Airbnb Red Flags - What to Look for in an Apartment Rental

[@texasflood1295]

Some of our best and worst experiences have been with these short-term rentals. I have found that hotels are much more consistent at meeting my expectations. As Mark noted, be aware of the cleaning fee. Some of these have gotten higher than the rental itself.

[@thehistorynerd8537]

It’s just that hotels near where I want to be are waaay too expensive for a college student traveling on a budget with my brother, where it is cheaper to use VRBO than hostels. This is not always the case though.

[@TingTingalingy]

I'm surprised hostels aren't the cheapest by far. ​@@thehistorynerd8537

[@sweetaznspice1]

It made sense to stay at Airbnb rentals like a decade ago when it was still relatively unknown and there was a definite price advantage. I rarely use Airbnb anymore for my travels.

[@dimlucas3931]

My favorite keyword is "noise". Especially when booking close to the city center or where nightlife is vibrant.

[@woltersworld]

Yes!!! That is another good one.

[@sarapanzarella97]

I look for that in hotel reviews too.

[@annaandriishyna4121]

Same story 😂

[@sbossinger]

Thanks for putting this video out. You’re spot on. My experience was six years ago: I’ve refused to use Airbnb ever since I stayed at a location where the cleaning duties weren’t fully disclosed in advance, but there was a $200+ cleaning fee. They wanted me to wash, dry, and fold the sheets. They wanted me to wash and put away the dishes. And I got a bad review for leaving the dishes in the dishwasher after washing them. Oh well. Never again.

[@lindab5789]

Many rental properties are listed with multiple rental agencies, i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Check all the listings and reviews on each one. Typically, the rental property has the same name/description across all agencies. So, you can just search on the name/description and find all listings.

[@susaneosborn]

For sure check multiple listings for the same rental. Airbnb and VRBO have higher fees for the host and charge more money than booking through the local property rental site.

[@savannah115]

I'm a national park ranger, and short-term rentals becoming an investment thing has destroyed national parks' ability to hire seasonal help. They get paid very little money already, and now that every rental in tourists areas is a short term rental, they end up turning down jobs because they legit cant afford the rent/find a place to live. You can expect fewer rangers to help you in national parks, restrooms in parks not getting cleaned as frequently, even things like basic maintenance aren't getting done because the cost of housing near national parks has decimated the ranks of park employees. I hate AirBnB.

[@sarahmckenzie3929]

Ever since I saw News coverage about some AirBnb hosts putting hidden cameras in their homes, I will never use AirbBnb again. I also loathe the cleaning fees, when I’m expected to clean up after my stay.

[@JayandSarah]

Still cheaper thank a hotel that’s for sure. Who cares what fees exist it’s the total cost that matters. We travel full time . Airbnb is the best platform for us.

[@jcnlaw]

I have had (mostly) excellent experiences with Airbnb. The quality of communication from the host and the clarity of the instructions to get into the property are very important. One Airbnb hostess in Italy (who spoke only Italian) used only photos to explain how to enter the apartment building, get the key, and enter the apartment. It was wild, but once I figured out what the photos represented, I had an “a-ha” moment, and it all made sense. (After my trip I offered to write English instructions to help future English speaking guests for this property). I really like being immersed in the different neighborhoods and living like a local. Airbnb offers that experience. I also like having a kitchen.

[@marinarehren7076]

I agree with your point about being immersed in different neighbourhoods. I rented an Airbnb in Athens recently and enjoyed a neighbourhood I wouldn't have otherwise.

[@zoisk5718]

On point as always. From my experience many guests don't pay attention to the description . I have guests asking me in which floor is the apartment or asking for something that is not listed. I remember especially one guest who told me that he wasn't satisfied, because the apartment is on the ground floor and told me that he looked through the listing but couldn't find that the apartment is on the ground floor. I took a screenshot of the description where it was written twice. Also stocking the fridge is a waste of money and a waste of products. Because if the products are not consumed from the previous guests but opened, we have to throw them away. You cannot leave food used from another guest to the next one. For me a welcome gift is the perfect solution.

