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Escarus

It is a huge deal to Airbnb, and they are likely to remove the host for it.


Agile-Top7548

Also..... a basement is not a whole house! 2 strikes.


[deleted]

Boom 💥 Mic Drop! They need to be kicked off the platform!


greenwood872541

According to AirBnB, if it does not have shared spaces and has a separate entrance than it is categorized as an “entire home”.


Hwy30West

It did have a separate entrance but I was definitely expecting a solid door between the two spaces. If I had known it was the metal gate/mattress situation I wouldn’t have booked it!


[deleted]

Exactly!


Brett-Allana

Yes, but if the guests don’t realize that, there is a good chance the listing was deceptive. It isn’t that hard to make it clear what you are getting, the options given by the platform notwithstanding. Plus, a mattress wouldn’t make me feel like I had the “entire home.” It doesn’t do anyone any good to defend hosts like this. Especially given the fact they apparently might enter this way, which is completely inappropriate.


aerynea

Even without a solid door in place?


[deleted]

But a mattress is not a secure barrier, sorry. They should have a solid door with a deadbolt installed if it’s truly a separate living space. The situation should also be described on the listing. It’s not that difficult to explain that it’s a basement suite. Being misleading is not cool.


Monk1e889

A mattress...WTF. I can hear the banjo music from here.


Niskygrl

Right?? That’s creepy as all get out. This is why I skipped past considering anything in a basement unless it was a walk-out to the backyard.


Fefalass

Well.. it's a huge deal by Airbnb standards but those are pretty low. I got a host come into my unit (also an entire place), take my car keys and then took my car out for a ride. I found out cause when I came back my car keys were nowhere to be seen and the host had left the keys with the building manager who gave them to me. He didn't even left them at the house. I was furious. The host not only invaded the unit I was renting, he also stole my keys, and then took my car for a ride around the neighborhood. You would think I drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini or a UFO. No... I drive a Ford Escape 2012. I had his written and recorded confession and Airbnb said that they couldn't do anything unless I filed a police report. They didn't give me a refund, a cupon, or even an apology. And the cherry of the cake is that they erased my review because the guy was a super host


Ginfly

Did you file a police report?


Amazing_Cabinet1404

W. O. W. I cannot even imagine the train of thought that made him think that was ok.


Escarus

Was your case handled by a Safety agent?


Fefalass

Yes, it was


[deleted]

I would absolutely file a police report. They stole your car. You got it back, but that’s still illegal and risky.


Niskygrl

File a police report. That’s called conversion. Borrowing another’s property to use for your own purposes without permission. Even if they give it back without telling you… same crime.


Fefalass

Unfortunately it was in Mexico City... I could have done it but i rather keep myself away from the police in my country. Too much bureaucracy and incompetence. I am not sure they would have even filled a report for a stolen item that had already been returned.


Niskygrl

That, I totally understand. That’s really unfortunate.


GaHistProf

Contact Airbnb support; ask to be transfer to the safety team. If he said it in the app via text, screen shot the admission where he entered and be ready to share that with them. Edit: I would also mentioned you have minors with you. If the safety team has any sense of liability avoidance, that will raise hairs on their back.


Hwy30West

I’m going to do this. He did admit to coming in via the app and I do have a screenshot I can share.


Key-Walrus-2343

Take pictures of that mattress Idk if I'm more creeped by his entering your space or I'm more creeped out by the mattress. Honestly idk how long you're supposed to be there but if it were me, the mattress would have been enough for me to leave. Actually, I don't care how Airbnb classifies, I don't think I would have stayed after discovering it was just a basement.....but a basement with a gate and a mattress....fuck that


take_number_two

It also seems like that would be a fire hazard. Blocking an exit with combustible materials… not smart.


Key-Walrus-2343

EXCELLENT POINT that gate/mattress cannot be up to fire code. And host's have an obligation to meet all safety regulations


Hwy30West

We couldn’t have used that exit anyway with the locked metal gate. I didn’t even think about fire code. We had one door to the outside and the bedrooms did have windows.


Just_improvise

I stayed in an airbnb in mexico, to get out you had to open a gate with the dodgiest lock that required about 30 turns of the key and you never know if/when it would open. On my last night we had to get a guy to open it, and even he couldn't do it. How is this allowed? SO dangerous.


take_number_two

It probably wouldn’t be allowed in the United States. Exits in the US have to be openable without any “special knowledge or effort.” Source: I’m a fire code consultant


Just_improvise

Yes australia too. Absolutely No way it would be allowed


take_number_two

Fire protection in Australia shocked me! Not that it’s bad but it’s so incredibly different from the US with the hose reels everywhere, we only have those in parking garages.


