Install the google voice app on your computer/chromebook.

When you are connected to wifi, use the google voice app to call AirBnB. It will be free.

Thank you, Ms. Mcnerney, for your wise advice! I have come to the same conclusion — only book Airbnb rentals one month at a time. If one IS lucky enough to find a good spot, it is a roll of the dice whether the listing will be available for extension of the reservation. Complications arise in every scenario, alas. I am very grateful for your comment. Sherry Armstrong

I believe I will take Shelley G’s good advice, and simply send my Posted appeal to Airbnb via the Help Center Message site. I am gathering the courage to photograph and video (using my Chromebook laptop’s recording device — I have no iPhone; only a cheap SFR prepaid mobile phone. I am a dinosaur.)

Thanks to BFP for querying whether I’ve called Airbnb. That raises another costly problem for Airbnb Guests in foreign countries. The California Airbnb Customer Service phone number IS toll-free. HOWEVER, one must purchase a French International Calling SIM card for the mobile phone. [SFR’s current offer is: 20€ = Série limitée du 23 avril au 10 juin inclus, jusqu’à 140 minutes d’appels vers le monde entier (soit 40min offertes) +4Go d’internet mobile offerts, valable 30 jours. Translated: 20 € = Limited series from April 23 to June 10 included, up to 140 minutes of calls to the world (40 minutes offered) + 4GB of mobile internet offered, valid for 30 days.] This means, calling California; waiting on Hold; explaining the situation — possibly to several transferred Agents (I went through this when seeking assistance for the wifi-less Airbnb). Suddenly — often mid-sentence — your 20 euros (at today’s conversion rate, about $23) is used up and the call is cut off. Another downside to calling: NO WRITTEN RECORD OF THE EXCHANGE.

Special thanks to each one of you — BFP, Shelley G, and Kaylee. Now, I’m going to have a little cry, drink some coffee, and put on my Big Girl Pants and contact Airbnb. Let the Chips Fall Where They May.

Document all problems via the Airbnb app with your host. It is the only way that you have proof of the issues with the accommodation and that you let the host know of the problems.

Appeal to Airbnb with photos and a factual, not opinionated (as you’ve done here quite well), and clear list of issues. While you might not get full satisfaction given your current financial situation, you will at least get this host on their radar for problems. Refer to the description of the accommodation, and how the description is incorrect. Also document broken/dirty/hazardous conditions.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get something back for your trouble in the end.

I’ve learned ALWAYS share the info with Airbnb before cancelling on your own so they are aware there is a problem.

Best of luck!