local LE were on scene to sort it out. No one should be awakened by an uninvited stranger in their bedroom.

When we bought our cabin, the very first thing we did was replace the locks on all of the doors. Then we installed an electronic lock that we can change the codes easily and from anywhere.  The lock also keeps track of the usage including tries that were unsuccessful.  We try to make sure our guests are safe and can feel like they are.  Even the cleaning crew gets a new code every time and no code is re-used.  And since we live only 20 minutes away, we meet anyone who is there to do work, so they don't get a code or a chance to be alone there. We take security very seriously, even in a very safe area.

As others have said, even hotels are not safe. There are several devices you can have with you to detect dangers, secure entry points, and defend yourself in case there is a threat. I highly advise people to consider them, especially a female alone.  But no one should HAVE to take precautions when they are renting a place.  I'd suggest perusing it with AirBnB. The next guest may not be a fortunate as you.