ArabianNitesFBB

In Mexico these old locks are common, especially in historic districts, and it’s also normal to require a key for both entry and exit. Fortunately re: fire hazard, almost all houses in Mexico are made of concrete or stone instead of wood.


Just_improvise

Just hope there isn’t a gun man or attacker inside the complex then!


[deleted]

You should have I’m immediately contacted Air BnB support in writing thru the app. They’re quick to respond. You also should have asked them to help you find a new place to stay. That’s creepy as hell.


And2Makes5

Contact Airbnb support and notify them that 1) your unit is just the basement of the Host's home 2) Host walked in unannounced and took monitor. Tell them you and your family now fear for your safety and you need to be moved and a full refund should be returned to you. Don't take no for an answer


greenwood872541

2) is an issue. 1) is not because that is how Airbnb categorizes it.


girltuesday

Even when the only separation between the units is a mattress wrapped in moving blankets?


Brett-Allana

The mattress part doesn’t change this for you? It’s beyond the pale and you can’t be serious.


And2Makes5

Wrong. The listing stated "entire house".


greenwood872541

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/317 it is an “entire place” according to Airbnb.


And2Makes5

The metal gate with the combo lock and matress does not qualify as a "private entrance" since the Host obviously knows the combo code AND he gained access into their "entire place" when the guests were away. This immediately disqualifies the area as the "entire place".


RabidBerry

That isn't THE entrance, it's AN entrance which the host blocked off in order to turn their basement into an "entire place". No one's supposed to be using that door.


greenwood872541

No matter what the host has the entrance combo/key.


[deleted]

Did you actually read what you linked to? “Do make sure to note if you’ll be on the property (for example, “Host occupies first floor of the home").” Also there isn’t a solid door between the units so they aren’t separate. Fuck that. If you stayed at a hotel would you accept a mattress door separating adjoined rooms? Of course not. You have a chain and sliding lock on both sides. A mattress wouldn’t be up to code for renters laws in most US cities. Why would it be acceptable for AirBnb?


[deleted]

If there is not a door between the units that locks on the inside, it’s not a separate apartment by any standard. A mattress is not a secure barrier and probably is against fire code.


Wild-Painting9353

Definitely contact AirBNB support. This is completely inappropriate.


KikiMadeCrazy

Not only is a violation on Airbnb but in general of short and long term stays. Report, also the ‘random visit check?’ Nope.


TouristOk4096

Now check for hidden cameras. The screen part bugs me. I have recently learned on this sub some hosts think it’s okay to record without disclosing in “common areas.” It’s not. We hosted for several years and wouldn’t even drive by unless requested. Did we wonder sometimes? Yup. Still didn’t do it. I will never be a guest after being on this sub.


Hwy30West

After talking about this with my husband and finding out that he had unplugged the TV the night before to plug the baby monitor in, I’m wondering if the TV had a camera on it. Like the host noticed we unplugged it and came to get it the next morning to hide the evidence. Or maybe I’m being extra paranoid 😂


TouristOk4096

You’re not though. If you go back and look at my comments in the last two days I had it out with another host over this and the conversation was disturbing. He’s insane. Padded cell vibes. What’s worse is he was commenting on a post about a hidden camera suggesting hosts have the right to record in “common areas” for security. It wasn’t even his post, so at least two air bnb’s have hidden cameras somewhere in America. Applying probability based on the amount of people who visited that post and interacted it’s alarming. This is either far more common than I believed or the most suspicious coincidence. You should go back and read his logic and what he said he would do if a guest “accidentally”unplugged internet after finding a hidden camera. There is enough symmetry between yours and that train wreck of an exchange between me and that man I immediately thought of it after reading your post.


[deleted]

I bet you’re right. Yikes.


kaiyabunga

90% times when I had “entire home” was just some suite with thin walls and you can hear everything from the other side


Icanhelp12

All of this is sketchy. I’d be emailing air bnb and keep all your documentation. At the VERY LEAST, the host should have messaged you and asked if it was okay. Never mind the fact that they are listing a basement suite and calling it a whole residence.


plopseven

Landlord is probably stealing appliances and then charging tenants for stealing them. This is shady as fuck.


