The Truth About Airbnb Host Issues That Can Cost You
Every new host eventually asks the same question. What are the most common Airbnb host issues and how do you avoid them before they blow up into bigger problems? If you’re still learning the ropes or you already manage multiple listings, understanding these issues with Airbnb can save you time, stress, and money. Let’s get into the realities that every host should know.
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If you landed on this post, you’re probably trying to figure out the real Airbnb host issues that people do not talk about. Maybe you are already a host dealing with unexpected chaos. Maybe you are thinking about becoming one and want to know what actually happens behind the scenes?
Either way, you are in the right place because this post will walk you through the biggest issues with Airbnb that hosts deal with every single day.
Let me introduce myself…
I’m Sheraine Whyte. I have been hosting and managing short term rentals for years. Scaled to more than twenty five properties. I had a full team of cleaners, virtual assistants, managers, customer service reps, and the entire operation brought in seven figures. It was rewarding, it was stressfu, and it was exciting. It was all the things people do not tell you about when they glamorize hosting on TikTok or Instagram.
Hosting is a real business! Airbnb host issues are real. And the only way to succeed is to understand the truth up front. So this post is going to lay everything out with full transparency. You will learn the biggest Airbnb problems for hosts, what causes them, and what you can actually do to protect yourself.
Let’s get into it…
This post is all about Airbnb host issues.
Issue 1. Airbnb Does Not Truly Screen Guests
This is one of the biggest Airbnb host issues and the one most new hosts never expect. Airbnb markets itself as a platform that “verifies” guests, checks their details, and ensures a safe experience for everyone. But if you read the Terms of Service, and trust me I read all of it, you will quickly notice that Airbnb does not actually guarantee screening guests. They do not guarantee identities. Don’t guarantee background checks. No guarantee that the person booking is the person arriving.
This creates several issues with Airbnb that hosts run into constantly. For example, Instant Book. Airbnb tells you that when you enable Instant Book you can filter for guests with good reviews, verified IDs, and completed profiles. In reality, someone with no reviews and no verified identity can still book instantly. Even someone who previously caused a problem can simply create a new account and book your property.
Now here is where the Airbnb problems start for hosts. If you try to cancel because you feel uncomfortable, Airbnb will penalize you. They may charge you. Or may block your calendar. They may add an official host canceled mark to your listing which hurts your ranking. You can call support but you may be transferred ten times. I have spent hours on the phone explaining why a booking does not feel safe. And many times Airbnb will still refuse to cancel without consequences.
This is why Airbnb host issues with guest safety are so common. Hosts think Airbnb is protecting them, when in reality, you must protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself From Poor Screening
While you cannot fully fix this, you can reduce the risk. Here is how.
1. Use your house rules to set clear expectations.
Airbnb limits what hosts can ask for, so you must use what is allowed. Your rules can require guests to have a complete profile, a real photo, and accurate information.
2. Review every profile carefully before accepting or approving anything.
Look for red flags:
A blank profile.
A random picture that is not a face.
A strange or suspicious name.
No reviews at all.
Past hosts mentioned issues.
These clues matter more than Airbnb’s verification badge.
3. Message every guest before check in.
Ask simple questions like:
What brings you to the area?
Who will be staying with you?
What time will you arrive?
You are not collecting personal data. You are just confirming the vibe. Your intuition is a real tool in managing Airbnbs.
4. Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, call support and push for a penalty free cancellation. It may take persistence, but it is better than dealing with a bad stay.
5. Limit Instant Book unless your property is in a low risk location.
Instant Book makes your listing more visible, but it also opens the door for unpredictable bookings. For new hosts experiencing Airbnb host issues for the first time, manual reservations give you more control.
The reality is simple. Airbnb problems start long before the guest checks in. They start the moment the wrong guest books. Screening is your responsibility. And while Airbnb will not tell you that directly, every experienced host learns this quickly.
Issue 2. Can an Airbnb Guest Lie?
This is one of the Airbnb host issues that no one truly warns you about. It is one of those issues with Airbnb that feels unbelievable until it happens to you.
A guest can damage your property, break your rules, smoke inside, throw a party, or destroy a TV. Then later they can turn around, call Airbnb, and make up a completely false complaint. And the truth is Airbnb will often take their side, even without proof.
Here is how this usually plays out…
Hosts know the 14 day review window. So when a bad stay happens, most hosts wait quietly for that period to pass so they do not trigger a retaliation review.
You do not want a two star review ruining your listing and your income, so you wait.
