THE TOP FIVE PITFALLS

THE most common causes for complaints to Airbnb are:

1Stay cancelled by host: Bookings discontinued with little or no notice should never happen – but they do. Hosts are subject to penalties designed to discourage them from cancelling, but some still do, so be prepared.

2Scams: Being charged for damage to the property that never happened.

3Unsafe or insanitary conditions: Bed bugs, fleas and rodent infestations.

4Property not as described: Air-conditioning not working, or no sign of the promised washing machine.

5Fraudulent fake listings: Particularly hosts listing properties they do not own.