Think you might want to become an Airbnb host? Or, maybe you're just using their services while traveling. Whether you're coming or going, it pays to do a little research before embarking on any new relationship—particularly when it involves your home, privacy or safety. Check out these 13 Airbnb horror stories that may influence your decision.
Derek Starnes, on vacation with his wife, noticed a tiny hole in the smoke detector of his Florida Airbnb. After taking it down to investigate, the Indiana couple found a hidden camera and microphone. As in other Airbnb horror stories, they immediately called the authorities. The police arrested the homeowner and charged him with video voyeurism. For more luxurious accommodations, stay in these Airbnbs celebrities have stayed in around the world!
Marie Lisa Jose's host confused her and her friend at a Budapest Airbnb. After all, the host's profile picture showed a young blonde woman and the person shaking her hand was a man. "Oh, I like to play with my profile pictures," he said. "You know, Leslie is a unisex name." Alert, but over-fatigued from jet-setting through time zones, Ms Jose and her friend stayed. Tragically, as some Airbnb horror stories go, these women were intimidated and drugged before running for their lives. For a relaxing vacation on the water, check out these 51 Airbnb floating tiny homes.
When EJ left town on business, she thought she left her apartment in good hands. Unlike other Airbnb horror stories, the guest sent EJ frequent texts thanking her for her hospitality and telling her how much he was enjoying his stay. When EJ returned, however, she found her place vandalized and valuables, including cash and heirloom jewelry, missing. "Something that cannot be replaced," she said, "they stole my spirit." Before renting your apartment through Airbnb, read these tips from experienced hosts.
Exhausted and stressed from work, Jaleesa Jackson and Chiedozie Uwandu thought vacationing on the opposite coast would put some space to relax between them and their medical careers. But, this Boston couples' dream week quickly joined a long list of Airbnb horror stories when their criminally-minded host crashed through the window of their guest house in the middle of the night. Make sure you home is protected against criminals with these 10 smart-home products.
Although his contract specifically stated no parties, a man threw a doozy in this Ohio Airbnb. In fact, he advertised his New Year's Eve extravaganza on the internet and charged $5 a person. This rockin' eve turned into one of the largest Airbnb horror stories with over 250 guests. The host had to hide in his room to call the police. Here's a collection of 10 tips for hosting a house party.
Airbnb horror stories happen around the globe. In Madrid, Spain, 19-year-old Jacob Lopez' host locked him in his room while he sharpened knives to use as weapons against him. Lopez called his mother in Massachusetts for help. While the mother argued with Airbnb and Spanish authorities, her son was sexually assaulted.
If you're traveling internationally, check out these 12 gorgeous Airbnb accommodations. The Madrid Marvel is heavenly.
A Miami Beach homeowner was charged with almost half a million dollars in fines when his long-term tenant illegally listed the home on Airbnb. Drew Grewal had no idea what was happening until he received notice from the city of Miami Beach of violations of their short-term rental laws. Some Airbnb horror stories take time to resolve. Grewal spent three months rectifying this situation.
With close to 20 percent of American residential buildings governed by one of the more than 340,000 Homeowners' Associations (HOAs), it's no surprise that there are plenty of horror stories about these organizations, as well. Here are 10 of those horror stories for you to peruse.
When a San Francisco couple left their home in the care of a house sitter, they never dreamed he'd list the home for rent on Airbnb. After all, wasn't his pay enough? John and Ed discovered this devious plot only because the house sitter unknowingly rented the home to friends of theirs. Thankfully, as Airbnb horror stories go, this one turned out okay in the end. Home security and social media can be a dangerous mix, so learn these tips for optimum safety when you're away from home.
A group of friends got together and rented a home in Palaiseau, France for the weekend. This excursion turned out to be the most grisly of Airbnb horror stories when one of the friends found a corpse in the garden. The old woman was bent over as though weeding and covered in branches. This collection of weeding and watering tips will help you maintain a healthy garden.
To avoid the high cost of a hotel during a Chicago business trip, Pauline rented a bedroom from a woman through Airbnb. When she arrived, the host was experiencing what Pauline described as a "major chemical bender." The host's boyfriend scared Pauline enough that she locked herself in her room and secured alternative accommodations. Her quick thinking prevented this incident from having a tragic ending.
Thank goodness Pauline survived that harrowing experience. Here's our ultimate storm survival guide that'll help you get through the worst Mother Nature dishes out.
When a couple of roommates decided to take a month-long holiday, they rented their Stockholm apartment through Airbnb. What they found upon their return, makes other Airbnb horror stories look not so horrifying. Their mailbox contained a note alerting the two women that their guests were in fact prostitutes, caught by police turning tricks in their own beds. The Dublin prostitutes had been under police surveillance for some time. If you're a renter, here are 10 tips for how to make sure you get your security deposit back when you move out.
CoryTschogl never dreamed of joining the ranks of Airbnb horror stories. Nor did she realize that renting her Palm Beach condominium for longer than 30 days gave the renter squatters rights, according to California law. This San Francisco woman will spend $1,000s in attorney fees to get the matter settled.
Do these real-life Airbnb horror stories scare you? If you're brave, check out these 10 real-life haunted houses.
Jordan Altis arrived in London just in time for his host to go to work. But after the host left, Altis realized his ill-fitted key didn't work in the lock. Not having his host's contact information, Altis was forced to brave the elements until 10 p.m. that evening. Not the worst of Airbnb horror stories, but nonetheless inconvenient. We think Airbnb host should read this tutorial on how to install keyless locks.