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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:
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.

NinaGeiger · 02/01/2025 20:19

What a nightmare. I would absolutely contest this

Hosenscheisser · 02/01/2025 20:20

This reply has been deleted

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

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.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/01/2025 20:22

Contest it and send their own bill back.

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.

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.

Ayechinnyreckon · 02/01/2025 20:34

Absolutely contest it, and also they should look at their insurance - it may pay out for the alternative accommodation.

rumanah · 02/01/2025 20:40

Appalling. They should absolutely contest this.

Crankyaboutfood · 02/01/2025 20:42

they should have no costs to airbnb. they should not pay a penny and they should be getting a voucher for their trouble

BrightSnail · 02/01/2025 20:43

Another vote for contest it. They were following host instructions, and the stress and inconvenience to them has been far greater than to the host. In fact I'd be tempted to claim against the host in this situation! Can't imagine how this bill can stick at all.

stichguru · 02/01/2025 20:46

Yes contest it - I cannot imagine how the would break a properly working lock (unless they were trying to, but that makes no sense!)

PersephoneSmith · 02/01/2025 20:51

I’m not sure I would use the word ‘contest’ but they wouldn’t get a penny from me and I would advise them to take me to court for payment should they be so inclined.

if they did I cannot imagine for a second that the small claims court would award in favour of Airbnb in this circumstance.

SoeurFayre · 02/01/2025 20:51

Shockingly bad form from the host and Airbnb. And one of many reasons why I, as an Airbnb host and user of many years, am choosing not to use them any more

They expect more than that of hosts, so insist they do of your DD's situation. Dont obfuscate the situation with other issues: she's tried to get in, host said: try harder, she did, key broke. End of. Not good enough from a guest pov. Full refund AND compensation of alternate accommodation would be my end goal. Plus a mark on hosts reputation. As hosts we are asked to be available for our guests or have alternate representatives.

rookiemere · 02/01/2025 20:55

PersephoneSmith · 02/01/2025 20:51

I’m not sure I would use the word ‘contest’ but they wouldn’t get a penny from me and I would advise them to take me to court for payment should they be so inclined.

if they did I cannot imagine for a second that the small claims court would award in favour of Airbnb in this circumstance.

Airbnb is paid for in advance of the stay.

Magnastorm · 02/01/2025 20:56

Absolutely fucking no way would I be paying that, and I would be expecting a full refund for the cost of the stay as well.

PinotPony · 02/01/2025 20:59

Does their travel insurance include legal cover?

Goldbar · 02/01/2025 20:59

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/01/2025 20:22

Contest it and send their own bill back.

This. The owner told them to use force to open the door. They were just doing as they were told.

Urghto · 02/01/2025 20:59

rookiemere · 02/01/2025 20:55

Airbnb is paid for in advance of the stay.

She means for the key billing

PersephoneSmith · 02/01/2025 20:59

rookiemere · 02/01/2025 20:55

Airbnb is paid for in advance of the stay.

The £450 locksmith fee wasn’t paid in advance of the stay.

QuillBill · 02/01/2025 21:03

I would dedicate the rest of my life to fighting it. I really would.

NanFlanders · 02/01/2025 21:07

Thanks so much everyone. I was starting to think I was being unreasonable, because I was so upset for DD after she'd worked so hard for this - they didn't even get to see the fireworks! I'll tell them to refuse to pay, to try to enjoy their last day and to try to claim for a refund when they get back!

OP posts:
whenemmafallsinlove · 02/01/2025 21:08

That's a faulty lock and the owner admitted as much. Don't pay!

CheeseTime · 02/01/2025 21:09

I hate Air BNB. Too many grifters taking money for poor service. You can’t expect to make huge profits and not be inconvenienced. I would context this all the way. Your poor DD.
Would be great if everyone stopped using them. Air BNB is overall bad for communities and society.

Phase2 · 02/01/2025 21:13

www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/1415

Is it through the message centre? They have to respond within a short period don't leave it til they get back