retaliatory reviews

Answered!
Craig791
Level 3
Hamilton, New Zealand

retaliatory reviews

Hi guys, 

I started to host on AirBNB a few months ago. So far, there's been a few hiccups along the way but i've always been one to aim to please. One guest I had booked the home sighting that he had a family wedding, so him and his family would be staying - i accepted the reservation even though he had no review history. 

He came, checked in, all was going fine untill I get a call from my neighbour at 9pm saying that there's a party happening. Now in addition to the no parties tick on my advert, I also highlight in my house rules that this is a no parties property. I text the guest, who didnt reply. I then logged onto my cameras (which is noted on the advert), to see 35 people outside on the deck.  I then contact Airbnb to lodge an issue and drove to the property. When I was there, the house was a complete mess with drinks spilt all through the lounge, cofetti everywhere, big 21st baloons and alot of food/alcohol/music and people. I asked to speak to the guest (not knowing which one he was), who finally came over and asked me how much money i'd like to leave them be. I explained that I do not want any money and that he had breached my rules. I asked him to leave the property.  I had to get commercial cleaners in to sort the property out and remove stains the following day. 

However, obviously I gave this guest a not to shining review. In return, he gave me a scathing 1 star review, rating the home, location, cleanliness etc all poorly. 

An investigation was launched into Airbnb, and i was fine with the conclusion. However, Airbnb have declined to remove his review, even though i explained it was reteliation and that every other guest had given it 5 stars. 

I sent them detailed screenshots of the party occuring, all the people, and consequently the mess that was left behind. To no avail, they just won't remove it. 

Any ideas what I can do?

Top Answer
Craig791
Level 3
Hamilton, New Zealand

Thank you Jenny. I was sent a message and explained the situation and it’s now been removed! Phew 

View Top Answer in original post

20 Replies 20
Mike-And-Jane0
Top Contributor
England, United Kingdom

@Craig791 was this recent? If it was before the policy change then it is worth asking again. If it was after the review then just pray @Catherine-Powell picks up the issue to see if the retaliatory review policy is being properly applied.

it was just 4 weeks ago! Maybe i'll raise the issue again. 

Helen3
Top Contributor
Bristol, United Kingdom

What a horrible situation to be in. 

 

I would contact Airbnb quoting their retaliatory review policy and ask for the review to be removed in accordance with their policy @Craig791 

 

I'd also suggest there's only a point you having CCTV if you use it to check guests on arrival.

 

This would have helped you identify at a much earlier point that the guest was bringing in people not on the booking.

 

This would have been better both you in terms minimising damage to your  listing,  but also as importantly for your neighbours who had to put up with your partying guests. 

I'm in Australia and the new retaliatory  review policy is totally being ignored , its May 2023 . and even though airbnb  refunded me damages  they are still not  believing the guest  violated house rules and deliberately  wrote a retaliatory  review 

something is going awfully wrong in the system  @Catherine-Powell 

 

if a guest writes you a review on you complaining they broke house rules  thats retaliation 

if airbnb refund you damages  thats proof damage done .

just because a guest refunds you dosnt mean they are exempt 

something is VERY wrong with this system it totally being ignored in Australia 

Angel 

Bhumika
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Aslea0 ,

 

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us and I understand that you are worried!

 

As mentioned in another thread, I passed on your comments and feedback to the related teams for further review.

As per my understanding, they would have gotten back to you and provided more updates regarding the same. In case you have further queries regarding it, please feel free to reach out to Airbnb Customer Support.

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Please follow the Community Guidelines

Aslea0
Level 3
Melbourne, Australia

regarding the same issue ,

they have said i did not report it 

i have email threads to the guest on my airbnb account

I was refunded damages  by airbnb  6 days later .

if i was refunded damages  then  how did i not inform the guest and report it 

i have a bank statement showing the refund

i wasn't refunded for biscuits 

Its the exact same thing that happened to the HOST in New Zealand , he also had a refund but they still refused to remove review .

its not the first time this is happened , 

 

something is going on and its not right 

i dont know or understand  why your doing this when there is a new policy in place .

It cant possibly of been reviewed correctly  or they would see i was refunded 

Angel 

 

Fred13
Level 10
Placencia, Belize

No reviews + a large social gathering (wedding) = a very high-risk move. Then the Airbnb review system becomes the problem which gets abused by the same character that had no reviews (maybe for good reasons) and puts together a large neighbor-disturbing gathering.  🙄

Kia272
Level 10
Takoma Park, MD

@Craig791  I'm really sorry this happened to you, but you need to make some changes in your property description.

 

Your property is called "The Entertainer" and your description includes, "An emphasis was placed on entertaining, and the outdoor living is simply superb enhanced with a gas fireplace....."

 

I repeat, your property is called "The Entertainer." What kinds of guests were you expecting? 

Craig791
Level 3
Hamilton, New Zealand

in New Zealand, outdoor entertaining implies quiet entertaining for family or a small group of friends. There's a tv, BBQ, outdoor fire. It isnt an open invitation for a party venue! It's just frustrating as there was a breach of house rules which led to his cancellation and now the house has been unfairly rated. 

Joelle43
Top Contributor
Cannes, France

Hello @Craig791 

 

What a nightmare! Incase you're not aware Airbnb have recently updated their policy on removing retaliatory reviews and when I read the link below, you qualify by a number of guest violations so I would contact CS again and remind them of what is written.  

 

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/a-simpler-way-to-dispute-retaliatory-reviews-552

 

Best of luck

Joëlle

Jenny
Community Manager
Community Manager
Galashiels, United Kingdom

Hi @Craig791 

 

Sorry to hear about this.

 

I just wanted to confirm that I've elevated your concerns over this within Airbnb to see if we can get you some help.

 

Someone should be in touch with you once they've investigated.

 

Jenny

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Please follow the Community Guidelines

Craig791
Level 3
Hamilton, New Zealand

Thank you Jenny. I was sent a message and explained the situation and it’s now been removed! Phew 

Bhumika
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Craig791 , Thanks for coming back and updating us!

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Please follow the Community Guidelines

Aslea0
Level 3
Melbourne, Australia

 this same thing is happening to me .  Its May 2023 , why is the new updated retaliatory  policy being ignored in Australia .

 

i followed the correct process  that airbnb say to do which is to CONTACT guest first  .

it clearly says 

 communication with the guest is the quickest path to resolution . when a host is dealing with an actual violation  we ask that they provide  evidence with massage thread 

 

yes i did all that 

i was REFUNDED  $70  by airbnb for guest not following  house rules  and now  airbnb are saying guest did not violate policy  so wont remove retaliatory review .

So your saying NOW that  IF  guest PAYS  for damage then they can retaliate about having to pay , if they pay they are exempt from disrespecting . 

Im furious . people need to know that this is not right . 

Angel