Then after the review window closes, you file a claim through the Resolution Center. But now the guest is surprised that you charged them days later (when they thought they got away scot free).
They call Airbnb. They complain. And suddenly Airbnb puts a strike on your account.
This is one of the most frustrating Airbnb problems for hosts because the guest could be completely at fault, yet the host suffers the penalty.
Even if the guest left a perfect review or left no review at all, Airbnb still uses private complaints to evaluate your “performance.” If this happens multiple times, even over years, you risk being delisted.
Why does Airbnb do this? Because guests are their customers. If a guest feels unhappy, even when they are wrong, Airbnb wants to keep them on the platform. They would rather lose one host than lose multiple future bookings from a guest. It is unfair, but it is the reality of hosting on a massive platform.
How to Protect Yourself?
To be honest, this is one of the toughest Airbnb problems for hosts because there is no perfect fix. You need thick skin. You need emotional distance. And you need to financially prepare for situations that are not your fault. Here is what you can do.
1. Be willing to take small losses.
If the damage is one hundred to two hundred dollars, you might genuinely need to choose between the refund or a possible penalty. Sometimes it is better to replace the item, protect your listing, and move on.
2. Do not wait too long to file claims.
Yes, retaliation reviews are real, but damage claims within the first few days are less hassle. You must evaluate the risk of waiting vs acting.
3. Document everything.
Pictures, videos, timestamps, messages. You need overwhelming proof.
4. Get short term rental insurance.
This is extremely important. Your personal insurance might not cover business activity. The right policy can help cover damages when Airbnb will not.
5. List on multiple platforms.
This is the long term solution. Airbnb is powerful but it should not be your only source of income. Platforms like Vrbo, Booking, and Direct Booking websites help reduce your dependency on one system.
The truth is simple. Some guests lie. And when they do, Airbnb will not always protect you. You must protect yourself financially and strategically.
Save For Later:
How Does Airbnb Hosting Work? Easy Guide for Beginners
How To Run An Airbnb remotely and Still Get 5-Star Reviews
Issue 3. Retaliation Reviews
This is another one of those Airbnb host issues that will make your blood boil. Retaliation reviews are real and Airbnb does almost nothing about them. In their own terms, they state clearly that they do not remove reviews just because they are inaccurate. That means a guest can leave a review that is exaggerated, dramatic, unfair, or completely false and Airbnb will leave it up as long as it does not break their harassment rules.
Most hosts do not realize how damaging this can be until the wrong review tanks their listing views. Here is the bigger issue. Even if Airbnb does remove the review, the internal penalty still stays on your account. Airbnb tracks complaints and issues behind the scenes and uses those patterns to determine if you are a good host. If they mark you as risky, you lose visibility. You may lose access to Guest Favorite status. You may lose your ranking entirely.
A lot of hosts struggle with this one because they take their listing personally. They worked hard, spent money. They put their heart into their space. Then a guest comes in, gets upset over something small, and the host pays the price in their income.
One thing that makes this worse is the removal of Superhost benefits. Now Airbnb focuses heavily on Guest Favorites. This is based almost fully on reviews and private ratings. If you get complaints or cancellations, you lose your badge. And without the badge, you lose your placement in search results.
The Only Solution
1. Do not obsess over one bad review.
It hurts. But it will not break your business unless you let it stop you.
2. Consistency wins.
A hundred positive stays will always outweigh one negative one.
3. Build real systems so fewer guests feel frustrated.
People leave bad reviews when they feel ignored or disappointed. Clear communication and great systems reduce that.
4. Prepare mentally.
You are running a customer service business. Even the nicest hotels get bad reviews. It is part of the game.
The truth is unfair but simple. Retaliation reviews still count. Airbnb will not remove most of them. And you must learn not to emotionally spiral every time it happens.
Issue 4. Airbnb Does Not Always Pay You on Time
This is one of the Airbnb problems that no one believes until they experience it. Airbnb is supposed to pay you twenty four hours after check in, but that does not always happen.
Sometimes they hold payments for days. Sometimes they hold payments for weeks. And in rare cases, hosts have gone a month without being paid.
Why does this happen. Bugs. System errors. Guest complaints. Verification problems. Refund investigations. If a guest contacts Airbnb about anything, even if it is small or totally unrelated to you, Airbnb may freeze your payout until they resolve it. This can happen even if the issue is not proven.
Here is what makes this one of the biggest issues with Airbnb. When they hold one payout, it can cause a chain reaction. Your next reservation might also get held. And the one after that… Suddenly, you have three upcoming payouts blocked, and you are scrambling to pay your cleaners and utilities.
