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AIBU?

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Original poster

To expect to be able to lock the airbnb?

65 replies

Ninotpoir · 09/10/2024 12:59

Our family are staying in an airbnb, which is pretty remote but is part of a property with a number of different accommodation options. The one we have is entirely ours to use, and is quite close to the cafe on site, plus some of the activities the place is known for.

So there are probably 20 guests staying on the property in the various houses, camping etc, and people are coming and going all day to visit the Cafe and activities.

We realised on the first day that there are a few external doors, all but one lock from the inside (the push button lock on the handle) but one doesn't even have a lock - it's a sliding door right by the main cafe area. No keys provided at all.

Aibu to think it's normal to expect to be able to secure our accommodation both when we are out of it, and also when we sleep?

We did ask for a key but the owners sort of laughed it off saying they've never had a problem. I'll mention it to them in the review, but should we also let airbnb know that the accommodation isn't secure? I wouldn't have booked it if I knew.

OP posts:
leccybill · 11/10/2024 23:42

What if your child was a sleep walker/eloper? Plenty are.

Bonbon249 · 11/10/2024 23:25

Nope, that's not OK at all. You cannot have such a cavalier attitude to your guest's security. It may never have been a problem but it could turn into one tragically quickly. I would definitely mention it in a review as it's something the owner really needs to address.

Candystore22 · 11/10/2024 22:33

Ninotpoir · 09/10/2024 23:53

I was wondering this. Luckily we don't have anything of value with us (except the kids!), and our car is insured for theft - not sure if stealing keys from an unsecured house would nullify that. It's meant to be a peaceful and relaxing stay but has created a bit of anxiety that frankly isn't welcome.

Would it be rude to state it in the public review? Is not like we didn't raise it with them,and the fact they think it's OK means they shouldn't mind if we make it clear to others..?

Show quote history

Definitely not rude to mention in a public review. It’s simply the truth, and you did raise it with them (in fact I’d also write in the review that you raised this with them and they didn’t do anything about it and it just made you feel unsafe). It’s not about what they think is ok, it’s about common sense. If you rent a room /house, you expect to be safe there. Not being able to lock it is NOT safe.

Mummyto2boyz · 11/10/2024 21:11

I was brought up in a place where no one ever locks their doors but if I was staying somewhere different and new I would absolutely want to lock the doors. You never know who's about. Very strange to not have a lock on an external door.

Original poster
Ninotpoir · 11/10/2024 11:58

FranceIsWhereItsAt · 11/10/2024 11:28

Did you report this by phone OP, if so, did they seem shocked/surprised about the locks? Will they come back and tell you the outcome?

I've reported it on the message system and yes they seemed shocked, agreed they wouldn't be happy to stay in an unsecured listing. They're letting the host know it's a security issue. I decided not to ask for a partial refund as it feels a bit wrong. But I've put it in my public and private reviews so hopefully they get the message and others can see in advance of their booking.

OP posts:
FranceIsWhereItsAt · 11/10/2024 11:28

Did you report this by phone OP, if so, did they seem shocked/surprised about the locks? Will they come back and tell you the outcome?

Original poster
Ninotpoir · 11/10/2024 03:26

I've reported it to airbnb. They're going to raise it with the hosts. I haven't done a review yet so maybe should have waited until after the reviews but it's done now.

OP posts:
goingslightlyinsane · 10/10/2024 09:59

I would 100% leave this in the review.
It will help others make their choice. Some people it may not bother, but I'm pretty sure most parents would not be ok with this. I wouldn't, and if I read this in a review i would feel thankful for the information and book elsewhere.

Original poster
Ninotpoir · 10/10/2024 09:55

helpfulperson · 10/10/2024 09:37

Are you sure it doesn't lock if you turn the handle a certain direction line tilt and turn windows? I would double check with the owners and ask if there a way of preventing access from the outside. If you've just asked for a key they may presume you know how to lock it without one.

Thanks but no it is a fixed wooden block for a handle (looks hand made) attached to the glass door. We asked if it locks as part of that conversation and that's when they laughed at us.

