Airbnb Host Demanded £565 After My Edinburgh Stay Without Proof

Through Airbnb, I booked accommodation in Edinburgh with check-in on April 30 and check-out on May 2 under confirmation code HMCKWRQ2YA.

At the end of my stay, I left the room properly and returned all keys completely and without issue. However, one day after my trip ended, the host requested an additional payment of £565 through Airbnb — an extremely excessive amount that has no reasonable connection to either the duration of my stay or the amount I originally paid for the accommodation.

As justification for this demand, the host claimed that the room had to be opened by a locksmith because the keys had supposedly not been returned, resulting in various additional costs. This allegation is completely false because I returned all keys before leaving the property, and I absolutely do not accept any of the claimed expenses.

Despite my explanations and objections, Airbnb appears to be handling the process in a completely one-sided manner by prioritizing the host’s statements while ignoring my responses and evidence.

I contacted Airbnb multiple times to explain the situation, but instead of questioning a system that is clearly open to abuse and fraudulent claims, the platform continued to favor the host’s accusations.

Allowing hosts to demand such large sums without providing concrete proof is both unfair and highly damaging for users of the platform.

For this reason, I request that the unjust £565 charge demanded from me be canceled completely and that my case be reviewed again in a fair, neutral, and objective manner.

I also expect Airbnb to implement stricter controls against arbitrary and abusive post-stay payment claims in order to prevent other users from experiencing similar unfair treatment.