[@Christinebythesea]

As someone who has travelled a lot this year and benefits from longer stays with kitchen and laundry facilities (so hotels don’t always provide what I need), I fully agree with Mark’s wise advice and would add that, along with his tips, I look out for properties that are an annex or converted garage/basement etc so are the host’s guest space for their friends and family and not an investment property. These have been most comfortable and welcoming and came with an attentive but unimposing host full of tried and tested local recommendations. This has really enhanced my stays!

[@Jorge-e4c2l]

Mark, I've stayed at only one short-term rental vis-a-vis AirB&B. I was in Portland, Oregon to attend the Far West Horticulture Show. So I booked an property through AirB&B. The property was a 3/2 single-story ranch located in an "evolving" intown Portland neighborhood. (A current Crime Report was not included in the description). Thinking I had rented the entire home for a single night, I was shocked when the property owner's son arrived. It turned out that he lived there. I had rented only one bedroom/shared bath. The next morning, he had left for work, and I went into the guest bathroom to shower. Oddly enough I found only two wash cloths, but no bath towels. I showered with one, and dried with the other. Since, I had no one to speak with, I made a suggestion to the owner in my review about supplying bath towels in the guest bathroom. She replied that I was "the needest guest ever" and gave me a bad review. The AirB&B rental price was the same as a Holiday Inn near Portland international Airport (PDX). Since then I've read nothing but horror stories about AirB&B. Some AirB&B properties in Atlanta became so-called Party Houses where their "guests" trashed the house and neighbor's property. This caused several communities to ban or restrict short-term rentals. I don't believe all short-term rental property owner's are bad, but I do believe those short-term rentals that are not Owner-Occupied Single Family Residences must be prohibited!!!

[@vinyalonde]

I have found that AirBnB prices in the past few years have gone up a lot. One place I stayed in New York was actually a hotel that chose to advertise through AirBnB but when I checked the hotel's website, the price was a few hundred dollars cheaper per diem. I was in Berlin in early 2020 and a good hotel near the central train station was cheaper than an AirBnB apartment some distance away. One aspect of these private rentals is that they also can skew rental rates for locals in a city. In Barcelona, people are up in arms because there are fewer rentals available for the locals.

[@HelenGill2222]

I had one Paris host ask me to put the sheets in to wash, but she had only left me 4 pods to begin with for 3 weeks. Plus she didn't specify prior I had to use bottled water in her coffee maker and buy special water tablets for the washing machine. Then when I truthfully let people know there were 67 steps to the apartment she replied under saying I was exaggerating and old!

[@woltersworld]

Ouch. That sucks

[@timberwolfe1645]

Don't forget the 'ARE NEIGHBORS HAPPY to have a small HOTEL of strangers WALKING around and through their properties with NO REGULATIONS to kick them out

[@scottc1589]

Being a seasoned apartment rental user, I think this is all very sound advice. The only other thing that I would add is: CHECK THE CANCELLATION POLICY CAREFULLY!

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Photos of the area outside/around the building, along with photos of the bath area, are also a must. Having recently retired from a corporate position in the hospitality industry responsible for a portfolio of 100 properties in the US and Caribbean, I only stay in hotels now. I've been disappointed too frequently with AirBnB and VRBO.

[@PaulGodfrey]

Agree. All interior pictures means outside is not great.

[@johndornoff]

Also look at how many other places they rent out. If they have a bunch of places they are an investor and the place wont have the personal touch. Also see in the host profile if they show where they are from. If your renting a place in Denver and the host is in Philadelphia that is a red flag. Sadly short term rentals have become the get rich quick real estate scams of the 21st century.

[@woltersworld]

They really did become the get rich quick scheme. So many IG ads saying they can make you MONEY. Ugh 😞

[@lostincyberspaceIII]

I always look at 2 star reviews, I find they have the most truth in the negative opinions.

[@woltersworld]

Thats good

[@adi91216]

Airbnb allows me to cook, which is huge for me as every meal outside can get expensive. I can also enjoy a home atmosphere in another place away from home which can be more comforting and less claustrophobic than a hotel. You just need to research and book the right one with almost all positive reviews, and a superhost. I have never had a bad experience with airbnb.

