I Rented a Home on Airbnb and Lost My Deposit to Unfair Damage Accusation
Hello, I booked a stay in the Uzunyurt area of Fethiye through Airbnb between May 31 and June 2, 2025, with confirmation code hmjmtfhxxa. After booking, I got in touch with the host, Mr. O***. Once we checked into the home, he demanded an additional ₺3000 security deposit via direct payment. Although we were skeptical, he assured us that there would be no issues and promised a full refund. Based on that trust, we transferred the money.
The house itself had issues: a wobbly single bed and a shaky upper floor railing, which we documented and didn’t complain about at the time. After we left, the host said he would check the house the same evening—but instead went the next day, then suddenly accused us of breaking the door. We absolutely did not damage the door. He made a baseless accusation and said he’d deduct repair costs from our deposit. We never even met him in person—he didn't hand the keys to us, nor did he show up when we left.
Despite claiming he'd return the remaining deposit, he hasn’t refunded a single lira. He also ignores all phone calls. I’ve submitted a complaint to Airbnb, but the process is extremely slow. I’ve since discovered he has done this to other guests before—clearly this is a pattern of exploitation.
We demand the full return of our ₺3000 deposit, and we reject the false accusation. Airbnb must take immediate action against this kind of unethical behavior by hosts. Guests should be protected from abuse of trust and fraudulent claims like this.
