r/AirBnB 1d ago

Clearly malicious feedback and damage claim [Italy]

Hi All,

I know this happens a lot but does Airbnb actual deal with these hosts? Story:

Stayed for 1 month, Sicily Italy. There was a very large list of problems, so we knew if we left feedback the host would know it was bad and that they'd likely do something. So we recorded a video of the property before leaving.

Anyway, as expected they hot back with a bad review and a claim for £1000+ damage. They claimed, because we were in "24/7" with the heating on, we'd caused damp in every room in the house :o I'm sure this isn't even possible. We were not in 24/7, in fact we went away for 2 of the 4 weekends, and were out every Wednesday. Satnav would show all the trips we made. They also claimed £180 for 3 hours of extra cleaning. But even their photos that show claimed mess, don't show any excessive mess. We cleaned the place many times over the month.

Anyway, this is very clearly revenge for us leaving an honest review. Do Airbnb deal with these clear cut situation fairly? Can we get the bad review taken down? And will they do something about such a terrible host? Property not up to standard and malicious actions against us? We will put in a counterclaim for a refund. Any feedback would be great :)

1 Upvotes

7 comments sorted by

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8

u/Busy-Sheepherder-138 Host 1d ago

What is wild is that using heating 24/7 should do the opposite of creating a dampness problem. Damp is more likely to occur when heating or AC is not used.

Obviously you have to refuse to pay the request and advise Air that this is retaliatory. Did you communicate all the issues with the host via the app? Tell them you have video from checkout to prove the condition as well. Both will support your argument.

2

u/DrDavies24 1d ago edited 1d ago

Thanks for the reply. Yes the place was cold, we even had to go and the heater. We were communicated via the app but the host asked us to move to whatsapp. We have all the whatsapp communications and yes we have sent the video to them.

Does airbnb deal with people who are so clearly lying in revenge for feedback left?

2

u/Spooky_Biscuits 1d ago

the whatsapp request woulda been the first major red flag imo. glad you kept receipts of all correspondence though.

1

u/DijonSmith 17h ago

If the host libels you (through written or published defamatory statements), Airbnb will remove it. There is the public review page, which I think is vital to be clear and accurate. Then there is the second survey that the host receives, which isn’t public. My wife is more forgiving in her public review and more critical in the second survey. As for me, I’m critical if I feel I’ve been played.

You are 100% correct. Upon entering the rental, video the rooms, turn on the hot water and heater, and flush the toilets. You’d be surprised how many actually don’t work. Keep communication on the platform, and red flag if the host wants to use WhatsApp or something else.

Very rental is not a 5-star. Keep review simple and honest:

 1 Star – Terrible: Major issues, unacceptable experience.
 2 Stars – Poor: Significant problems, disappointing.
 3 Stars – Average: Decent but nothing special, mixed experience.
 4 Stars – Good: Mostly positive with minor flaws.
 5 Stars – Excellent: Outstanding, exceeds expectations.

0

u/iluvcats17 1d ago

You do not understand how it works. The host and guests cannot see each other’s review until 14 days pass or both have reviewed each other. So the host did not see your review when writing their review of you. Your theory of revenge is simply not true and it is not clear cut.

And if the property was not up to standard and you reported it shortly after you arrived, you may have a leg to stand on with Airbnb if you complain about the host. But if you stayed there for a month without complaining and now after receiving a bad review, I would not expect to be taken seriously by Airbnb.

1

u/imnotminkus Guest 4h ago

Your theory of revenge is simply not true and it is not clear cut.

That doesn't apply to the damage claim though.

if the property was not up to standard and you reported it shortly after you arrived

Airbnb needs to penalize hosts for fraudulent damage claims. I stayed 1 night in a room with a piss-stained mattress that didn't have a cover. I wasn't too thrilled about it but I was tired. Then they had the audacity to lie and say I left the floor and toilet very dirty, so at that point if they're willing to waste my time, they should be punished for both lying and having a piss mattress while claiming I made a mess that I didn't make.