[@tinmiloutin]

Your nice experience ruins the cohesion of the neighbourhood. In my condominium in Montréal, we voted a rule prohibiting Airbnb rental. I now have a real neighbour instead of having ever changing travelers. That way, our condominium remains a community. With the housing crisis we experience, we need to keep apartments affordable.

[@adi91216]

@@tinmiloutin While I agree that a community and neighbourhood are important, there is nothing wrong with having travelers who are respectful, treat it like their own home and not cause any disturbance. The owner has a right to let their home for airbnb if they choose to.

[@ghaznavid]

I once stayed at a place that didn't give people staying there a gate remote. I almost missed my flight because I couldn't wake up the guy who opens the gate, even though I'd confirmed with him the night before when I'd be leaving.

[@woltersworld]

Yikes!!!

[@vanessagreen9637]

Also look for complicated instructions to get into the property. I stayed at one AirBnB that was in a multiple floor apartment building. Yes I had to take the elevator, but then I also had to drag luggage up multiple flights of stairs and down long corridors only to get to the apartment and try to figure out the complicated key lock. I tried the lock several times and couldn’t get in. It was the middle of the night when I arrived and was freaking out that I would have nowhere to stay.

[@woltersworld]

That doesnt sound like a fun time

[@itsnotme07]

Another GREAT video Mark! Don't forget to read the listing and pay attention to spelling/grammar issues. Many times fake listings are done and they look great except for this: "Private room in resort" But it shows as a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo. Here was a response to my "Private room" question: "It’s two private rooms, One with a full kitchen and one with a half kitchen" I couldn't come close to figuring that out, so we didn't book it. Send the host a message BEFORE you book with questions. That same listing said "Resort fee, $50/day", but when I asked I was told it's $50 per stay. Just seems sketchy the host couldn't explain it better.

[@Tamarad82]

I’ve stayed in many rentals, mostly when traveling with another couple. Never did we have so many problems trying to rent one as we did recently in the Amsterdam vicinity. For whatever reason every listing was very vague and the pictures would be as described by Mark, of a faucet or a vase, or a headboard but never the entire space. I think most were trying to hide the fact that you had to climb a ladder/steep staircase to get to a bedroom or one couple would have to walk through the other couples bedroom to get to the only bathroom! We ended up getting hotel rooms. I did meet a woman in Queens whose AIRBNB we rented. She had all the fixings for breakfast. That was the first any only time we have seen this. I asked her about it (she lived upstairs). She said she was on the board of Airbnb and that it’s literally in the name…bed and breakfast and that it’s supposed to be provided! I do get it though as someone mentioned earlier that that creates a lot of waste, but it was a pleasant surprise.

[@To_da_M0o0n]

Thank you for this video! As I am currently on my 5th backpacking trip I made the mistake back in 2017 by not reading the reviews of a hostel. The hostel was a great price in the cirque Terre in Italy but all the reviews complained about bedbugs so now I read comments for stuff like that. This video is GOLD for new travellers.

[@magnificus8581]

I also will only rent places that give you a chance to cancel with no fee. I can get the exact address and go on Google maps to see the area. I've twice canceled because the area looks dodgy or not where I wanted and it was no problem to cancel and get another place!

[@mikegaudry]

Nice pictures of Stockholm! I’ve lived here for 6 years and it’s such a pretty city. Highly recommend for tourists

[@ColleenWright-kt7ck]

Reading reviews is so important! We're planning a trip to Aruba this fall and in looking at places on Airbnb I couldn't believe how many had reviews complaining about not having hot water. I discovered that it's common for places in Aruba to not have hot water heaters and those that do actually list hot water as an amenity in the listing. I've always taken it as a basic so it was a good lesson not to assume and make sure to check the amenities. Now wouldn't it be nice if Airbnb gave you the ability to search by any amenity and not just their list of the most popular?

[@shantiwilliams6850]

Walterss God bless you! Just became one of my favorite Chanel’s love your sensibility & careful but analytical wisdom & how you vet. I align very much with this and you are a wealth of knowledge. Keep blessing the world 🌍 my friend. Peace and light!

[@jenzhou1096]

Amazing tips as always! I've only stayed at one AirBnB before (in Long Beach, CA) & luckily it was a great experience. I definitely agree that people need to read carefully & ask the hosts good questions.