OP posts:
LittleGreenDragons · 10/10/2024 09:50

Pp makes a good point. Complain to Airbnb themselves and ask why an unsecured/unlockable property is being listed.

helpfulperson · 10/10/2024 09:37

Are you sure it doesn't lock if you turn the handle a certain direction line tilt and turn windows? I would double check with the owners and ask if there a way of preventing access from the outside. If you've just asked for a key they may presume you know how to lock it without one.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 10/10/2024 08:12

Of course it wouldn’t be rude! It’s something the vast majority of potential guests would certainly want to know.

RollerSkateLikePeggy · 10/10/2024 07:36

If you complain to airbnb I'm pretty sure you will get at least a partial refund, as I believe that is against their regulations. There's definitely a policy which says if hosts rent rooms then they must have a lock.

RedHelenB · 10/10/2024 07:28

Pandasnacks · 09/10/2024 13:14

Honestly though OP it isn't completely safe at all. The chances of someone coming in are incredibly small, but it can and does happen. Madeline McCann, that little girl in Scotland a few years ago who was kidnapped out of her own bed... these things happen. I wouldn't panic or go home because the risk is so so small, and DH sleeping in a room with them removes the risk too. But don't doubt yourself that you should be able to lock the door when sleeping. This one needs fixing today. Like someone else said, is there anything to block the door with that doesn't create a fire exit risk?

There is no conclusive evidence that Madeline was kidnapped from her bed. But I agree that if you book accommodation you expect to be able to lock it to keep the occupants and their property safe.

Irridescantshimmmer · 10/10/2024 06:30

That is not acceptable at all. I suggest you make people aware of this security issue in your fedback.

Ibelieveicanfly988 · 10/10/2024 05:18

Not rude at all. I'd be incredibly anxious if I turned up to an b and b like that.

Cosyblankets · 10/10/2024 05:16

Ninotpoir · 09/10/2024 23:53

I was wondering this. Luckily we don't have anything of value with us (except the kids!), and our car is insured for theft - not sure if stealing keys from an unsecured house would nullify that. It's meant to be a peaceful and relaxing stay but has created a bit of anxiety that frankly isn't welcome.

Would it be rude to state it in the public review? Is not like we didn't raise it with them,and the fact they think it's OK means they shouldn't mind if we make it clear to others..?

Show quote history

I would want to know
It's not rude
You're stating a fact

DecafGreen · 10/10/2024 05:10

Definitely include this in your review. It is an important consideration for people deciding where to stay.

readingismycardio · 10/10/2024 05:02

This exact thing happened to me in valencia, I was young, still a student, and the owner told me I should trust people more. What an idiot!! Ofc it's not okay!

olympicsrock · 10/10/2024 04:53

I had someone climbs into my window when staying in a ground floor room of a hotel. It was open just a crack for air and they pushed it open.
I was terrified as with my kids and woke to what I thought was my son being abducted as there was a figure half way through the window.

just a drunk holiday guest trying to ge5 into his friends room but it could also happen here th3 same way.

HomeTheatreSystem · 10/10/2024 04:44

Definitely leave a mention of this in the review and make AirBnB aware too (with photos). I would not wish to rent somewhere unsecured. Also state it was addressed with them and what their reaction was.

Everything may have been fine to date but there will be a first time (even if it's just a drunk person trying to let himself into the wrong lodging) and you can bet their reaction to it will be something like, "Well we are shocked, this has never happened before!" Hmm

Mummyoflittledragon · 10/10/2024 04:42

Yes, you absolutely should leave this in the review. I am surprised more people haven’t. I wouldn’t be happy at all.

Greenfinch7 · 10/10/2024 04:18

I wouldn't mind- I find that these days everyone is more worked up than I am about health and safety, so if the owner is unconcerned, it is probably extremely safe. I like leaving things unlocked though- makes me feel like the world is a friendly place...

Eenameenadeeka · 10/10/2024 03:46

Definitely not unreasonable

FranceIsWhereItsAt · 10/10/2024 00:34

There's no way I'd have stayed after discovering that I couldn't secure my accommodation OP, so you're definitely NOT being unreasonable. Personally I would have told the owner that they either fit a lock. or give me a full refund, as I wouldn't feel safe at night, and wouldn't be happy leaving my personal possessions in the accommodation during the day, which would mean putting everything back in the car, each time we wanted to go out. OK, it might be as safe as can be, but it might NOT, and quite honestly, the owners are putting themselves at risk too, as no insurance company would pay out if a building was left unsecured. Absolutely ridiculous situation, and I think you'd be fully justified in noting it in your review.