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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Has anyone ever had an accident at an AirBNB? If so, did AirBNB or the host offer support?

72 replies

HangerLaneGyratorySystem · 25/05/2023 17:56

Tripped over an uneven step on first day, covered in massive bruises; I was really worried I'd done some real damage (nothing broken though). The apartment was managed by a company - told them what had happened and they seemed very confused as to why I was telling them. What would you have expected to happen next?

I thought it might be a box of chocolates or £50 off the cost, send a handyman round to look at the step (just needed a door threshold bar added) and a message saying gosh I hope this hasn't spoilt your holiday. Obviously I was wrong. AirBNB have now passed my details to a legal firm and I've had a solicitors' letter demanding proof of my "claim" and asking for my National Insurance number?! I think its just scare tactics. Any thoughts or experience?

OP posts:
Throwncrumbs · 25/05/2023 18:05

So you tripped and your first thought was you were going to get compensation? Struth, people nowadays can’t just have an accident without thinking about what they can get out of it!

SSCCLL · 25/05/2023 18:07

I can't imagine an adult coming to tell me they'd tripped over. I think I would have laughed in your face

Brilliantbushel · 25/05/2023 18:08

You tripped and aren’t hurt… why does this warrant anything needing doing?

FourTeaFallOut · 25/05/2023 18:09

How would £50 support you with your bruising?

Kitcaterpillar · 25/05/2023 18:11

You fell over. Come on, now.

PineappleLatte · 25/05/2023 18:12
Tom Cruise GIF by Jerology

$$$

Oysterbabe · 25/05/2023 18:12

Even IF the owner was negligent, a few bruises is worth fuck all. It isn't worth the hassle if you're thinking it'll be easy cash.

FrostyFifi · 25/05/2023 18:12

I don't understand why you reported that. You tripped. It's not like a light fitting came down on your head or something.

Fluffyrug191 · 25/05/2023 18:13

Jesus Christ why even tell them.

FourTeaFallOut · 25/05/2023 18:13

PineappleLatte · 25/05/2023 18:12

$$$

🤣🤣

SunnySaturdayMorning · 25/05/2023 18:14

YABU. You tripped. Just be more careful next time instead of trying to get compensation.

anon666 · 25/05/2023 18:16

I got run over by a car while staying at an Airbnb. I didn't need any medical treatment and was glad for my travel insurance just in case.

TakeMeDancingNakedInTheRain · 25/05/2023 18:16

I'm confused why you'd tell them this? I guess the fact you told them made them assume you were looking for compo (you were) so have passed it to their legal team to tell you to go away. You have bruises from tripping I think you were optimistic with your £50.

Dartmoorcheffy · 25/05/2023 18:16

If there's an uneven step that is a trip hazard its definitely in the best interest of the owners to be aware of it so that they can warn guests to be aware . I'm clumsy as anything though and the only thing i would expect in an air bnb is a first aid kit , I wouldn't be seeking chocolates or compo

Quveas · 25/05/2023 18:17

You should look where you are going? It didn't need anything except opening ones eyes...

weirdoboelady · 25/05/2023 18:17

I can relate, actually. I fell over in a high end department store while I was working. It was in a concession where they have loose carpets on the floor - old Persian style, which are very worn and ruck up occasionally. I have previously stamped the carpets down because I noticed that they were a trip hazard, and on the visit in question, one of them 'got me' when I turned round quickly to talk to a member of staff.

In contrast, the incident was taken very seriously by my employers (not the store). I don't know how seriously the store took it but I encouraged them (the fairly young staff on duty) to put it in the accident book, at least, and told them that the carpets are dangerous. (Carpets do look a lot safer on subsequent visits).

I made it clear that I wasn't intending to look for any recompense unless the VERY unlikely happened - that the knee I crashed down on gave subsequent trouble. And that I thought this was very improbable. But I would have expected someone in authority to inspect the accident site and do something about it!

DrMarciaFieldstone · 25/05/2023 18:17

What have you claimed?

No, I wouldn’t expect anything and wouldn’t have told them, look where you are going.

CC4712 · 25/05/2023 18:17

From the owners side, they might think 'another drunk guest!'.

I 'might' have emailed the company to let them know the step was loose/broken etc but I wouldnt expect anything at all.

I assume because AirBNB is American, they are very hot on compensation claims- hence the solicitor paperwork?

Doesthisexist7 · 25/05/2023 18:18

Gosh sorry OP. I don’t think you’ve got any “right” to compensation or even chocolates etc. You tripped…

Newspeaker · 25/05/2023 18:18

Can we see a photo of the step?

DrMarciaFieldstone · 25/05/2023 18:21

Also, no one is going to apologise when they think someone is trying to make a claim; that’s the first thing any insurance company tells you, never admit fault.

Just move on, you’re fine.

TrashyPanda · 25/05/2023 18:29

I’m confused - you tripped and think they should give you £50?

GladysHeeler · 25/05/2023 18:34

AirBNB have now passed my details to a legal firm and I've had a solicitors' letter demanding proof of my "claim" and asking for my National Insurance number?! I think its just scare tactics. Any thoughts or experience?

Just email back telling them that you were just letting them know so they could "send a handyman round to look at the step (just needed a door threshold bar added) "

No. I would not expect a box of chocolates or £50 because I fell over.

gizmo · 25/05/2023 18:45

Soooo, I own a holiday let and, to be fair, I always appreciate guests letting me know if there is a problem. It's a lot better than finding out through a grumpy review!

But I would expect to remedy the issue (ie fix something broken) not offer compensation. Problem with someone hinting that they want money off is that you then worry that fixing the problem is in some way accepting liability.

knittingaddict · 25/05/2023 18:45

Not an airbnb, but a holiday cottage rental through another company.

Due to an optical illusion in a darkish hall (tiles on 2 steps lined up perfectly with the flooring before and after and I didn't see the steps) I fell down hard and twisted my foot.

We had only been there 2 minutes and it meant I couldn't really walk properly for the whole holiday. Turns out I had torn a ligament in my foot and it took ages to heal.

No, I didn't tell the company or the owner, although I probably should have given them a heads up. It never crossed my mind that I needed compensation of any kind for a stupid accident. These things happen.

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