[@alexpleshy8565]

The cleaning fees get so bizarre that I'm sticking to hotels/hostels when traveling

[@bugsygoo]

I've rented a couple of places with no reviews. One was a disaster because the owner claimed not to know anything about it. But now I just make sure the owner is responsive before and after I book. Most of my stays with airbnb have been mediocre though, so this year we stayed in hotel apartments. They tend to be smaller but still better equipped than airbnb. And it's a lot more professional.

[@alexandrawallner8814]

Thank you for your interesting videos. About the rentals: very few if any renters think about the NEIGHBORS on either side of their wonderful houses or apartments they've rented. We have lived in our present house in a city for 19 years and for most of those years, we've had long time rental neighbors. Recently, though, the owner of the house next door has made it into a kind of BnB for short term rentals. They even put in a pool. It was an AirBnB for a while but I guess the owners thought that was a company with too many restrictions. The problem is that it can get very noisy. There have been renters there that have played boom boxes throughout the night. The noise around the pool is irritating especially at night when people drink at the pool and kids scream their lungs out with pleasure. -- First of all, the rental diminishes the neighborhood because there is not an actual family living there contributing to the neighborhood, just a bunch of transients who do not care. Mr. Wolters, PLEASE do a video of BnB type rentals and how they impact the neighbors and the neighborhood. Thank you!

[@woltersworld]

I have a few more of these videos coming and one is the "don'ts of airbnb stays," and i do go into considering the neighbors and neighborhoods, so hopefully that can help.

[@mike60605]

I 1000% agree. Here in Florida, there are AirBnBs everywhere so if you want to buy or rent, you should be aware of the use of yours and the neighboring properties. I live on a very residential street with young kids and their last visitors just trashed the street with fireworks for the 4th and what's worse is the owner has not set the trash, so the trash has been sitting out there for almost 2 months.

[@timberwolfe1645]

@@woltersworld Yay!!! Can't wait for that one!

[@alexandrawallner8814]

@@woltersworld I surely look forward to this video. Just last night, we had a bunch of young people staying next door and they sang, laughed and played a boom box until 3 in the morning. I am going to contact the owner today to complain but I feel we are always going to be the victims of circumstance. I don't want to get into a tiff with the owners since we are expats in the neighborhood. We are trying very hard to be considerate and understanding of our host country but our patience is wearing thin. Sigh. We just want to live our lives without excess noise. -- Thanks for addressing this issue, Mr. Wolters!

[@yvonnesmith8245]

Wow 🤩 Stockholm is really gorgeous! Thank you for another entertaining and informative video regarding vacation rentals ❤️

[@kimm3473]

I am always tempted by the deals of brand new listings but in the end… go with the reviews! Great tips!!

[@Harmonikdiskorde]

My main experience with AirBnB is that the hosts have never tried to sleep in most rooms they're offering (or are exceptionally light-insensitive) and have no idea what it means to have 'blackout blinds' even if they list it as an amenity.

[@groton27]

Stayed at a rental a couple years ago that provided one roll of TP in the bathroom . It was a week stay for four of us. Good thing we decided to do our grocery shopping after we got there not before

[@Tamarad82]

We were in an Airbnb in an apartment complex in Maui when everything shut down for Covid 19. We were given 4 rolls for a week with two couples. We started our trip before things got too crazy but if you recall, things changed quite quickly from day to day. The stores were stripped of all available T.P. And we still had a couple days left. We called the property management staff to request just 2 more rolls to get through the week (not a case but 2 rolls). We were told they only provide what they provide. Of course they knew we couldn’t obtain more. I told them I hoped they didn’t mind when we used the paper towels instead! Within an hour, someone dropped off two more rolls. 🤣

[@Cmar24]

We need a vlog of you going to London for the first time. I’m from California and loved it there. Great food options and super multicultural. I think you’ll love it. If you like it you’ll also like NY and LA

[@danam8348]

I agree with everything you said. We use temp rentals a lot in our travels and I can tell you that you have to read the profile completely and the reviews to get an idea if the place will work for you. Thanks for your channel. I use it a lot and find it entertaining and full of great advice😎.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Dan. I appreciate the kind words

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

A lot of good info but I was surprised parking wasn’t mentioned. Always a factor in what we book. Having a guaranteed spot is such a bonus.

