Airbnb Host Demands Guest Pay To Replace Stained Couch
Airbnb Host Demands $3000 To Replace Stained Couch – A Story of Extortion?
As the world of short-term rentals continues to evolve, a recent incident on Reddit has sparked outrage and concern among Airbnb enthusiasts. A guest, identified as “Vegetable_Earth_1319,” shared her harrowing experience with an over-the-top demanding host who requested a whopping $3000 to replace a stained couch. But, is this request truly justified, or is it a case of extortion?
The Incident Unfolds
The guest, who had rented a house for an informal memorial gathering after a friend’s passing, accidentally spilled some sauce on one of the couches. She offered to pay the host for cleaning costs, but the host had other plans. Without following Airbnb’s official complaint process, the host demanded $1100 to replace the couch, claiming it couldn’t be cleaned. The guest refused, and the host threatened to ruin her rating.
The Host’s Demands Escalate
Things took a turn for the worse when the host increased her demand to $3000 to replace both the couch and the matching loveseat. It’s hard not to feel like this host is being unreasonable, especially considering the temporary nature of the rent. As one Redditor aptly put it, “What kind of idiot host puts a $3000 WHITE COUCH in a rental that turns over once a week?”
Airbnb’s Policy: A Help or a Hindrance?
Airbnb encourages guests to handle all disputes and complaints within their app, to prevent fraud and identity theft. However, in this case, the host deliberately bypassed the platform, potentially putting the guest at risk. It’s no surprise that Airbnb typically sides with guests in situations like this, as many hosts have been complaining about the company’s favoritism towards guests.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in the Short-Term Rental Market?
Airbnb’s stock took a hit earlier this year, partly due to declining demand and increased regulatory pressures. But are issues like these also contributing to the decline? As hosts become more demanding, guests are opting for traditional accommodation options, leading to a shift in the market. The question remains: are hosts getting too big for their britches?