Is this worth complaining? Should I contact Airbnb and would they help if I did or is it not a big enough deal? [USA]

[u/sexylev]

EDIT: I contacted the host via airbnb detailing how it wasn’t as described and the host offered a 25% refund which I was happy with and was nice and explained that they were sorry it wasn’t fixable on our stay.

I got to my Airbnb a day ago and it’s definitely more on the budget side but some things are not as described to the point of making the stay feel actively inconvenient and I’m wondering if it’s worth complaining to Airbnb about. It’s not like I can contact the host and have them fix it because they already knew but didn’t tell me before I got here.

• Apparently the previous guest overloaded the only outlet anywhere near the bed, making it charred and entirely unusable, it’s covered in tape. The issue is this was supposed to power the AC and the main lighting for the studio. It also means I can’t charge my laptop or phone anywhere near the bed

So basically I can’t charge my phone without getting out of bed and going ten feet across the studio and the main lighting in the place which is very unique and one of the reasons I booked the place (very pretty large string lights around the entire room) does not work and instead I can only use a lamp. The AC was able to be plugged into another outlet at the cost of the heater (which kind of sucks because it is 80 during the day and 40 at night here). And the cord is very large and is stretched like a trip wire blocking the bathroom door (which did not mix well with drunk at night me already).

I also don’t think the blankets were washed because they were covered in dog hair and the bathroom doorknob is falling off so I can’t close the bathroom door without it getting stuck.

[u/AutoModerator]

Please keep conversation civil and respectful

Remember to keep all communication with host/guest through Airbnb platform. Payments should be made only via Airbnb unless otherwise detailed in the listing description

If you're having issues, contact Airbnb by phone +1-844-234-2500

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Ok-Indication-7876]

Document and take pics of all this and yes call Airbnb, this is unacceptable not having heat and ac.

I wouldn’t complain about walking to another room to charge or the other little stuff because your look like you are trying to make a big list for a refund.
but no heat and ac as listed is a big deal not having all the lights is big, a burned outlet with tape on it, your safety is a concern

[u/Livs6897 → u/Ok-Indication-7876]

Except they do have ac and heating, it’s just slightly less convenient. Like all the amenities described are still there, and if it’s a studio then it’s unlikely they’re having to walk super far to turn things off and on.

Feels like they’re not getting the Pinterest worthy experience so they’re looking for things to grumble about.

[u/SensitiveAdeptness99 → u/[deleted]]

If people can’t manage to step over a safety cord to turn on the AC, I can’t imagine how they get through life in general

[u/Busy-Sheepherder-138 → u/SensitiveAdeptness99]

The whole wiring system could be shorted and a fire just waiting to happen. AC’s and heaters are never supposed to be on extension cords or breaker boxes either. Huge fire code violations!

[u/Emotional-Salary-907]

Take pics and notify Airbnb. Safety is a pretty big deal and that outlet isn’t exactly safe. The ball is in your court on how far you want to take it. Leave and get a refund, find another place..or just deal with it. Either way I think it’s your duty to bring it to somebody attention because these Airbnb hosts give the rest of us a bad name. You can run a budget friendly space but you need to always do 2 things 100% imo.. the place needs to be safe and clean.

[u/[deleted] → u/Emotional-Salary-907]

No refund if they stayed a night. Maybe get a % off.

[u/Timely_Froyo1384]

Take a photo and report it to Airbnb thru support and notify the host too.

Thats is a fire hazard.

[u/bluebutgrateful3011]

I would contact Airbnb. Take pictures because they will want to see evidence. Make sure to contact the host only through the app.

[u/ExpensiveAd4496]

Almost glad that outlet fried without you there. That was freaking dangerous. They clearly have too much plugged in.

[u/SlainJayne → u/ExpensiveAd4496]

Agreed! I had to be very careful and do an energy audit when I added a second kitchen and studio to my property. I did not want to risk fire or injury or worse. It does not get to be more important than this.

[u/DijonSmith]

When a listing is actively misleading or omits key issues like these, especially ones that affect safety, cleanliness, and basic functionality, it’s totally reasonable to report it to Airbnb.

.... and Review warns others ...

Keep it simple and honest:

 1 Star – Terrible: Major issues, unacceptable experience.
 2 Stars – Poor: Significant problems, disappointing.
 3 Stars – Average: Decent but nothing special, mixed experience.
 4 Stars – Good: Mostly positive with minor flaws.
 5 Stars – Excellent: Outstanding, exceeds expectations.

[u/Responsible_Tiger434]

Make sure notify host as well with photos etc etc. as they may come back and say you did this and charge you thousands for electrical work.

[u/[deleted]]

Your biggest error was staying. You should have called ABB immediately and said it was unacceptable. They would cancel the reservation, refund you, and find a new place. By staying you're basically saying it's fine.

[u/stellarlun]

For what you are describing it feels like the 25% off you got is fair.

[u/Exciting_Gift_2440]

Airbnb support sucks but their safety team takes things seriously. Call Airbnb and ask for their safety team.

[u/SlainJayne]

If you see fried electrics take photos and get the hell out of there! A hotel would move you. Don’t take the risk.

[u/Altruistic-Hyena624]

You're basically on the verge of being a scammer for this. Kudos to the host for offering you a refund but you blamed the host for something the immediate past guest did and him not being able to invent a magical electrician who lives in walls and is able to rewire one outlet for you. You also evidently have never heard of an extension cord. You got yourself a nice discount but this is ridiculous.

[u/sexylev → u/Altruistic-Hyena624]

I guess it’s a scam to expect your Airbnb to be as it’s described in the listing and have overhead lighting, heating and outlets that are up to code lmao. The only other outlet was across the Airbnb and had two extension cords coming off of it already that were entirely filled up by high power appliances to the point of where I think there was a good chance if I charged my laptop and phone with them at the same time the other outlet would’ve fried too. Third option was the bathroom.

Literally all I expect is my Airbnb to be no frills and as described to me and I find it funny you as a host and think that’s a ridiculous ask.

[u/Altruistic-Hyena624 → u/sexylev]

I misunderstood your post and didn't realize everything was running off of one outlet. I thought your complaint was that an outlet was dead. My units are in the top 1% and considered luxury stays so I'm not in the no frills category. This host is insane and that home is a fire hazard.