I rented an apartment in late March for a booking in Mid September, it would have been my first AirBnB experience. Unfortunately my friend and travel partner had a serious family medical emergency and we found it necessary to cancel, nearly 2 1/2 months before our arrival date. When I contacted the host I was told that as his rating was in the superior category that 1/2 only of the $ paid would be returned to me. I did contact AirBnB and they gave the usual "Oh we care, we will escalate this to someone superior to handle" and that was the end of it. I had no desire for the host to lose $, and told the person so, and hoped that he would be able to re-rent his apartment given the 2 1/2 months notice. I do not know if that is the case, but I do know I will not try AirBnB again. It is not worth the risk or hassle in my opinion, I mean honestly sometimes things happen beyond ones control and that should be honestly taken into account.
I don't recall being advised by Airbnb that they would do a background check when I listed property with them.
Airbnb does a good job. I've rented 44 vacation rentals including 8 with them. The only truly bad one was arranged through TripAdvisor/Flipkey.
Airbnb does a good job. I've rented 44 vacation rentals including 8 with them. The only truly bad one was arranged through TripAdvisor/Flipkey.
We have been doing this for decades, long before there was air in bnb. I rented my condo in Maui for years on Craigs List. We used a site Ville et Village for over 15 years and now Airbnb, VRBO..... We also rent out our house while we travel which, now retired, makes it possible for us to travel more. We have had no real problems with people staying in our house, but we do screen them as much as possible. The fraternty brothers hoping to stay for their 10 reunion were discouraged. They said that they were responsible 32 year-olds. My wife responded that our 32 year-old is frequently responsible.
As tenants we have had great and not so great places. We discovered that a $125/night place on the Upper West Side, isn't great but bump it up to $275, still below hotels, and it's fine.
We have been return tenants in New York, Paris and Stinson Beach north of San Francisco.
I would venure that there are at least as many double booked, bed bug hotel rooms as there are airbnb rentals.
My advice is don't do it if you are at all uncomfortable but if you are even a little bit careful it can be a great lodging option.
Safe tavels
As tenants we have had great and not so great places. We discovered that a $125/night place on the Upper West Side, isn't great but bump it up to $275, still below hotels, and it's fine.
We have been return tenants in New York, Paris and Stinson Beach north of San Francisco.
I would venure that there are at least as many double booked, bed bug hotel rooms as there are airbnb rentals.
My advice is don't do it if you are at all uncomfortable but if you are even a little bit careful it can be a great lodging option.
Safe tavels
1
Is AirBnb really such a "bargain" ?? Who wants to sleep on other people's mattresses, bedding, worn out towels, linen, etc. ?? There just seems to be such a cleanliness issue as well. Why would anyone want to open their homes to people who are dirty, bringing in bed-bugs, stealing, etc.
At least in a 4-5 star hotel I can check out the room/ mattresses, the place is cleaned daily. What are you saving ???
At least in a 4-5 star hotel I can check out the room/ mattresses, the place is cleaned daily. What are you saving ???
3
I agree. When I stayed in ABnBs for a week or even more, one NEVER got freshened towels, bed linens or even a light cleaning, yet I was charged an extra cleaning fee.
Garbage disposal/recycling has often become an issue as well.
I have also found myself buying cleaning supplies and things like a drying dish rack and tea towels/potholders when none were to be found within the rental.
And you can't call down to the front desk and ask for more pillows, blankets or towels and paper goods if needed. I have found the bedding and towels in many a ABnBs to be of very poor quality and at times not so fresh. No thanks.
Garbage disposal/recycling has often become an issue as well.
I have also found myself buying cleaning supplies and things like a drying dish rack and tea towels/potholders when none were to be found within the rental.
And you can't call down to the front desk and ask for more pillows, blankets or towels and paper goods if needed. I have found the bedding and towels in many a ABnBs to be of very poor quality and at times not so fresh. No thanks.
2
This Airbnb client's story has the ring of truth. Of course, you can be raped in a regular hotel or motel, and this occurs rather often.
That is why it is best to stay at hotels.
7
I'm sorry for those who had problems. My husband & I just stayed at an airBnB in Arizona for a few days and had wonderful accommodations and a lovely host family for a great price, but honestly if I were alone I would not take the chance and go to a hotel.