[@chkoha6462]

Just book a hotel room and done...have not used AirBNB for a couples of years now

[@marinarehren7076]

Very sound advice! Thank you! I will come back to your video when I rent an Airbnb next time!

[@gee12ramona]

As a host, sometimes guests want me to share my address early on. Airbnb sends out that info shortly before the booking starts. That wait can be very difficult for people who want to know where they're staying. As a single woman, I don't like to give that info out for security reasons but what I do is send them the name of a business very close to my home. I feel safe and guests can make plans

[@jansvanaalst-ubels2244]

Great tips indeed! Whatever site your using: take a close look at pictures; no picture of the terras means there is no terras. A throw on the sofa means very old, worn out furniture. Other peoples stuff on the picture like coats still on the coatrack; messy place! Closed curtains; terrible view.

[@foreignparticle1320]

When I'm planning a trip - whether it involves a hotel or airbnb - I always take my time to look through every option, shortlist, compare location/amenities, closely examine photos, read reviews (filtered by "most recent"), then do it again. I never book hastily, unless necessary.

[@davidpitkin9352]

Very wise!

[@kateshyne4687]

Once booked and having received the actual address, I like to check out the location on Google maps. I’ve ended up cancelling and finding a new location due to proximity to busy streets that weren’t obvious obvious when originally booking.

[@c.h.ingate5271]

Great presentation, as always.

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

I had a nightmare situation in Japan with a lady spying on me, and trying to lock me in after 10pm... or share ALL my plans with her in advance. Airbnb doesn't vet these people properly.

[@h.a.harris7423]

We've had excellent experiences with vrbo rentals. We attend an annual event that takes place in Lexington Kentucky in July and for us vacation rentals offer things you just can't get in a hotel. I love hot weather but the family members I'm travelling with do not, so having a house with outdoor space where I can enjoy the July weather is important. We chose a rental in a neighborhood of beautiful historic homes which was an added bonus.

[@token4774]

Don't forget to look at the cancellation policy. And if you're going someplace hot or cold, make sure it has an air conditioner or furnace. I like to read reviews from the same time of year that I plan to visit. Airbnb is great for family travel, especially when staying in the same place longer than a few days.

[@mary-anndyck6931]

I hate cleaning my way out of a vacation!

[@michaelz.7140]

twice stayed at a vacation home and it was great - but it was in small cities

[@joannunemaker6332]

Good advice. You never know with an Airbnb. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

[@Bartrum]

Good point about the duties, if they have too many duties and rules then it's a pass. Noise and Wifi speed are also keywords that I like for. If there are no pics that accurately show the view from the windows, it's because there is no good view. Some places try to add a deposit, so read carefully every section.

[@dancingpeacock123]

Most of the Airbnb rentals we did this past summer were really good but one was not the greatest. Communication wasn't great. It was a walk up with the room on the 1st floor and the wc was on the 3rd floor. There was a fan no air conditioning and the ultimate was we were right above a wine Cafe.

[@sha.elaine]

I have noticed that some listings show up with a lower daily fee so it comes up in your search results...but then when you get the final total they have padded the fees with "service charges" etc and the final total is a lot more!

[@sandiandgregh]

We have stayed in a lot of Airbnb’s and only had one poor experience to date. However, we do our homework, read through the reviews, ask questions, check out the property on Google street view etc. We also now have our favourite AirBNBs where we are repeat customers which is great.

[@robertrogina]

Yep, you are right - In San Jose, CR - Did not say Hot water available (one block behing Holiday Inn) - guess what, there was no hot water to shower.

[@simonledoux8519]

Make sure to find out which floor the apartment is on and if there is an elevator.

[@wickedwheezel]

Stayed at a couple airbnb years ago but l like Hotels way better.

[@m420-nd1if]

Wolter you must have lost like a 100 pounds since last year. Good to see! Your health is important

[@woltersworld]

80

[@m420-nd1if]

@@woltersworld Well done, mate. How did you do that with all the great food you come across your travels? Btw I know it's Mark haha Where did the name Wolter come from? Is that your last name?