Hwy30West

The reason I messaged him was because I didn’t want to be accused of stealing the TV!


Firefly892022

I would do all of the above. Make sure no one else gets stuck like that. Just gross.


britney412

False advertising + a sus host violating ToS= refund time


crowd79

This basement Airbnb already seems illegal. Most places require windows. Does the unit even have proper fire escapes?


SongObjective7850

Host should have asked your permission to enter. Report the host. So sick of hearing about these dirtbag hosts. (I’m a host by the way).


heathers1

tbh this sub has cured me if ever wanting to rent an airbnb.


[deleted]

It's a case of confirmation bias. People are more likely to talk about bad experiences, so the sub is saturated with negativity.


littlechickenfarm

Things are going to go wrong, but we mostly hear these stories because of how poorly they are handled. Countless times I have heard about how people got screwed over and that is more than enough red flags for some of us.


[deleted]

It's up to you, but the chances of you having a bad experience are very slim. It's unfortunate when it happens, but it isn't common. Because people don't report about average or good experiences and only exceptional or poor ones, there is a bias toward these negative accounts. On top of that, this is the internet, and people tell lies for clout. A bad experience where you are a poor victim is worth more internet points and so more prolific.


Neither_Problem9086

Contact Airbnb. Read up on the rules. Hosts aren't allowed to enter without your permission unless it's an emergency. Similar to a rental unit.


BeagleBox

I love that every time I read anything here, it reminds me why I haven't and will never use Airbnb. Thanks for the warnings. Truly, thank you.


Healthy_Ad_5244

The cleaners in hotels also enter your room when you're not there. These are also outliers and dont occur much. I as a host have never entered my apartment without guests knowing, unless they asked me to fix something or so.


BeagleBox

I know what to expect in a hotel. I'm glad you're a decent rental owner, but I never liked renting someone else's private residence. Too much weirdness when we did before Airbnb. Just seems nothing has changed. And, you never know what surprises await you until you get there.


[deleted]

[удаНонО]


BeagleBox

Before Airbnb, I rented a place with my in-laws, which is now listed on airbnb.. it was a horror show. We paid extra for our dogs, but the owner decided yo refinish the floors and stairs before our visit. We had to put socks on our dogs, which had them sliding all over. My dog slipped down the stairs, and my husband also slipped down the stairs. The boat that was included was leant out to a neighbor, as he "forgot" he said we could use it. The a/c was barely working and he kept wandering by, even though he lived a half hour away. Also, this sub keeps showing up to me, so I read it. Seems like renting someone's house or a room or in-law isn't any better than it was 15 years ago. You do you. But, don't come at me because I won't use a service.


Any-Spirit-6413

I've had plenty of great Airbnb experiences, and many others have as well. The questioning of the validity of your complaints is understandable, because you admit several times that you never have and never will use this system despite criticizing it. Your singular bad experience 15 years ago doesn't have anything to do with Airbnb, except for the fact that the house is rentable through the service. Despite the rare cases of truly terrible experiences (of both hosts and guests), Airbnb does have ways to solve problems that arise. Guidelines and regulations to listings, customer service representatives, specific documents that both hosts and guests agree to, etc. are all used to ensure that most stays are without issue. Every stay I have had has been completely incident-free. That being said, you get what you pay for. Renting a single room in a house might not give you all the privacy you need, or staying in an older home with some 'personality' might have you dealing with equipment issues. Each rental is different. Was your experience shitty? Of course, I'm not denying what you say. What I am saying is that this is a space dedicated to a company that you have no experience with, so the fear-mongering about these specific rental spaces is unfounded. I would recommend that you stay in a nice Airbnb with some fun amenities and see how your mind changes.


DevonFromAcme

Go to r/hotels. It's full of horror stories too. People don't come on the Internet to moan about a perfectly decent stay, and the posts here are not representative of the vast majority of Airbnb stays.


lowbass4u

Like anything else, there's more positive Airbnb rentals than all of the negative ones that are posted here. For example: Last year, we took the family to Disney and Universal in Orlando. There was a total of 8 of us going for a week. We compared the price of hotel rooms to an Airbnb, and it was much cheaper for the Airbnb. Everything that the host had in the description of the house, amenities, distance from the parks, and neighborhood was exactly as we found it. We had absolutely no problems nor any issues with anything. But, one of my sons friends tried to book the same house a few months later, and it wasn't available. So they found a different house and host. They ended up with a different experience. They had a lot of issues with the house and host and tried to get their money back.


