Woman Receives $18,000 Bill for Damages She Didn’t Cause in Airbnb Rental
Amy Peto and her friends were excited about their girl’s trip to Michigan. They decided to rent a vacation home in Douglas through Airbnb. The house seemed perfect, and they had a fantastic time at the beach, shopping, and playing cards. However, their joy quickly turned to shock and frustration when Peto received an invoice from the Airbnb host for over $18,000 in damages.
Upon reading the review that accompanied the bill, Peto’s stomach dropped. The host accused her of causing significant damage to the house and called them “horrible guests.” Peto was taken aback because she had no recollection of causing any damage.
The alleged damage in question was a large hole in the bathtub. Peto vehemently denied responsibility, pointing out that the hole looked like it was made with a sledgehammer. She insisted that she and her friends had left the place in great condition, without even a scratch.
As Peto examined the invoice further, she became even more outraged. The host was not only demanding that she repair the bathtub but also pay for various other repairs and expenses, including plumbing fixtures, tile, glass door, painting, management fees, plumbing, trash, and demolition. The total cost amounted to a staggering $18,820.
It became clear to Peto that the host was attempting to exploit her by making her pay for a bathroom remodel. She believed that the host had intentionally exaggerated the damages to cover his own expenses, as his house was listed for $1.5 million. Peto was determined not to be fooled and refused to bear the financial burden.
She tried reaching out to the host to resolve the issue but received no response. Faced with the prospect of paying such a substantial amount on a teacher’s salary, Peto turned to Airbnb for help. She engaged in a lengthy back-and-forth with the company, fighting the charges and presenting her case. After weeks of persistence, Airbnb finally accepted her appeal and closed the case. Peto was relieved to learn that she would not be charged for the damages.
However, the incident left a deep scar on Peto. She expressed her disappointment and frustration with Airbnb, stating that she would never use or recommend the platform again. What added insult to injury was the fact that the host, despite his questionable actions, still held the coveted status of “Superhost” on Airbnb.
A “Superhost” is a distinction given to hosts who consistently provide exceptional hospitality, according to Airbnb’s website. It signifies that they go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience. Peto found it disheartening that the host, who had treated her unfairly, maintained this prestigious title.
When contacted by WLS, Airbnb stated that the host had provided evidence to support his claim, and their investigation did not uncover any proof of fraud on his part. Peto, on the other hand, insists that the company refused to remove the negative review from the host about the damages, leaving it on her record. She believed that Airbnb’s response was inadequate and did not fully address her concerns.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for Airbnb users and highlights the potential risks involved in renting through the platform. While Airbnb provides a convenient and often affordable alternative to traditional accommodations, incidents like these emphasize the importance of thorough research, clear communication with hosts, and documenting the condition of the property upon arrival and departure.
In conclusion, Amy Peto’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by Airbnb guests when disputes arise over damages. It underscores the need for better protocols and support from Airbnb to ensure fair resolutions and protect guests from potentially fraudulent claims. As for Peto, she remains wary of using the platform again and hopes that her story will serve as a lesson for others considering Airbnb rentals.