3
While there are definitely issues with some hosts to be resolved, as stated in the other cases ( especially the one in Madrid, where the police actually freeed the locked-up renter) this story has something that does not sound right. There must be more to it. Besides the already by other comments stated points of waiting a month, leaving, and then coming back anyway.
(if you are so disgusted that you need leave asap, you DO take all your belongings with you right away, not to come back weeks later for them....)
Either way, how was she "held in a chair, against her will, as he proceeded to masturbate in front of her"? Did he tie her down? This would be assault and kidnapping. If so, you don't wait for a month to complain to Airbnb. But if she was not tied, or kept in place by any other devise, why does she stay to watch and describe the spectacle? I would jump and leave, as a guy in this circumstance is kind of "impaired" to run after her onto the street.
Not sure about this one.
(if you are so disgusted that you need leave asap, you DO take all your belongings with you right away, not to come back weeks later for them....)
Either way, how was she "held in a chair, against her will, as he proceeded to masturbate in front of her"? Did he tie her down? This would be assault and kidnapping. If so, you don't wait for a month to complain to Airbnb. But if she was not tied, or kept in place by any other devise, why does she stay to watch and describe the spectacle? I would jump and leave, as a guy in this circumstance is kind of "impaired" to run after her onto the street.
Not sure about this one.
4
Has anyone checked to see if Airbnb ever guarantees background checks on the hosts? If not, what would be the grounds for this lawsuit? If the alleged facts are true, it would be horrible experience. But if the victim feels sufficiently uncomfortable to not spending the nights at the property (even though she rented for a full month), then why didn't she report that during the time? Why would she report the incident a month after the fact? What would have caused the delay? How would she prove her case in this he-says-she-says situation, and that the assault actually happens?
Yes yes, I know most people would say, sexual assault victims usually have delayed response after the assault takes place. While this much is true, it really does not help her case when I highly doubt she has any physical evidence (except maybe if she happens to have collected some semen sample of this host on her clothing or something).
Yes yes, I know most people would say, sexual assault victims usually have delayed response after the assault takes place. While this much is true, it really does not help her case when I highly doubt she has any physical evidence (except maybe if she happens to have collected some semen sample of this host on her clothing or something).
1
Air B does not background check. My neighbor is illegally (municipality doesn't allow it) air b n b-ing the unit which she does not even own. Her name and profile photo and bio are completely fake. This scares me. I have rented once and it was great, minus ever getting fresh towels, but it's luck of the draw. They do not background check. 4 of my friends and i reported the listing and air b did not respond or remove. Terrifying as these incidents will continue until something so bad happens that air bnb goes out of business
1
Caveat Emptor!
The guest has NO recourse when there is a problem with a host. My host cancelled a reservation that had been on the books for three months, just hours before our (five family members) arrival for a week-long stay in NYC. I followed all of the rules, tried every recourse on the AirBNB website--finally had to look up their number on google--you WON'T find it on the AirBNB website. Repeated attempts to secure additional AirBNB lodging with "instant" approvals--only to find that the hosts had not updated their availability, resulted in my account being blocked. The people I did reach on the phone could not address my situation and had to send it up the line. I am still waiting for a response....three days into my NYC trip. I finally had to make a last minute hotel reservation. I've learned my lesson. I feel like a bit of a dolt...."you get what you pay for"..."there is no free lunch"..."caveat emptor"... I guess I thought I was smarter than what generations before us tried to tell me...shame on me.
Spend the extra dollars on a reputable hotel. I certainly will next time.
The guest has NO recourse when there is a problem with a host. My host cancelled a reservation that had been on the books for three months, just hours before our (five family members) arrival for a week-long stay in NYC. I followed all of the rules, tried every recourse on the AirBNB website--finally had to look up their number on google--you WON'T find it on the AirBNB website. Repeated attempts to secure additional AirBNB lodging with "instant" approvals--only to find that the hosts had not updated their availability, resulted in my account being blocked. The people I did reach on the phone could not address my situation and had to send it up the line. I am still waiting for a response....three days into my NYC trip. I finally had to make a last minute hotel reservation. I've learned my lesson. I feel like a bit of a dolt...."you get what you pay for"..."there is no free lunch"..."caveat emptor"... I guess I thought I was smarter than what generations before us tried to tell me...shame on me.
Spend the extra dollars on a reputable hotel. I certainly will next time.
