Airbnb question

Question

Airbnb upheld a host’s claim against me despite my request for further evidence and escalation. Airbnb property is in Joshua Tree, CA. It looks like she found scratches on doors, a chair, a TV stand and a baseboard and wants to expense those upkeep costs on me. She provided timestamped photos of the alleged damages but no photos before my use of her property. I stayed for two nights. She originally wanted $960 and now is asking for $569 due to wear and tear.

I’ve since canceled my card on file and don’t plan to pay. I’d love to hear how others have handled similar situations —did Airbnb pursue collections? After this I am not planning on using AirBnB again so if they cancel my account that wouldn't bother me. Thank you for answering.

Answer

Dealing with a claim like this on Airbnb can be frustrating, especially when there is no “before” documentation of the property’s condition. Airbnb’s damage resolution process allows hosts to submit evidence, and sometimes disputes are resolved in favor of the host even if the evidence is limited or circumstantial.

Here are some points and considerations based on how others have experienced similar situations:

Airbnb can charge your card for damages if the host submits a claim within the 14-day window (or before check-in of the next guest). Once they decide in favor of the host, they can attempt to collect the full or partial amount.
Airbnb may pursue collections if the charge is not paid, but for small amounts like $569, it is not common for them to escalate aggressively to collections agencies. The main consequence is usually account restriction or cancellation.
If you do not intend to use Airbnb again, the practical risk is limited to their account actions. They may close or restrict your account, and future bookings will be blocked.
Documenting your communications and the lack of “before” photos is still valuable if you are disputing charges through your bank or credit card. Some users have successfully disputed charges through their bank citing lack of evidence or wear-and-tear disputes.
Airbnb’s host resolution system often leans toward the host unless you have strong evidence that the damages were pre-existing or minimal.

Practical options:

Ignore and do not pay, accepting that your Airbnb account may be canceled. For many, this is the simplest path if you do not plan to use the service again.
Dispute the charge via your bank or credit card company, providing evidence of no pre-existing damage photos from the host or citing that normal wear and tear should not be charged.
Request a formal review from Airbnb again, emphasizing the absence of “before” photos and the short duration of your stay. Some users have succeeded in reducing charges further or having them waived, though outcomes vary.
Keep in mind that non-payment could potentially affect your credit if Airbnb engages a collections agency, though this is uncommon for small claims.

In summary, for many past guests in similar situations, the most common outcome is account closure or restriction, with little pursuit beyond that for relatively small amounts. If you do not plan to use Airbnb again, the simplest approach is to document everything and move on, knowing your account may be closed.

Airbnb question

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions