A group of friends were left furious after their Airbnb host demanded a staggering £400 for allegedly stolen towels, despite insisting they had left the property in perfect condition.
The guests, who had booked the London flat for a weekend getaway, were shocked to receive a message from the host accusing them of taking several towels and threatening to involve Airbnb’s resolution centre if they didn’t pay up immediately.
Host’s Accusation Sparks Outrage
One of the guests, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters: "We couldn’t believe it. We left everything exactly as we found it. The host’s claim was completely baseless."
The friends insisted they had not taken anything from the property and even provided photos as proof that the towels were still in the flat when they checked out.
Airbnb’s Response
After refusing to pay the unjustified charge, the group reported the incident to Airbnb, who initially sided with the host before reviewing the evidence. The case is still under investigation, but the guests are demanding an apology and compensation for the distress caused.
This isn’t the first time Airbnb guests have faced questionable charges from hosts. Many travellers have taken to social media to share similar experiences, warning others to document everything before checking out.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid similar disputes, experts recommend:
- Taking photos of the property upon arrival and departure
- Keeping all communication within the Airbnb platform
- Reporting any false claims immediately
Have you experienced something similar with an Airbnb host? Share your story in the comments.