6
So sorry to hear about your awful experience but sometimes we must learn the hard way. It is not worth it, it really isn't. How to ruin a perfectly good holiday, having a last minute cancellation and no alternatives except VERY expensive ones. And being in a foreign country to boot.
I have returned to staying only in reputable hotels and inns after my last ABnB.
I was at the mercy of a crazy host in France with my family. Never again.
I have returned to staying only in reputable hotels and inns after my last ABnB.
I was at the mercy of a crazy host in France with my family. Never again.
4
Amusing update. Received an e-mail from AirBNB yesterday, August 3....offering me a 30% discount on a reservation for my "upcoming" July 31-August 6 trip....plus another survey asking about my satisfaction with calls to their "security" center. I wonder where they think I have been the last few days? Waiting for them to return my calls pleading for help? The sarcasm is as much a reflection of my own frustration with myself for ever falling into the AirBNB trap as it is with AirBNB. All to save a couple of hundred dollars while staying in a "home" atmosphere. Please learn from my mistake!!!
3
I had a similar experience coming from Bornholm into Copenhagen. I called, texted and emailed my host to establish the time I would meet him at he apartment for my stay. I received no reply up to the morning of my arrival. I was forced to make a last minute reservation at a hotel at great expense. I was actually lucky to get a room as there were many conventions in Copenhagen that week. I had to fight with Airbnb to get a refund since I was the one to cancel at the last minute. Now I deal solely with the professionals and spend a bit more by going to a hotel. However it is worth it. It is cleaned daily, I have dependable wifi, I don't have to worry about meeting someone to get a key, if there is a problem I go to the desk and quite often I can get early check in.
There are a lot of safety risks associated with vacation rentals. This article illustrates one, the creepy or dangerous host. In addition, these properties do not have to meet the safety regulations hotels do (such as fire safety) which could result in injury or death. AirBnb and it's clones put all the responsibility on their hosts and take no responsibility.
5
Airbnb is no different than the classified ads section of a newspaper in the good ol' days. They do not vet the offers, the offerers or the buyers, that's clear from the start. The only vetting process is by the peer reviews, a flawed system at best. It's important to note that AirBnb functions illegally in most metropolitan areas, where strict hotel licensing contracts and laws against illegal subletting (which is what airbnb is, most of the time) are in effect. Lettors are likely not insured to take in temporary renters, and if they don't own the property they are likely not allowed to rent out a room on a short or long term basis or they are breaking the terms of a contract and face eviction. Most people who rent out space on Airbnb don't own the properties they are renting and are not declaring the income on their taxes. The whole thing is illegal from start to finish and AirBnb actually has an out: caveat emptor.
4
I would never rent one of these places. Whoever owns it has KEYS and can get in at any time. I doubt all the places have alarms and or deadbolts accessible on from inside. Such as in a hotel room (that thing that swings out preventing the door from opening). Esp. If a house...which has multiple entry points.
3
Overall, AirBnB should start taking more safety measures or precautions in the rentals they accept. Do guests have basic, proper security? Fire extinguishers? Smoke alarms? etc. Things like locks on doors should not be overlooked. Rentals should be annually inspected somehow before renewal of listing on the site. Or maybe local inspectors should certify the dwelling?
Word of caution, most reviews should be taken with a huge grain of salt.
Nobody wants to leave even a slightly negative review-trust me on this.
Word of caution, most reviews should be taken with a huge grain of salt.
Nobody wants to leave even a slightly negative review-trust me on this.
3
I'm not minimizing what happened to the guest in any way, but an arrest is not a conviction. We have a presumption of innocence in this country, which means that an arrest without a conviction should NOT appear in a background check, nor be considered a mark against an individual. One can be arrested for simply being in the right place and fitting a description. This is why we have a court system--to differentiate between actual criminals and those who were merely accused.
Sounds to me as though Mr Del Olmo may have grounds to sue Airbnb. How could he be removed as a host based solely on an accusation? What about his rights? And so what if he was arrested previously? He wasn't convicted.
I am not comfortable with Ms. Lapayowker's story. Why did she wait to call the police? Why did she wait a month to report this story to Airbnb? Other women staying with Del Olmo could have been assaulted if indeed he has a practice of assaulting women. Last, why isn't she suing. Del Olmo? I am also curious about the prosecutor not taking this case but that is probably due to her failure to make a timely report.
Sexual assault is not a customer service matter, women must call the police when it happens.