How to protect yourself from payout problems?
1. Monitor your payouts constantly.
Do not assume Airbnb is tracking things correctly. You must track everything yourself.
2. Contact support immediately when something is delayed.
The longer you wait, the longer they delay.
3. Keep a cash reserve.
Hosting is a business that requires backup funds. You must save for issues.
4. Never rely on Airbnb as your only income stream.
You need stability. This platform is unpredictable at times.
This is one of the Airbnb problems for hosts that grows as your business grows. When you have one listing, a payout delay is annoying. When you have ten listings, it can ruin your financial flow.
Issue 5. The New Host Fee Model
This is one of the Airbnb host issues that has been getting louder across the hosting community, and honestly, it makes sense why. Airbnb recently switched many listings to a host only fee model where the host pays the full 15% percent instead of the old split fee system. Before, hosts typically paid about three percent and the guest covered the rest. Now Airbnb shifted that cost entirely onto hosts and most people are not thrilled about it.
Here is the truth behind why it happened.
Guests were complaining. They were tired of seeing cleaning fees, service fees, and random add ons. Airbnb wanted to appear more guest friendly and they needed a way to reduce what guests see at checkout. So they pushed the entire service fee onto hosts.
Honestly, The platform is massive now. They do not need to fight for hosts the same way they did years ago because there are thousands of new hosts joining every month.
Guests drive revenue. So Airbnb protects the guests first. It is business, not personal to them…
The harder part of this new fee structure is how it impacts your pricing strategy. That fifteen percent has to come from somewhere. Most hosts update their nightly rates and raise prices to compensate, but that also makes them less competitive against hotels and other hosts. You might need to raise your prices but also keep your listing appealing and fairly priced so you don’t lose bookings. It becomes a balancing act that not everyone is prepared for.
Another issue is the cancellation fees. If you need to cancel a stay for a valid reason, Airbnb charges you. These charges start around fifty dollars but can climb much higher. In extreme cases, they even restrict your calendar for future dates. This feels unfair, but it is the policy. The only exception is when you have a truly serious emergency like a water leak or a safety issue. If you can clearly explain the situation to Airbnb and provide proof, they usually waive the fee. The key is communicating early and often.
What’s The Solution to The New Airbnb Fee Model?
1. Adjust your pricing with intention.
Do not just raise your nightly rate randomly. Look at comparable listings and find the sweet spot.
2. Add more value to justify higher prices.
Better photos, better decor, upgraded amenities, or small touches all help.
3. List on multiple platforms.
Vrbo still uses different fee structures. Direct bookings eliminate fees entirely.
4. Accept that Airbnb adjusts policies for guests…
Issue 6. Reimbursements Take Forever
This is one of the most stressful Airbnb host issues and it is something I dealt with frequently when I ran properties in a big city. When something goes wrong, you expect Airbnb to back you up. A guest smokes in your unit? Guest breaks your couch! A guest floods your bathroom?! A guest throws a party that destroys multiple items!! These things happen more often than new hosts realize.
But here is the real problem. Airbnb does not always reimburse you quickly. Sometimes they take weeks.
Sometimes months.
Occasionally, they never pay at all.
Even when you follow the AirCover steps exactly as instructed, you are told they need more documents, more pictures, more receipts, more proof. Then your case gets assigned to someone else…. Next someone quits. Then your case gets restarted or accidentally closed without resolution.
It’s one of the most frustrating issues with Airbnb because you feel like you are doing everything right and they still make it difficult.
Here is what makes this worse. If you do not stay on top of it, you will forget. And once you forget, the payout disappears and no one reminds you. This is why so many hosts lose hundreds or thousands of dollars over time. Not because they were denied. But because they could not keep track of the endless back and forth.
I once had a guest who threw a full blown party inside my property. My cleaner spent nine (9) hours cleaning. Walls needed repainting. Glitter was everywhere. Beds were broken. The total cost came to around eighteen hundred dollars. Airbnb took five months to reimburse me. That is five months where I covered everything out of pocket. Five months of chasing down the claim. Five months of frustration. And yes, I still had to keep renting the property during this time because the business cannot stop.
How To Protect Yourself
1. Document everything in real time.
Photos, videos, timestamps, receipts.
2. Keep a spreadsheet.
Write down the case number, reservation number, damage description, amount requested, and follow up date.
