This forum is dedicated to connecting hosts with other hosts. Sign up to get the latest updates and news just for AirBnb hosts! Note that we are not affiliated with Airbnb - we are just passionate hosts!
I have seen this topic before but keep getting error messages as I attempt to open the threads. Now i am getting a draft error so I don’t know if this comment will load…
I would like some advice on timing a review so it lands at the last minute. We are hosts but this is concerning our experience as guests. We ended up having to request rehousing on Christmas Eve. The house we rented had an electrical problem. We could either have heat or we could cook. Since I had a 10 pound ham to cook, the oven was necessary AND it is cold - heat was necessary! Long story short the unit was not properly wired. We did get rehoused but had to spend one night there as it was late by the time we realized the problem. Working on a review and want to time it so at the end of the review period. BTW, the host knew we planned on cooking a holiday meal, After we discovered the issue, it was clear he knew of the electrical issue. Airbnb could clearly see the conversation confirming that in the message thread.
The review would, of course, be honest. I care about the image of Airbnb, especially since such issues reflect badly on the brand and I am a host.
If the host does not see there is a review was posted by us, he probably won’t review back. My concern is the host will put a negative spin on a review of us as a guest and we will have to go through a hassle to get it removed. I know many hosts are reluctant to host fellow hosts as some can be more critical.
For the record - we did end up staying that night as it was late and couldn’t get rehoused immediately. Probably based on what the CS agent saw in the message thread, we received a full refund, plus a 20% “inconvenience” fee added on.
Other than one bed slept in and a hand towel used, we left the unit spotless. We didn’t even shower in the morning. We took out the trash, washed and put away the dinner dishes, and swept the floor.
I also don’t want to give the host an opportunity to respond with flowery words to try and explain away why he thinks it is ok to have an uninspected electrical panel. (Yes, we checked - no certified electrician sign offs on the panel as required by state law.) I don’t want Airbnb to be persuaded to take the review down.
If the electrical is brought up to code, this could be a lovely unit.
I understand the part about not wanting to give the host the opportunity to leave you a bad review by seeing you have left a review early on and him assuming it’s bad.
But there is nothing to prevent him from leaving a response to your review spinning how the electrical issue wasn’t a big deal. Users have 30 days, as far as I’m aware, to respond to reviews.
You should see a review countdown timer by your message thread with this host. It shows the days left, until the final day, when it switches to hours and minutes.
Most likely your review will only appear after the 14-day window, unless the host submits theirs first. That’s just how Airbnb’s system works, so unfortunately there’s no way to “warn” future guests sooner.
If it were me, I’d try one more calm conversation with the host and mention that you’re also a host yourself and understand how important it is to disclose things like this upfront, even if a repair is planned. Issues with heat or electrical capacity in winter are a big deal and can affect multiple bookings.
If it turns out the issue was knowingly hidden, then yes I think you’re justified in reflecting that honestly in the review and rating…
It doesn’t sound like you thoroughly read the OP’s post. She said it was clear when messaging with the host that he already knew there was an issue with overloaded circuits.
What would be the purpose of “one more calm conversation with the host?”