I am not comfortable with Ms. Lapayowker's story. Why did she wait to call the police? Why did she wait a month to report this story to Airbnb? Other women staying with Del Olmo could have been assaulted if indeed he has a practice of assaulting women. Last, why isn't she suing. Del Olmo? I am also curious about the prosecutor not taking this case but that is probably due to her failure to make a timely report.
Sexual assault is not a customer service matter, women must call the police when it happens.
1
Regarding the delay in the victim's report, Airbnb emails repeated prompts to post a review after you've had a stay. It may have been one of these automatic prompts that triggered her complaint to the company.
Sites like these, including Tripadvisor, all suffer from the fact that they are attractive only if the reviews are attractive, because good reviews mean customer-money. Little surprise they have no incentive to look for negative information; they have lots of incentive to barely meet the minimum standard. It is shameful that somebody should be making more than the average annual salary from subletting part of his house (and probably not even paying taxes on it). In the end, the renter is really way at the bottom of the feeding chain, again. And assaults like these really don't surprise once you realize what the hierarchy looks like. Uber is a much needed and great invention, Airbnb certainly isn't. or would you let any tramp into your house?
2
Airbnb is horrible.
7
Airbnb does an inferior job looking into guests and certainty don't vet the person beyond their credit card and social media. In addition they don't vet the person who comes with the guest to stay.
11
Sexual assault happens - and - people make up stories.
The article and most comments have a bizarre focus on airbnb. People, mostly women, are raped in fields, homes, colleges, hospitals, churches, alleys. Everywhere. Tweaking the review or vetting process of airbnb doesn't fix the huge systemic problem of the acceptance of rape.
18
Oh yes, blame and sue airbnb......not the assailant.
NOT the company's fault and this woman should be ashamed. Opportunism at its worst... I hope it goes nowhere.
NOT the company's fault and this woman should be ashamed. Opportunism at its worst... I hope it goes nowhere.
1
No, it's not the woman who should be ashamed. It's the host. Airbnb should be investigated as it is the vehicle for this assault. Buyer beware when renting Airbnb properties
4
Airbnb is horrible. We have a flat owner in our building who rents out his apartment illegally. He profits off of all the tenants who pay monthly maintaence for the building's upkeep. He has threatened other flat owners when they confront him about it. I contacted Airbnb and all they offered to do is send a message to him. I deeply resent seeing my residential building turned into a parttime hotel, with 'guests' getting into brawls, puking in the hallways, and coming and going in a building where small children live.
Once I asked two 'guests' from the UK - a mother and son - if they were aware they staying there illegally. They said no, adding: 'This flat has lovely reviews because it's such a nice quiet building.' Of course it is. It's a RESIDENTIAL building.
Once I asked two 'guests' from the UK - a mother and son - if they were aware they staying there illegally. They said no, adding: 'This flat has lovely reviews because it's such a nice quiet building.' Of course it is. It's a RESIDENTIAL building.
23
My urging to customers: never EVER stay in an Airbnb listing in NYC. They are ALL illegal in the state of NY. We had an absolutely horrible experience with a host near the theater district. They refunded us for 1 night after our nightmare stay (owner came in the apt several times unannounced throughout the night, barred us from leaving at one point, his friend hung out in the apt for hours with us, I could go on & on - beware Airbnb customers, this apt is still listed on Airbnb). We have had wonderful experiences with Airbnb abroad though, in Iceland, England, Sweden, Norway, and other European countries.
3
AIrbnb's response: "We don't tolerate this kind of behavior on our platform; violence of any kind will not be tolerated and be dealt with immediately; illegal activity is not condoned in any way shape or form........." And then it happens again, and again, and again.... Airbnb makes Teflon look like glue.
8
Companies like Airbnb and Uber suffer from similar problems -- Making sure of the safety of their customers.
4
They can't! They use third party "background check" companies that never give the full criminal histories. Major corporations like Hilton or even La Quinta can come up with more background data or choose to- more than AirBnB or Lyft or Uber does. I do not trust this trend of gig economy whatsoever. There is something deeply wrong with them all but what it is exactly I cannot put my finger on.
3
Not sure if we, the public, will ever know the truth of this situation but let's compare this to any regulated B and B or hotel. While any individual crime, sexual assault, etc. is one too many, what's the rate of such incidents in hotels, bed-n-breakfasts, and motel? How much background checks do such places do when hiring any and all of their staff? What investigations, compensation, or enforcement is involved if the crime was the same but the setting is difference. Incidents like that which this woman faced could also have happened even if she were staying elsewhere.