3. Follow up constantly.
You must chase them. They will not chase you…
4. Be financially prepared.
Hosting requires backup money. You will need to front costs sometimes.
5. Try to resolve small issues independently.
For damages under one hundred dollars, they pay quickly but only if the case is simple. Bigger cases take forever.
This is not negativity. It is reality… If you want to host long term, you must understand that Airbnb reimbursements are not fast and they are not guaranteed. When you know this in advance, you operate smarter.
Issue 7. You Do Not Actually Control Your Own Rules
This one surprises many new hosts. Airbnb says you can set house rules, but the truth is they can override them at any time if they believe it benefits the guest or aligns with their policies. This is one of the more complicated Airbnb problems because it creates confusion for hosts who think they are protected by their own rules.
For example;
You may write in your rules that you do not allow local guests. Airbnb can still allow a local to book your listing.
You may require ID verification before a guest checks in. Airbnb can penalize you for asking for that documentation.
You may state specific check in expectations or limitations and Airbnb can override them and give the guest whatever they want.
The reality is simple. Airbnb created a global system. They built universal rules that sometimes conflict with the personal rules of individual hosts. Hosts think from the perspective of protecting their property. Airbnb thinks from the perspective of protecting global scalability. These two goals do not always align.
Here is a real example;
I once blocked a guest who caused issues. They created a new account on the same day using similar information. My house rules clearly stated that I required ID verification for suspicious bookings and that I do not allow locals. Airbnb still penalized me for asking. They marked my account for violating their policy and ignored the safety concerns I had. This is why many hosts feel powerless when trying to protect their own property.
How To Handle The Lack Of Control
1. Write clear house rules but do not rely on them fully.
They help, but they do not override Airbnb’s authority.
2. Use systems to protect yourself.
Exterior cameras, noise detectors, and smart locks keep you safer than written rules.
3. Move toward direct booking if possible.
When guests book directly, you make the rules. One hundred percent.
4. Understand that Airbnb will always prioritize the guest experience.
You need to protect yourself in other ways.
This is not meant to scare you. It is meant to prepare you. Hosting becomes easier once you understand what you can control and what you cannot.
Issue 8. Cleaners Now Charge Extremely High Prices
This is not exclusively Airbnb’s fault, but it has become one of the biggest Airbnb problems for hosts over the last few years. As Airbnb grew, cleaners realized how essential they are to the hosting process. Good cleaners are hard to find. Reliable cleaners are even harder! Once they know you depend on them, prices climb fast.
A two bedroom cleanup that used to cost one hundred dollars might now cost three hundred or even five hundred depending on the city. Cleaners know the demand. They know hosts are desperate to keep their calendars open. They know hosts cannot check in guests without their help. Because of that, they price accordingly.
The truth is hosting created a ripple effect. Cleaners became their own form of contractors. They manage entire turnovers, restock supplies. They sometimes wash linens, handle trash. Also they report damage. They often act like mini property managers. So they increased their rates as their responsibility grew.
How To Reduce The Impact Of Rising Cleaner Costs?
1. Find long term cleaners and build relationships.
Loyal cleaners stay consistent.
2. Pay fairly and treat them well.
The cheapest cleaner is never the best cleaner.
3. Automate turnovers where possible.
Use linen services and scheduled restocks.
4. Have a backup cleaner or two.
Never rely on one person.
This is an unavoidable part of hosting. Cleaning prices will always increase. The key is planning for it and choosing people you can trust.
Issue 9. Guest Expectations
This is one of those Airbnb host issues that shows up no matter how experienced you are. Guest expectations often do not match the price they paid. You could charge sixty dollars per night because you want to stay competitive and still give your guest a clean, comfortable space with everything they need. Yet somehow, the lower the nightly rate, the higher the expectations seem to be.
Some guests expect unlimited towels, free beverages, twenty rolls of toilet paper, multiple sets of extra linens, endless amenities, free late checkouts, and personal on demand service. They want you to be available at 2 AM to answer questions they could easily solve by reading the listing. They sometimes want a discount if even the smallest thing does not go their way.
This can be extremely frustrating because you do not want to upset guests, but you also cannot operate your business like an all inclusive resort. It is simply unrealistic.
How To Solve Guest Expectation Issues
The solution is not to give less. It is to list less. Meaning you should deliver the value but do not advertise everything…
When guests receive a pleasant surprise that they were not expecting, they feel like they are getting more for their money. That shifts the entire perspective.
Here are a few examples to help lower expectations while raising satisfaction.