[@woltersworld]

@@m420-nd1if was using faster way to fat loss. they give you recipes for your meals and stuck on that for almost a year. I have put on some though this summer, so need to get back on it. Goal is another 50 pounds down from this video filming weight. Goal is for next summer to be there. I still have a lot of "husky mark" videos to come out so you will see me in various sizes over the next year of videos as i have so many filmed but not uploaded yet.

[@woltersworld]

@@m420-nd1if My name is Mark Wolters :) hence the Mark from Wolters World

[@cachecow]

@@woltersworld NICE!

[@cynthiachazen3420]

I stayed in an AirBnB for a month. The owner stole my food, rifled through my stuff, and walked around naked. That was my first and last experience. Happily back at the Marriott.

[@anniehasting1133]

Airbnb is unusable at this point. Besides the unreasonable fees, they absolutely do not have your back as a renter. I stayed in a place in Bogotá that smelled like sewer gas and had a window broken out in the back (ground level). In case you’ve never been to Bogotá, FYI it’s a dangerous city when people typically put 3-5 locks on their doors. And I’ve got an open window. The smell was also just intolerable. Airbnb not only did not give me my money back, they made me pay for the day after I canceled (I guess you have to give two days’ notice). They kept telling me to send photos of the smell! I wrote an honest review. Later I found out that the Airbnb owner took down the listing and created a new one. So the place is still listed (with a couple of fake 5-star reviews), and no one will know until they arrive how bad it is.

[@phnex6913]

Low rated airbnbs: Stay away from it like the devil to the cross. I gave it a try on a 3.5 starts shared airbnb. I shared it with the host and boy, I really shared it. I arrived pretty tired and went for a nap before dinner and I felt a different smell. Didn't bothered much and went for my nap. An hour after I woke up and saw blonde hair on the sheets, not one or two but several. Yes, it was a one bedroom apartment, I slept on the hosts bed and she didn't even changed the sheets. Drain was clogged, shower was clogged and cold on average 5 degrees days, had to use my emergency towel and when asked for one, took my cold shower, dried and saw I was smelling a lot, yes, the towel was dirty. Had to take another cold shower. Best part was waking up after dreaming with cats meowning, after waking up I realized it was the host and her boyfriend moaning their lungs out at 4am.

[@alexandrar2047]

We just came from the Azores. The Airbnb we rented had a washer and a dryer listed in the amenities. Being originally from Europe, I was a bit surprised but didn’t give it much weight. Well, there we are, looking for a dryer in the apartment and can only locate a washer. I tell my husband - it must be a combo but … there is no drying option. We contact the owner who tells us that the drying rack is in the closet. 😂 I am sure it’s a language thing. My husband and I had a good laugh about it. I must say, the “dryer” dried very fast during the daytime (it also was summer time).

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Thanks for the information and tips.

[@jturie]

Love the fees.....rent the place for the $200 per night rate for 3 nights, and the bill is $1000.

[@timp.8887]

Yes. We stayed in Sweden and no towels. Had to go into town to be able to dry off after showers . They had boats for the lake, but when the washer and dryer didn't work, they were upset w us for it

[@timmmahhhh]

"What a dumpy hotel, they stole MY towel!" - Rodney Dangerfield

[@woltersworld]

And said you had to buy them a new washer 😀

[@hilamadventures4060]

We have in the past, but don't particularly use AirBnB stateside mainly Hotels in The U.S,. Like others have mentioned, it's International in Europe or Southeast Asia where they shine. I experienced very good host & accommodations. KNOCK ON WOOD. Places like Athens, Chania, Prague, Cannes, Cities in Italy Florence, Parma, Turin, Bologna. Countries like Turkey, Morroco, Thailand, Malaysia were the amenities and services were unmatched for very little in cost compared to a 4 star Hotel. As also stated by others we research via reviews, host and location. We also use google maps to find the Airbnbs prior to booking. Its really not hard, just have to pinpoint the area, read the reviews(they may mention a particular shop, grocer or cafe nearby) look at the exterior photos if posted. This also helps us to decide. Lastly we always always bring our own wash cloths/sheets/pillow cases from home that we are about to discard, which we vacuum seal, our brand of detergent pods and House fragrances which remind us of home. The scent actually helps you sleep better.