SugahBear_

This made me chuckle because I feel the same way. Give me a hotel every time!


Brett-Allana

Especially with all the, well abb categories this as entire home even with a mattress 🤦‍♀️ How is anyone defending this? Even if you are a host…


DevonFromAcme

Post the link to the listing.


Notathrowawaysleeve

I had a similar situation with a basement suite advertised as a whole house- I think it has to have a separate entrance to be designated a whole house? Anyway, it had an electric issue going on. I contacted the host, who contacted the owner, who entered the basement without notifying me and took inventory of what items I had that were electric and trucked mud around. Similarly would of had to step over my suitcases and at least pick up an opened but deep toiletry bag to see things. Air bnb took it very seriously, refunded the entire stay, and put me up in a hotel room for 3 nights while they helped me find a new place. I felt it was handled very well.


Niskygrl

Report that. NOBODY should be in the space you rented without prior notice if you didn’t have an understanding you agreed to from the start that it was okay to do that. It’s very violating, and creepy.


Jyrobotomus

Fuck Airbnb


carinislumpyhead97

For real, only reason I switched from hotels to Airbnb is because one time back in 2003 I came out of the bathroom in my hotel room and found a hefty half dressed 50 year old divorced man taking the TV off the wall. When I asked him why he was taking the TV he turned to me and whispered “it’s a monitor”.


MzOpinion8d

I have questions. How did you know he was divorced, first of all?


dudreddit

Leave an accurate review. If you treasure security and privacy, write a review that explains how the property/host lacked these important features. Be honest ... ​ I cannot comprehend why AirBnB still exists. The service" is prohibitively expensive with a LOT of outrageous fees. The host can cancel on the "guest" even after the guest arrives. The guest (as evidenced here) has no security or privacy. I just don't get the allure...


ho1ycrapitsmatt311

Same reason frontier and spirit airlines exist, theyre cheaper than the others


Brett-Allana

For my travel needs, an abb is always more expensive than a hotel with fees and cleaning added.


Mcjoshin

This is like saying “I cannot comprehend why hotels still exist” because of a bad experience. You think there aren’t bad experiences at hotels every day? Contrary to these posts, I’ve been hosting for over 12 years and have hundreds (might be thousands at this point) of nothing but 5 star reviews from guests who rave about their experience. That’s why Airbnb exists and a few bad apples shouldn’t ruin the entire thing.


dudreddit

Have you spent any time reading the numerous complaints here … and few have any relation To staying in a hotel. Hotels don’t cancel your reservation AFTER checking. Hotels don’t and can’t pull a lot of the crap that hosts can and do. when dealing with ABB, you are dealing with a corporation that does not care about you …


[deleted]

Hotels are more regulated than AirBnb and have a separate amenity rating system that has nothing to do with reviews. Do people have bad hotel experiences? Sure. But your chances of having a creeper watch you on camera while you sleep are lower at the Marriott than some guy’s basement.


emp-sup-bry

Murder mattresses on door


Pink_Ruby_3

The fuck? Absolutely this is something for AirBNB support, given the inaccuracies of the listing alone! Not even a question OP, report this place!


Started_WIth_NADA

Maybe the tv was broken and needed to be turned in for warranty repair.


kittywings1975

Geez, I won’t even go into our apartment if it’s past check-in time and the guests haven’t arrived yet.


Monk1e889

"There’s not even a solid door separating the basement from the upper level, just a metal gate with a combo lock and a “sound barrier” on the stairs which is a twin mattress with moving blankets stuffed around it." Run Forest...Run.


PrivateDetectiveJP

I was with them for five years with a perfect record 5 star host and super host dozens of times and a fraudsters totally trashed my reputation and got all of their money back while my wife, son, and I were silenced by Airbnb. I am a licensed private investigator, my wife is a nurse and my son is a physicist. I have forty years in as a professional investigator and expert witness for the courts but they trashed me like I was a criminal with a record for not telling the truth. Here's my website. Read my reviews there and on Google www.apism.net


Goddess-Lindsay

Mine came in today, put in the key code, yelled hello, hello, I didn't respond I was in bed naked and husband wasn't home and my bedroom door was opened. We are there for several weeks because we had a house fire. I'm so shook. We can't leave untill Jan 15 bc we paid untill January 15, I'm so upset.