I guess it is quite hard to document dust, as well as mould smell. I just had an experience with airbnb – I rented an apartment (for 10 nights) with an excellent reviews about cleanness etc, but upon arrival I discovered that that place is full of mould – old wooden floors, smell (oh, gosh, you can’t imagine that), and mould spores literally everywhere. House was so full of it, that even lightbulbs seemed hazy. And it is so unhealthy!!!
First thought was – I will not be able to make pictures, haze in the air and a smell are something almost impossible to proof. I literally run away from there – and good for me that host, despite of having strict cancellation policy, offered me a refund (taking just one night as spent). Knowing that otherwise I could receive nothing, I was happy to agree. Now I have to wait till money come back to my account (which is 5 working days, as per airbnb refund confirmation email), but me, being on a short budget and not having any other of my funds handy, now stay overnight in some weird hostels. I feel really unhappy about such experience.
I actually wonder – are all these people who leave such positive reviews to host’s place, completely blind? They do not see or feel this mould? It is impossible to miss that. It is so disgusting.

That would be an apt comparison if Craigslist charged people for listings or earned a commission. It’s more like eBay. If you were an early user of eBay, most of the stories on this site are old hat. Item shipped not the item purchased, item was not represented correctly, buyer sends payment but never receives item, etc. Same problems, different website.

eBay is a thriving business 20 years later. I’m not sure AirBNB will last that long.