An Airbnb guest has paid a hefty fine after claiming her host wrongfully accused her of damaging her and her husband’s property.
In a viral TikTok video that has 90,100 views as of tonight, user Gillyfish (@gillyfish27) explained what happened recently: Airbnb The host is seeking $1,100 in damages from her, even though the guest is not responsible.
@ Gillyfish27 Had to re-upload but @airbnb wondering how this is ethical, fair and just. The host did not provide any evidence of damaging her house on the grounds that we did not damage her house. #airbnb #airbnbguest #badairbnb #badairbnbexperience #airbnb customer service #airbnbtips ♬ Original song – Gillyfish 🐠
“Storytime on how Airbnb is now trying to collect $1,100 for damages my husband and I didn’t do,” the video began.
It all started on May 11th, when TikToker arrived at an Airbnb for a three-night stay in Charlottetown PEI, Canada for a friend’s wedding. She rented the space from a “superhost,” and said her Airbnb space was attached to a larger home.
“We were great guests,” said Gillyfish. “It was just barely there.”
According to TikToker, everything went smoothly during the trip. She said she cleaned, took out the trash, and even locked the door after she checked out. However, the next day, she claimed, she was contacted by Airbnb saying that the host owed her home damages.
“The host is demanding $2,350 from us for damages to their home,” the content creator explained to viewers.
The Airbnb host claimed the couple broke all the door locks and stole food and alcohol from their home. The clip showed a screenshot of the message TikToker received to corroborate his story.
“So of course I denied this,” she said. “I said I don’t do it, I never do it.”
The host replied that he was sure the vandalism happened on Sunday (the day TikToker checked out) because he was home the other days when guests occupied the rental.
Luckily, Gillyfish said she had evidence to prove she wasn’t home on Sunday and had already checked out. She provided time-stamped photos of her credit card transactions and of her and her husband who were sightseeing in town at the time the incident allegedly happened.
Despite this, Airbnb still sided with hosts. They responded by continuing to sue TikToker for damages, but changed the amount she owed from $2,350 to $1,100. When Gillyfish claimed he was not responsible for the damage, Airbnb allegedly threatened to charge the credit card Gillyfish had on file.
“And that’s where we are now,” she said. “I have been back and forth with Airbnb a million times. will not contact you.”
This isn’t the first time an Airbnb guest has been embroiled in an incident in which the company was slow to rectify the situation. Many TikTokers in the comments expressed disappointment with the company’s handling of the dispute.
“@airbnb I’ve heard too many stories like this.
Another commented, “Airbnb has a lot of scary stories.” “So I don’t use it anymore.”
“‘Airbnb will believe them more than you,’ wrote the third.
Some offered advice to Airbnb guests on how to avoid paying damages.
“Call your credit card company now and have your account flagged,” said the commenter. “Please state that you do not approve any claims until further notice.”
“If the indictment passes, you can challenge it, but it seems you can’t stop it,” Gillyfish replied.
The Daily Dot reached out to Gillyfish through a TikTok comment.
An Airbnb representative said the company is investigating the matter.
*First published: June 6, 2023, 8:18 PM (CDT)
Tiffany Drayton
Tiffany Drayton is an otaku culture and lifestyle reporter covering everything from gender and race to anime and Xbox. Her work has been featured in Complex, Salon, Marie Claire, Playboy and more.