1. Keep one or two amenities a secret.
Do not list everything in your description. If you offer a fridge stocked with cold water, snacks, a complimentary bottle of wine, or cozy house slippers, leave that off the listing. When guests arrive and find it, they feel like they received something special.
2. Advertise only the essentials.
Keep your listing focused on what is guaranteed, not what is extra. Advertised promises become expectations. Hidden extras become bonuses.
3. Do not oversell the experience.
Stay honest and straightforward. This reduces the risk of unrealistic expectations.
4. Offer surprise comforts.
A simple pair of hotel slippers, a few chocolate treats, or a bottle of room spray can completely change how they feel about the stay.
Small gestures go a long way, especially when guests were not expecting anything beyond the basics. This strategy makes your reviews stronger, reduces unnecessary complaints, and helps you avoid some of the most frustrating issues with Airbnb guest behavior.
Issue 10. Airbnb Customer Service Is Often Slow and Powered by Bots
This is another one of those Airbnb problems for hosts that becomes more obvious the longer you are on the platform. Airbnb uses AI systems and overseas teams to handle a large portion of customer support. There is nothing wrong with AI or overseas workers. The problem is that Airbnb is a real people business. When something goes wrong, you need help immediately, not three days later…
For example, if a guest refuses to check out, you would expect Airbnb to assist right away. Instead, support often responds with a generic scripted message. They tell you they will “escalate the issue.” Then you hear nothing for days. When they finally respond, they ask if your issue has been solved, even though no one ever took action. This can be incredibly stressful when you are dealing with real situations in real time.
Because support is slow and highly automated, you must learn how to protect yourself before something happens. Once you expect delays, you can prepare for them.
How To Protect Yourself?
1. Create extremely clear instructions for guests.
Make a digital guidebook outlining everything. WiFi details, emergency contact numbers, thermostat instructions, trash rules, local hospital address, parking directions, and anything else important. The more information you give upfront, the less likely guests will need emergency help later.
2. Be honest about your own availability.
Tell guests exactly what hours you respond and when you are not available. Clear expectations solve many problems before they start.
3. Keep a fully stocked first aid kit and emergency supplies.
If you cannot respond instantly, at least your guests have what they need.
4. Prepare for problems before they happen.
Extra batteries, backup keys, door lock instructions, and smart home devices reduce the need for Airbnb involvement.
Customer service delays are one of the most frustrating issues with Airbnb because you cannot speed it up. So the key is to build systems that prevent emergencies in the first place. When you look at it from that perspective, everything becomes easier.
Issue 11. You Can Be Penalized For Guest Party’s
This one shocks a lot of new hosts because it feels completely backward, but it is one of the most common Airbnb host issues. If a guest has a party, even if they break every house rule you have, even if you report it to Airbnb immediately, you can still be penalized.
Airbnb often closes or suspends your listing temporarily while they “investigate.” Since investigations are automated and handled slowly, your calendar stays blocked. That means you are losing money while waiting for Airbnb to resolve something the guest caused. This can happen even when the guest is clearly at fault.
This is because Airbnb prioritizes safety, and their automated safety systems shut listings down quickly to avoid liability. The intention makes sense, but the execution hurts hosts.
Protect Yourself From Party Related Penalties
1. Install a noise detector.
These devices monitor volume levels, not conversations, so they are privacy safe. If the noise spikes, you get notified instantly.
2. Use exterior cameras legally.
Cameras at the front door let you track how many people are entering.
3. Create strict maximum occupancy rules.
Even if Airbnb can override them, your rules still help you communicate clearly.
4. Respond quickly when noise increases.
Contact the guest immediately to prevent escalation.
5. Always document everything.
Screenshots, timestamps, noise logs, and camera activity protect you if Airbnb penalizes your listing.
This is one of the tougher issues with Airbnb because it shows how automated the system has become. The more you prepare, the easier it is to prevent penalties.
Issue 12. Guests Can Hold Your Calendar Without Paying
This one surprises almost every new host because it feels like it should be impossible, yet it happens all the time. One of the most frustrating Airbnb host issues is that a guest can technically book your space without ever completing the payment. The reservation will appear on your calendar as confirmed, even though no money has been processed.
The problem is simple. A guest goes to book your listing. They don’t finish their identity verification or payment. Or do not message you. They don’t finalize anything. Yet Airbnb still holds the dates for them for 24 to 40 hours. This makes your calendar look fully booked, when in reality you have a guest who is not coming, not paying, and not communicating.
