Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by AirbnbHell.com users do not necessarily reflect those of the Airbnb Hell staff. That being said, we will continue to provide a free and uncensored platform for all of our contributors to share their Airbnb related stories, opinions, and experiences.
I’m a pensioner, an old lady who can’t afford to be ripped off by Airbnb. I had booked a holiday in the UK. I paid for it in full and was due to take it in November 2016. Then I received an email from Airbnb saying that everyone who uses their website will need to sign their Equality Commitment. I could agree to almost all of it, but though I have no property to let out, I could not agree to let out a room in my home to a gay couple. I have no problems renting from a gay couple. But as gay marriage is against my religious principles, I just cannot sign it. I was able to get a refund for the actual holiday but not for the service charge. I’m an old lady and can’t afford to lose that service charge. I would understand if they had told me before I paid my money out, that this is the way it’s going to be. That would have been fair. But this isn’t even legal! Never mind fair. They state that any bookings I already have will be cancelled if I don’t sign. You can’t do that! But they have done that. They have ripped off this old lady and robbed her blind. Why are they allowed to get away with it?
Regardless of the lady’s point of view, the new policy isn’t about discrimination, it’s about one thing and one thing only: by making people rent out to whomever Airbnb wants, Airbnb ensures its cut. Simple as that. That website doesn’t give a shit about anyone.
I’m not a close follower of the ins and outs of Airbnb’s attitudes, but they are part of the Capitalist system, and so they do want to make money, yes.
However, as a host and guest user of Airbnb, I find the system works for me. I will be very pleased to sign the anti-discrimination policy, and the timing of this coming out (cf the discrimination espoused by elected Trump) is apposite!
You shouldn’t be a host or a guest.
No problems renting FROM a gay couple, but cannot rent TO a gay couple?????? In this case, her hosting/renting privileges should be taken away.
I posted this as a guest. I believe it is only fair to say that Airbnb have actually refunded my money now – including the service fee. So that is a bit of a relief.
I would prefer to have this deleted now – is that possible please?
On the other hand, could it help someone else in the same position, who paid before they knew about the agreement and have had their booking cancelled?