Being charged damages by air Bnb

[newlabelwriter]

A couple of weeks ago we received an email from air Bnb to say our host has asked for a payment of £229 for broken table leg (photo below). Spoke to my family and nobody had any recollection of any damage made, it was from what I recall a very basic ikea type table and an item we didn’t use for more than putting keys, wallet keys wallet on. Genuinely have no idea how the damage happened but obviously have no evidence of this.

Emailed the resolution centre who were looking into it and they replied saying we’d never had any complaints, positive feedback etc but I’ve just had an email asking me pay £179 for repair to the table. I’m really angry because a) to the best of my knowledge we didn’t damage the table b) the repair is a really simple fix and would cost nowhere near this amount to get it repaired. To me it looks like it could be existing heat / water damage from bubbling on paint (although I’m no expert) c) it’s just really annoying!

anyone else had any experience of this - not sure what to do next?

thank you

That message reads like a scam. Especially 'click this link to pay'

Absolute bloody eye opener, apparently they can do this. Looks like you're in stage 3 where they ask for a voluntary payment. You can still appeal. Then they will give notice that they will charge your card. You totally are not responsible for the (long term) damage to that (cheap) table and I hope someone here can point to some legal ways of challenging this. Absolutely disgusting.

If anyone does have any legal advice on this it would be much appreciated.

The way that message is written definitely sounds like a scam. Is the email address etc. definitely legitimate OP? I don't see how they can acknowledge that you're not at fault whilst maintaining the claim is valid.

I know it is a massive hassle but I'd be inclined to contact my bank and potentially cancel my card.

In the meantime, there's some tips here which might be relevant:

thecomplaintsresolver.co.uk/how-to-win-airbnb-deposit-disputes/

Here's what I took from it:

1. How long have they had the table / request for a receipt and quote to repair
2. Value of older items understood to devalue over time.
3. There should be no attempt to extort. If they can't provide proof of current value then
4. Ordinary wear and tear should not be claimed for under damage (so if it's a v old cheap table does its condition reflect its age?).
5. Timely reporting - did they let you know of the alleged damage within 48 hours, and certainly before another guest stayed?

Is it one of those Lack tables everyone thinks it is? If so I think you could build a strong argument around extortion based on their low purchase price and construction method which makes them susceptible to long term water damage. Especially if they have not provided proof of value.

You can as a precaution remove your payment method from the site too.

Call your bank asap so they can hopefully stop any additional unauthorised charge. Bloody chancers.
The bloke across the road let’s out his house and he’s the ultimate cheeky fucker. He does have slightly better taste in floor tiles than your host though so I know it’s not him.

This sort of shit seems far too common on AirBnB nowadays, along with ludicrous check in and out times, excessive cleaning fees and, despite those fees, a requirement to clean the whole place before you leave.

Between this and the often very poor quality I really try to avoid using it nowadays, and have gone back to using good hotels.

Glad it wasn’t just me that couldn’t understood it !

*understand

That's from mopping 💯

Yet another reason why I’d never use air bnb

This is great, thanks so much.

For any of you remotely interested, had a good outcome with this and they have now said they won’t be charging me anything and I’m not liable. Stuck to my guns and got some good advice from here. Thanks Mumsnet

If you are the OP but a name fail that is a great outcome, cheeky feckers.

I'm interested!!! I'm pleased it worked out and that justice wasn't done 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Assume you are OP - great news. It was very clear the AirBNB people were chancers in every possible way.

Hooray!

Very glad to hear it - well done for standing firm.

I have a friend who was charged £500 for a split in a shower tray which they didn't cause and as a result I haven't stayed in an Air BnB since, as they could presumably charge you any amount of damages they wanted and you would have no comeback. We have stayed in some places abroad with original artworks (this is where the owner has temporarily moved out) and I dread to think what we could have been accused of.
So I agree it is a scam. Rather like that Europcar Hire scam where they spot non-existent scratches on the car when you return it to the airport and you can't waste time arguing as you have to urgently catch your flight.
Yet another reason why hotels are a safer option.