4
Yes, this could have happened elsewhere but you put yourself at greater risk in a vacation rental situation when the host lives with you (or just has unfettered access) and there is no oversight or background check. I would feel safer in a hotel - the vast majority of employers check references and criminal history and are quick to take action if there is any hint of employee misconduct.
4
Seriously we are condemning an entire system and service over an accusation? The news needs to vet these things and get to the bottom of it before publishing. Anybody here think any major hotel chain hasn't had a sexual assault? Of course not but they pay for advertising
3
So your issue with an article about a company that doesn't do sufficient vetting and that the news really needs to do a better job of vetting the story.
Are you pro or anti better vetting?
Are you pro or anti better vetting?
1
I'm dismayed by all the victim-blaming comments here.
Why did Ms. Lapayowker wait a month before reporting the disturbing behavior of her host during her first three days in the rental? Maybe she was shell shocked. Because her experience was so unexpected and bizarre, maybe she doubted her grip on reality. (I know from a friend who suffered domestic violence that, the first time her previously sweet husband abused her, she was in shock and wondered if she had imagined it. She hadn't.)
The fact that the host had previously been arrested and charged with battery raises a big red flag. Pulling his former girlfriend by her hair in front of his child is a serious change. (And that behavior is consistent with Ms. Lapayowker's claim that the host took drugs in front of his son.) True, he wasn't convicted, but many guilty abusers are set free.
I don't know Ms. Lapayowker or her host personally, but I do know that many abuse victims are not believed.
(For whatever it's worth, I've stayed in Airbnb rentals several times and have always had good experiences.)
Why did Ms. Lapayowker wait a month before reporting the disturbing behavior of her host during her first three days in the rental? Maybe she was shell shocked. Because her experience was so unexpected and bizarre, maybe she doubted her grip on reality. (I know from a friend who suffered domestic violence that, the first time her previously sweet husband abused her, she was in shock and wondered if she had imagined it. She hadn't.)
The fact that the host had previously been arrested and charged with battery raises a big red flag. Pulling his former girlfriend by her hair in front of his child is a serious change. (And that behavior is consistent with Ms. Lapayowker's claim that the host took drugs in front of his son.) True, he wasn't convicted, but many guilty abusers are set free.
I don't know Ms. Lapayowker or her host personally, but I do know that many abuse victims are not believed.
(For whatever it's worth, I've stayed in Airbnb rentals several times and have always had good experiences.)
5
nice job attacking the victim. Personally I believe there may have been some drug interactions between the host and 'guest', thus the delay in reporting- I say this, because I have seen instances of this happening myself. There are a lot of reasons why people delay in reporting, not all the reasons are the smartest, but it doesn't mean it never happened. And I think Airbnb is just the deep pockets in this one, i.e. she's suing the wrong party, she may not even be aware that she is either.
It was ten years before I told ANYONE about being raped. I blamed it on myself until the first time I told the story to a close friend. It's disturbing to see so many people rushing in with excuses for this "poor man", who more than likely is breaking local housing codes with his rentals.
1
Airbnb has a real issue regarding reviews, just like lots of online businesses.
I stayed in an overseas Airbnb this year. The location was great, apt.comfortable and I felt safe. Important factors. BUT for the few thousand dollars I paid I should have known in advance that several important things in the apt. were either not working, were lacking, or had not been tended to. I was upset and got in touch with the owner about this. I work hard for my $ and prefer an up & up communication. But I felt guilty when I heard back ...."this caused me to lose sleep". I'd been honest but was I to just accept things as they were and keep quiet?
But moreover....and here's my big, big beef with Airbnb....the owner has 99% positive reviews. Was I to overlook, or lie, that, for example, not having hot water in the bathroom sink was no big deal? Was I to write an honest review whereby I might ruin her Airbnb source of income/career? Or if I wrote an honest review would I be blacklisted among the Airbnb owners in that location? (I suspect there is a consortium of them working together.)
Airbnb should rethink their process. It needs an overhaul. This won't stop me from trying Airbnb again but it did indeed give me pause.