[@barbarawissinger]

We lucked out with our Airbnb in Malta. It was a new listing, but was perfect for us. We stayed there several times, until the owner decided that there was more profit in a long-term rental. Next time we will probably stay at the Intercontinental, which is a better value than a self-catering holiday.

[@rebeccacollins1218]

Airbnb is terrible. I was supposed to be in a nonsmoking house, and 2 people smoked (1 in their room right across the hall, and the smoke caused me to have breathing problems), and they didn't stop when I asked them and reminded them it was a nonsmoking house. The landlord didn't want to be bothered so she evicted me instead and Airbnb sided with her. Airbnb then lied to me saying I'd get a full refund - I lost so much money because I'd paid a lower monthly rate and since I was evicted after 2 weeks I suddenly "had to pay" the higher weekly rate, so I only got a little over 100 dollars back after having paid over 600 dollars for the month (yes, Airbnb and the landlord basically stole from me in that sense).

[@sollyolly9547]

Another good video, thanks Mark. I'm a bit torn about the 'no reviews' thing - everybody has got to start somewhere, right? I definitely hear what you're saying, but that does make it tough on new entrants to the market. Not sure what the solution is to that though...

[@gabibavaria]

It's important for me to see photos of the bathroom. There can often be ‘nasty’ surprises.

[@MerkJacobus]

I find it amazing how tight some hosts are. If you're staying for only 2 or 3 days, you don't really want to have to go out and buy salt, pepper, olive oil etc. I stayed at a place in France where the toilet seat came away in my hand and the landlord demanded I pay for a replacement.

[@ep4423]

Noise is my no.1 cleaning I can fix usually

[@daphnaestryn5706]

My worse experience was at La Rochelle, France. No towels no sheets and she wanted us to do spring cleaning when we left! I complained to Air bnb and got a refund. She is still top host...

[@bugsygoo]

My top host in Vienna forgot to mention that her permanent lodger would be staying there the whole time. And that he was a chef who would come home at 3am! That was the most uncomfortable week of my life!

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. Those super host names are a bit misleading i feel

[@sarapanzarella97]

Whenever booking an airbnb I probably look at the pictures 10 times before booking. Then I figure out exactly where it is via street view on google maps. If I can’t figure that out i will not book it. I have been EXTREMELY lucky with new airbnbs. I was late to booking our places to stay in Iceland a couple years ago. It ended up being the woman’s apartment that she decided to list since she was also housesitting for a friend who captained a boat. We got a great deal and it was the cleanest place I have ever stayed in. She even gave me a hat she knitted with Icelandic wool! I don’t do Airbnb in the us much due to the cleaning fees but in Europe since we almost always have to get 2 hotel rooms and the cleaning fees are less, if we are staying in one place for awhile. And you are right - I will always comment if the place was super clean, every single time. If it was just ok, I don’t write anything. Usually a host will reach out after booking. If they don’t I always send a question to see how they respond. Or sometimes send a question before booking.

[@mykellacarter7322]

1:29 my mother and I do this for everything regarding reviews by looking at multiple levels to gauge

[@CitizenTowel]

Bingo on the too many stock photos! I've managed to have good luck renting a place or two with excessive destination stock photos but it definitely gives me more pause to see - I'm like you, I want to see the place I'm renting!

[@woltersworld]

We have been pretty lucky too. Just a couple "busts" over the years

[@WomanRoaring]

one of my friends in 2019 booked an airbnb in mexico. she didn't stay the night. they used fake photos. the "apartment" wasn't where it was shown on the location and had a jail cell looking "screen" over the front door and was roach infested. she noped out of there really quick. i was like, ok no airbnb for me. i rented a house once from a vacation website and the owner met us on check in to sign the contract. i was like, ok this is cool. the house looked like the pics and the cleaning lady was there and finishing up the small things. we had a good experience. i hear way too many horror stories about airbnb. i'm like, ehh hotel, i literally don't have to clean anything besides myself lol

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. Sadly it happens too much 😞

[@xiaohei9882]

My two previous Airbnb experience were great, both places were well maintained and with hosts that were very attentive. However, I hesitate to rent one now, after I learned that spying devices can be found in some of the properties.

