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I recently booked a private room through Airbnb where I discovered that the only bathroom guests had access to could not be locked and also had what is best described as a peephole built into the wall, allowing the host to watch guests using the bathroom from the hallway.
Naturally, I took a video as evidence and reported this to Airbnb, who refunded my booking due to the host violating privacy requirements.
I then left a one star review to warn future guests.
Knowing that a bad review was coming, the host had two of his friends leave fake reviews emphasising the privacy of the listing, while also leaving a review for me stating that I had left him a fake revenge review because I wanted to cancel my trip at the last minute and he wouldnāt provide a refund.
Despite knowing the truth of the situation, Airbnb has refused to remove the false review against me, claiming it doesnāt violate their guidelines. To make matters worse, the hostās listing is still active, meaning other unsuspecting guests are at risk.
It feels incredibly unfair that Iām the one facing consequences while the host, who violated guestsā privacy in such a disturbing way, continues to operate with Airbnbās knowledge.
Does anyone have any advice on how I can get both the listing/host removed while also having the fake review on my profile deleted?
Itās possible to make fake bookings and leave a review. A hostās friend can book for one night at some low price, not even stay, and the host reimburses them in exchange for a great review.
And while the host canāt see guestsā reviews until both are published, if the host knows the guest reported them to Airbnb for,in thiscase a privacy violation, they can pretty well assume the guest left a scathing review, mentioning that.
I wonder if you could just clarify a few things here?
What measures did you take to block the āpeepholeā?
Did you use a wedge or similar to make sure that no-one entered the bathroom when you were in there?
Did you discuss this with the host?
Did you continue to stay there despite the peephole?
Iām a host and a guest stained our carpet with curry which is impossible to get out. Reported damage to Airbnb which in turn asked the guest to pay for it, before Airbnb paid for the damage. Of course after the guest was requested to pay for the damage (which he refused to do) he took revenge and left a scathing review of us and lied about a number of things. I asked Airbnb to remove the guests review and they would not. Quite disappointed as we have had nothing but 5 star reviews.
I would suggest posting the video on social media and Reddit. It could get picked up by a journalist.
You can also reply to the host review of you and offer to share the video with any potential future hosts who might doubt the existence of the peephole.
@Yakster, The review window is 14 days, and you can request damage compensation within 30 days. Airbnb likely hopes your anger will subside by then. I learned this lesson the hard way; and now I let the 14-day review period pass before submitting my damage request with all necessary proof and invoices for cleaning, upholstery repair or replacement items. Itās challenging to remove a retaliatory review, but persistence might help demonstrate its bias. To be reimbursed under AirCover, gather proof of damage, invoices from cleaners, or receipts for any replacement items.
Thanks Ola. I went through the proper procedures to get reimbursed for the repair expenses. As you mentioned, I should have waited for the 14 day review period to pass before requesting reimbursement. Then I probably would not have received the ārevengeā review! I guess itās live and learn.
Yeah, I asked myself the same question. Once Iād notice this, I would be out of that place in a heartbeat after taking photos and videos and perhaps even a video confronting the host.
There is no wiggle room when it comes to the privacy of a bathroom. Iād raise hell with Airbnb.
Iād wait until he was looking through the hole and then squirt whatever I had (toothpaste, spray perfume, whatever) through the hole and into his eye.
And I would certainly confront the host and leave at once.
What Iād like to be clarified is whether we are talking about a bathroom in an American way or an English way. (Sorry, over 30 years here and I still get confused).
Iām certainly not saying that thereās anything at all pleasant being watched in a ābathroomā but being seen having a shower isnāt the same as being seen having a pee.
Although I can guarantee that no one would want to see me in the shower at my age.
Peeping on people in the bathroom, even in your own home, is illegal. You should report it to the police. With a police report Iām sure Airbnb will remove the review and block the host.
I may be mistaken as I havenāt gone through current ToS with a fine tooth comb for changes but I thought it had to be submitted before the next guest checked-in as well. If you donāt have any bookings for over a month after that might work but thatās rarely the case, right? Am I mistaken and/or going with outdated policy?