I stayed in an overseas Airbnb this year. The location was great, apt.comfortable and I felt safe. Important factors. BUT for the few thousand dollars I paid I should have known in advance that several important things in the apt. were either not working, were lacking, or had not been tended to. I was upset and got in touch with the owner about this. I work hard for my $ and prefer an up & up communication. But I felt guilty when I heard back ...."this caused me to lose sleep". I'd been honest but was I to just accept things as they were and keep quiet?
But moreover....and here's my big, big beef with Airbnb....the owner has 99% positive reviews. Was I to overlook, or lie, that, for example, not having hot water in the bathroom sink was no big deal? Was I to write an honest review whereby I might ruin her Airbnb source of income/career? Or if I wrote an honest review would I be blacklisted among the Airbnb owners in that location? (I suspect there is a consortium of them working together.)
Airbnb should rethink their process. It needs an overhaul. This won't stop me from trying Airbnb again but it did indeed give me pause.
41
I agree with My House on Airbnb's review system. I have stayed in many Airbnb rentals and always had a good experience...except once. I was traveling with friends in Alaska and we had reservations for an overnight stay in a house. The reviews were mostly OK, a few meh ones, but nothing to say we couldn't handle it for a night. My friends and I don't usually stay in luxurious places, are used to hosteling and camping, so we have a pretty low bar.
This place, however, went way below that bar. When we got there, the place was filthy. One of the rooms was in a overstuffed basement with an intolerable mildew smell. There was bear crap all around the outside of the house which didn't bode well for the garbage situation. All the furniture was dirty, kitchen was dirty, it was gross. We contacted Airbnb and they said the owner will give us our money back. We found a motel.
However, what we learned was that because we didn't actually stay there, we COULDN'T LEAVE A REVIEW! That is crazy. We should be able to describe our experience to others. We understood why this owner was so eager to give us our money back and get rid of us.
So, yes, the review system needs to be more flexible and truthful so that they can weed out the bad seeds.
This place, however, went way below that bar. When we got there, the place was filthy. One of the rooms was in a overstuffed basement with an intolerable mildew smell. There was bear crap all around the outside of the house which didn't bode well for the garbage situation. All the furniture was dirty, kitchen was dirty, it was gross. We contacted Airbnb and they said the owner will give us our money back. We found a motel.
However, what we learned was that because we didn't actually stay there, we COULDN'T LEAVE A REVIEW! That is crazy. We should be able to describe our experience to others. We understood why this owner was so eager to give us our money back and get rid of us.
So, yes, the review system needs to be more flexible and truthful so that they can weed out the bad seeds.
4
I agree and had a similar experience with a rental through HomeAway. I gave what I thought was an honest review that included both positives and the negatives (a fridge and freezer full of food, dirty kitchen, noisy road, and little closet/drawer space for us) and the owner responded to me via cell that I made her cry and that I was ruining her livelihood. I had to block her on my phone. Everything I wrote was true and I wrote it in a very measured way. She then wrote a snarky response to my review, suggesting I stay at a Quality Inn next time and that I had no taste. I wanted to respond to her response, but Homeaway lets the owners have the last word. My only recourse was to remove my review, which would remove her response. I choose to leave it, to help other travelers and because I knew it makes her angry. However, I reread her listing and she definitely edited it to address some of my points...so whether she admits it or not, she did find value in my review. She's a nutter though...I would definitely do a hotel next time and leave the challenge of dealing with high maintenance hosts to someone else.
2
I contracted a winter rental from AirBnB. We found that there was one 4 qt pot in the kitchen, no outdoor garbage can, no wineglasses, minimal cutlery, no TV (although we could contract for one), and a hole in the roof due to an earlier storm. Eventually rats came in and cavorted in the attic for nearly a month until the owner, after installing useless electronic devices alleged to drive away rodents, finally had a new roof installed. I complained often that the dishwasher didn't clean the dishes very well, they remained greasy and with bits of food attached. Also, the shower was lukewarm, despite our complaints. In desperation, we bought a thermometer to measure the water temperature, which was under 100. Inspecting the water heater, we found that he had lowered the thermostat. Our complaints to AirBnB led nowhere, except advice that we should leave. Obviously, AirBnB simply accepted the owner's assurances that he was a responsible agent. I'll never contract with them again.
28
or.. you could have snapped a photo and documented all of this
1
People are sexually assaulted in hotels and on cruise ships. Considering the numbers involved this was a statistic waiting to happen,and Airbnb acted on it on the guest's word alone. She should file criminal charges. Assault is assault whatever the financial arrangements.
