Airbnb Horror Story: Host Evicts Guests After They Disable Security Cameras
The Unexpected Turn of Events
An Airbnb “Superhost” was left feeling helpless and vulnerable after a group of guests disconnected all the outdoor security cameras on her property during their one-night stay. Despite paying a substantial cleaning fee and overnight charges, the host became suspicious when she found the cameras blocked and later disconnected, prompting her to involve the police.
The Incident Unfolds
The host, known as @airbnb_mountainmama on TikTok, regretted going against her usual policy of not offering one-night stays. The guests had agreed to pay a significant cleaning fee and overnight charges, leading her to make an exception. However, upon checking her outdoor cameras after the guests checked in, she noticed they were covered with fabric, which raised alarm bells.
A Growing Concern Among Hosts
This incident underscores a growing concern among Airbnb hosts about the security and safety of their properties. While Airbnb has certain protections in place for hosts, many argue that these are not sufficient in tackling serious issues such as property destruction and squatting. The host was left in a helpless situation, with her property at potential risk and the guests unresponsive to her requests.
The Challenges of Balancing Privacy and Security
The host had disclosed the presence of outdoor cameras, yet the guests still chose to disable them, leading to a breakdown of trust and communication. This raises questions about what more Airbnb can do to ensure that both hosts and guests feel safe and respected during the rental process.
The Aftermath
The host decided to refund the guests in hopes that they found another place to stay. However, this experience made her vow never to break her own guidelines or rules again. “There’s nothing like the heart-sinking feeling when you have no control over what’s going on,” she said about this entire situation. “The locks are changed now, and we’re back in business. But I’ve learned my lesson. Never again.”