Airbnb Host Blamed Us for Missing Items and Charged ₺8,000 After Poor Experience

From November 7–12, 2024, we rented a house in Brussels through Airbnb. A day before our trip, the host canceled the first two nights, citing renovations. We had to stay in a hotel at a higher cost. When we finally accessed the house, it was a nightmare. We waited 1.5 hours outside with our luggage to get in, and the house was nothing like the photos. It was cluttered like a flea market, cabinets were taped shut, the TV didn’t work, the dishwasher was broken, and the bathroom had dirty laundry in the hamper.

After our trip, the host claimed several items, like an Apple Pencil and PSP console, were missing and accused us of damaging the TV remote. Despite entering the house on November 9, the host messaged us on November 10, saying the remote was already ordered. Airbnb now demands we pay over ₺8,000 for items we didn’t take. We’re a retired couple, aged 58 and 64, who have rented homes for 10 years without issues.

The host has been harassing us with private messages, asking us to improve their rating and claiming they mistook us for a group of young people. Airbnb also requested proof that we didn’t take or damage anything, but we were never told to take photos or videos during check-in or check-out.

This entire experience ruined our vacation. Airbnb must review this case fairly and stop these baseless accusations. We’re done with Airbnb and will stick to hotels for future stays.