21
As both an AirBnB host and an AirBnb guest, I think there is a lot more to this story than what we are getting. Of course, it might also be interesting to see what percentage of AirBnB guests have issues vs what percentage of hotel guests have issues. I have always been upfront with my guests as to what they should expect, and follow up with them to see what did and did not meet their expectations. As for another reader's comments about "unregulated", we pay the same occupancy tax and have to carry enough liability insurance to make sure we don't lose the house or the farm. When a tourist area like ours does not have sufficient hotel space, it is companies like AirBnB and others that step in and make the difference.
14
Not good enough. It is still basically an unregulated industry alongside a legitimate and well-regulated industry. In most areas these are illegal rentals, and often the income is not reported.
Whether it's Lyft/Uber, AirBnB, eBay, or Groupon you aren't contracting with a legitimate and professional company but with an individual and all of these companies will quickly step out of the way if there are significant issues, legal or otherwise. Read your contracts...
Sometimes you are just risking a few bucks, but sometimes it's your safety. Can you imagine if Jeffrey Dahmer had been an AirBnB host?
Whether it's Lyft/Uber, AirBnB, eBay, or Groupon you aren't contracting with a legitimate and professional company but with an individual and all of these companies will quickly step out of the way if there are significant issues, legal or otherwise. Read your contracts...
Sometimes you are just risking a few bucks, but sometimes it's your safety. Can you imagine if Jeffrey Dahmer had been an AirBnB host?
3
The details around the lawsuit sound sketchy - if the host wasn't convicted, tough to say that he should be barred from hosting. AirBnB does seem to have done right in banning him from the platform going forward on the basis of the guest's complaint.
An awful thing for her to have gone through, definitely.
An awful thing for her to have gone through, definitely.
2
He had already been convicted on a previous assault charge...
"Don't forget to leave me a positive review..." ewww. This abhorrent episode is emblematic of why one should pay to stay in a real hotel. Like getting into an Uber cab, using AirBnB is at the user's risk.
29
Personally, I don't stay in any place that is not personally reviewed. Hotel or otherwise. If I find a good place to stay, hotel, couch or someone else's place on AirBnB, I leave a positive review. If I find something otherwise, I also let people know. The great thing about the Internet is someone has something to say about any place out there. Food, entertainment, services, lodging, etc. The Internet, and reviews, can be your friend.
4
Internet reviews can also be fake. So can social media for that matter. Caveat emptor is the byword for every purchase and as a proud card-carrying Union member, I also avoid AirBnB because it harms those who do belong to unions and work in the hotel industry.
7
Airbnb does nothing to protect renters; we had an issue, no where bad as this; no sexual assault or harrassment involved, but still the company offered us no recourse. They evade all responsibility and it is impossible to get a human voice on the phone. They are permitted to get away with it.
26
I have had to call Airbnb for a few non serious reasons and I always reach someone very quickly and they are always very very very very helpful. Their phones are answered quickly. yYour comment makes me wonder how you are unable to get a person on the phone...
1
Why didn't Ms. Lapayowker immediately gone to the police? If she had, the police might have been able to secure the building where the alleged assault occurred and obtained a search warrant. A DNA test on the substance in the trashcan would have confirmed her allegation if in fact it was the man's DNA. Instead, she waits a month to complain to AirBNB. I don't use the company and I have no dog in the hunt. But being in the law enforcement business I wonder....
45
Regarding the delay in the victim's report, Airbnb emails repeated prompts to post a review after you've had a stay. It may have been one of these automatic prompts that triggered her complaint to the company.
"being in the law enforcement business I wonder.." Really? I "wonder" if you are in '"law enforcement" at all, of all people LEO's know quite well about individuals delay in reporting. IME it's because of drugs, alcohol or legal status that prevent people from timely reporting. The crimes including violent crimes involved in drugs that aren't reported are quite surprising to one not aware of this problem. Not to say that the victim is in this activity at all- I am merely surmising! But it's possible. And women are still embarrassed of being assaulted or taken advantage of. They don't want to admit it, they feel "weak" or afraid to appear unable to protect themselves, or afraid of appearing gullible or just like in YOUR case, fear of not being believed.
1
Very tired of the excuses of criminals. Can't keep cashing in through an organization that ought to be outlawed? Too bad. "Smokers' rights" are so over.