What makes this one of the most annoying issues with Airbnb is that you cannot remove this hold manually. In the past, you could call Airbnb and they would cancel it for you. That is no longer the case. They now allow the entire time frame to run out.
The result;
You lose that night with no payment.
You cannot rebook it.
You miss out on income.
There is no real solution for this one. It is simply a system issue and one of the unavoidable Airbnb problems for hosts. The only thing you can do is mentally prepare for the fact that a few dates a year may get stuck in this unpaid limbo. Hosts who are booked out constantly feel this the most because a single lost night can equal hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It is unfair but completely real.
Issue 13. Airbnb Can Close Your Account Without Warning
This is one of the hardest realities for hosts to accept. Airbnb can shut down your listing or your entire account at any time without giving a reason. It’s written plainly in their Terms of Service. They do not need to explain the decision, justify it, or even notify you with enough time to salvage anything.
Hosts have had accounts closed for misunderstandings, mistaken identity, automated flags, guest complaints, and internal errors. When Airbnb decides to shut something down, it often happens instantly and without explanation.
This is one of the most important Airbnb host issues to understand. Your business cannot always survive if everything you own depends on ONE platform.
How To Protect Yourself
- Always list on multiple platforms.
- Work toward your own direct booking website.
- Build a repeat guest list.
- Never depend on Airbnb as your only source of income.
If you rely on Airbnb alone, one wrongful suspension can wipe out everything overnight. Hosts do not realize this until it happens. Once it does, it is too late. Protect yourself before you ever need protection.
Issue 14. The Arbitration Clause
This one is extremely important because most hosts do not read the legal section of the Airbnb terms.
Airbnb requires all disputes to be handled privately in arbitration. That means you cannot sue them publicly in court. You can’t threaten a lawsuit. Cannot gather other hosts and file a joint claim. You also can’t publicly expose the situation in a legal setting.
Arbitration is expensive. It’s time consuming, it requires a lawyer. It is intentionally designed to discourage hosts from pursuing real disputes… Airbnb is a billion dollar corporation. They understand that most individual hosts don’t have the resources to fight a legal battle privately. Because of this, thousands of hosts lose money every year and choose not to pursue arbitration simply because the process is so difficult.
This is one of the biggest issues with Airbnb because it removes one of the only forms of accountability hosts have. If you are owed money, or you were wrongfully penalized, or your account was closed, your only option is arbitration. And Airbnb knows most hosts will not go through with it.
This is why hosting smart and independently is so important. It protects you from relying too heavily on a system that legally has the upper hand in every situation.
So, What Are the Main Issues You Have Found as an Airbnb Host?
This is the question every new host asks. The truth is simple. Airbnb hosting can be incredibly profitable, but it comes with real challenges. As someone who started with a single property, scaled to more than twenty five properties, ran a full in house team, and earned seven figures from Airbnb, I can tell you both sides truthfully. Airbnb changed my life financially. But… it came with costs that no one warns you about.
Airbnb has publicly stated that the platform is meant for small individual hosts, not large operations. When you are a small host, you are easier to control and easier to take advantage of. When you do not understand the business or the systems behind it, mistakes cost you thousands of dollars.
Airbnb puts guests first. Always. And when you depend on Airbnb alone, you put yourself at risk. Cancellations, penalties, unpaid nights, delayed payouts, lost reimbursements, retaliation reviews, account closures, and arbitration restrictions can cost you real money.
Would I have recommended Airbnb years ago? Absolutely. It took me from an everyday person to someone earning life changing income. But now that I fully understand the reality of hosting small and big, good and bad, I cannot blindly recommend Airbnb the way I once did…
If you still want to host, I will continue sharing everything I know from real experience, not the sugarcoated version online. You can make Airbnb work and you can make great money. But you must protect yourself. Learn from people who have actually hosted multiple properties, not people selling a dream with no experience.
Here is the real truth if you still want to dive into hosting.
You must understand that Airbnb is not your partner. It’s a business.
You must build systems;
You must document everything;
You must over communicate;
You must learn hospitality;
You must use multiple platforms;
You must go in knowing that no matter how perfect you try to be, Airbnb host issues will happen.
I created an entire course years ago, teaching everything step by step but I never publicly released it because I don’t believe in selling a dream without explaining the reality!
I would also love to hear from you. So, Have you hosted on Airbnb?
Have you faced any airbnb problems or situations that were unexpected?
What were your biggest struggles as a host?
Your experience matters, and sharing it helps future hosts understand what they are walking into.
This post is all about Airbnb host issues.
