Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should they pay? AirBnB nightmare

82 replies

NanFlanders · 02/01/2025 20:03

My 18 yo DD and her friend have saved their wages from their PT jobs (at school) for a year to go to Paris for NYE. They booked an AirBnB (DD is autistic and wanted somewhere self-contained). When they arrived, the door of the flat wouldn't open. They called the owner who told them to be firm with the key - they tried this and the key broke off in the lock. They called the owner who became angry with them and told them they would have to pay, and that it would cost €1000 on NYE to get a locksmith. Things escalated and my DD's friend told the woman to "Fxxx off" (which obviously didn't help and I'm not excusing it) - though she did immediately send a Whatsapp message to her apologizing. At this point DD called me, as I speak some French, and I WhatsApped the owner to try to resolve the situation. She advised she couldn't do anything as she didn't live in Paris, "couldn't work miracles" and they should try a hotel. As you might expect, hotels in Paris on NYE were either extortionate or full or both. They called AirBnB who said they would help them get in the apartment that night - but didn't. Luckily they found beds in a mixed dorm in a hostel and are making the best of things, but today they have been sent a bill for £450 from Airbnb to pay for a locksmith. AIBU to suggest they should contest this? I feel they did as advised, were left in a very vulnerable position, are already out of pocket, and never even got into the flat!

OP posts:
ElsaLion · 02/01/2025 20:25

What a horrendous experience for your poor DD and her friend. I would definitely advise contesting this, the property owner was evidently aware of the problems with the lock, and suggested they persist in being firm with unlocking it. This led to the damage, which was arguably caused by the owner's advice.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/01/2025 20:24

Outrageous they should get a bill. I imagine there’s some way of challenging it? What bank card do they have linked to Airbnb? I’d consider cancelling it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/01/2025 20:22

Contest it and send their own bill back.

Cloudysky81 · 02/01/2025 20:22

Definitely contest, I’m surprised Airbnb aren’t sorting this all out to be honest. It’s clearly an issue with the lock.

Hosenscheisser · 02/01/2025 20:20

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

NinaGeiger · 02/01/2025 20:19

What a nightmare. I would absolutely contest this

Sjbythesea · 02/01/2025 20:15

That is awful, I would definitely contest it. I think the owner was aware of an issue with the lock by advising them to be ‘firm with the key’ Not only did they loose the accommodation they paid for, they have also had to fork out for an alternative place to stay. Is your daughter and her friend staying the duration elsewhere? Or coming home early? I hope they still manage to have a good time.

Swipe left for the next trending thread