4
It was so traumatic she bailed on her rental after 3 days, but not traumatic enough to keep her from returning. So traumatic she's suing, but not traumatic enough to file a police report. So traumatic she claims she can't work, but not traumatic enough to file a police report.
I hope the jurors find her claim as suspicious as I do.
I hope the jurors find her claim as suspicious as I do.
11
Did you read the article? She returned to get some stuff she left behind from when she left the first time in haste.
3
Airbnb is a leap of faith for both hosts and guests.
24
I don't get it. You wait a month to report it? I would have been on the phone immediately.
29
An arrest is not a conviction, and people should not be put on any sort of blacklist when they are arrested but not convicted. Though the criminal justice system is flawed in how it deals with sexual assault, that previous arrest doesn't seem to have a sexual component. Putting aside the question of whose account of the exchange is true, it is hard to see where Airbnb is at fault.
17
Being accused of using drugs IN FRONT OF HIS UNDERAGE SON and pulling his former girlfriend by her hair, from the back to the front sear of his car, IN FRONT OF HIS CHILD? I'm more concerned with Mr. Del Olmo's son's well-being.
18
Ka-Ching!
5
Gosh, unregulated hospitality industry with customer service problems?
Next, it'll be unregulated taxi services !
Regards,
JV
Next, it'll be unregulated taxi services !
Regards,
JV
45
Sounds like Airbnb might be on the receiving end of suits by both sides in this case.
7
It's time to regulate Airbnb, and supplement their internal "policies" with actual laws. Of course, their entire business model is based on the company evading responsibility for actions by people who contract with them and who provide them their profits. They're not going to reveal whether a host accused of sexual assault and drug abuse in front of a minor had previously been arrested for something related? But that he was OK in their own background check? Please, we can do much, much better than that.
45
Yikes! Horrible! In the 5 years I have been a host nothing bad has happened.
28
A few issues here:
-- The host was arrested but never convicted. Last I checked, people in this country are presumed innocent until proven guilty, i.e., convicted.
-- AirBnB would have violated the Fair Credit and Reporting Act if it disclosed that he had been arrested since no conviction came out of that arrest.
-- Ms. Lapayowker left the rental after 3 days, but failed to complain to AirBnB then. Why? If she felt the environment was so bad that she was compelled to leave while still paying for the rental, surely she should have called AirBnB, if only to demand a refund.
-- Ms. Lapayowker returned to the property a week later, despite having felt compelled to leave. Why would she do this?
-- AirBnB immediately took action following her complaint, despite it being a month after the fact. They cannot act on a complaint until it is made.
This reeks of opportunism - just another lawyer and plaintiff looking for a payoff.
-- The host was arrested but never convicted. Last I checked, people in this country are presumed innocent until proven guilty, i.e., convicted.
-- AirBnB would have violated the Fair Credit and Reporting Act if it disclosed that he had been arrested since no conviction came out of that arrest.
-- Ms. Lapayowker left the rental after 3 days, but failed to complain to AirBnB then. Why? If she felt the environment was so bad that she was compelled to leave while still paying for the rental, surely she should have called AirBnB, if only to demand a refund.
-- Ms. Lapayowker returned to the property a week later, despite having felt compelled to leave. Why would she do this?
-- AirBnB immediately took action following her complaint, despite it being a month after the fact. They cannot act on a complaint until it is made.
This reeks of opportunism - just another lawyer and plaintiff looking for a payoff.
86
Not only is it not clear "why she would do this", it is also not clear why you would engage in classic rape-culture victim-blaming.
"If she felt the environment was so bad that she was compelled to leave while still paying for the rental, surely she should have called AirBnB, if only to demand a refund." This is a non sequitur.
"If she felt the environment was so bad that she was compelled to leave while still paying for the rental, surely she should have called AirBnB, if only to demand a refund." This is a non sequitur.
14
And, if the guest were held in a chair and essentially abused, why didn't she call the police, as well as Airbnb?
4
She came back to get her things.
How can you read the story of this man's disgusting actions and dismiss it? It is too far out not to have happened.
My guess is you are male and don't care about women or sexual assault.
How can you read the story of this man's disgusting actions and dismiss it? It is too far out not to have happened.
My guess is you are male and don't care about women or sexual assault.
15
it should be very simple, if you need a license to carry out a job you cannot get around it through a website or app
25