[@BobF6483]

We always triple check the location through Google earth. Sometimes photos of the rental may not show that neighbors are only a few feet away, etc

[@flower-ss2jt]

Never used AirBNB for years. Prefer to stay in a hotel. AirBNB is now a really dodgy outfit.

[@toxikavenger9088]

As if there aren't bad hotels. Its the same common sense while booking any accommodation

[@flower-ss2jt]

@@toxikavenger9088 There are poorly run hotels - the difference between hotels and AirBNB is that hotels are licensed for fire safety/cleanliness/electrical and gas safety and many other areas. AirBNB just avoid every regulation by not being hotels/guesthouses/BNB etc. It has just become a scam for turning properties that would fail all regulations into short term rentals,

[@theprettybond159]

Ive literally never had an issue

[@genageeraert8039]

Stayed with air bnb many times never had a issue

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

@@toxikavenger9088 But AirBnB takes the living space of the locals. And nearly all travellers pretend to like the locals.... Barcelona wants to forbid AirBnB totally... and I think it is a good idea.

[@mplbooks]

I don't use Airbnb or other rental sites anymore. Too many bad experiences (like the whole cleaning thing, difficulties with passcode locks, etc.), and I also just don't feel safe nowadays.

[@daustinrichards]

Tip: some owners are vague about the location for a reason. Maybe it's a few blocks from the main attractions, or maybe it's NEAR what you want (ie NYC adjacent)

[@daches24]

My tip is to click the hosts profile and see their other listings. Are they a professional Airbnber or just renting out their one property? What other reviews did they get? Do they use the same stock photos on every listing?

[@paulcapaccio9905]

The only thing is that a hotel is just 1 room ! Also no kitchen which allows one to mingle with locals and cook

[@kathleenhudson8429]

Not an AirBnB, but a hotel. One reviewer gave a one-star review and said their reason for the low rating was because they saw one spot on the carpet. I stayed there anyway, and it was fine.

[@melodyanderson7914]

Last airbnb I stayed in had pictures of this awesome backyard space with a grill, chairs and deck, only to arrive and find out those pictures were for the main house and not the guest house we booked. I would have been more upset if the location wasn’t a great location and the surrounding area was beautiful. Another thing was the overpowering smell of the glade plug ins all over the house trying to mask a wet dog smell. I unplugged the glade plug ins upon arrival as those give me a headache and the longer we were there the stronger the dog smell got. By the end of our stay my clothing and other items had absorbed the wet dog smell. Pros of Airbnb is a full kitchen and washer and dryer and privacy. However it really is a gamble. I have stayed in other airbnbs that were very nice and I have stayed in some I wouldn’t go back to. I would return to the one I was just at if they were honest about the backyard pictures. That detail really rubbed me the wrong way. It was half the reason why I booked the place. The surrounding area and location of the house more than made up for this.

[@woltersworld]

Dang. Quite the experience. Some people cone home from vacay smelling like sun tan lotion and you got wet dog 😞 that sucks

[@wolfesound]

Great video as always. Thanks, Mark :)

[@tomsparks6099]

What started out as a great option for travel has turned into a nightmare in deception -- especially with hidden fees, refund policies and fake listings. Since there are no universal standards (as in a hotel), you take the risk.

[@PHDPool]

The stock photos is a rule for hotels too. Huge red flag

[@nigelcox1]

First here 🤣 and another great video!

[@MrOoofah]

Are u a child? “First here?” Grow up!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@SirIdot]

In the case of Sweden if an apartment is rented out on Airbnb there is a very high chance that the it's done illegally. For rental apartments and condos by law the landlord / condo association must approve each and every sublet rental individually. They are not going to do that but will blanket deny any short term rentals. The vast majority of apartments is either a rental or a condo. Most likely you as a Airbnb renter won't notice that it's illegally rented out, but there is a chance that there could be a negative experience if it's discovered by the landlord/condo association.

[@ryanmarler442]

We had a lot of problems with AirBnBs in Bali. Especially with them "over-booking" and doing us a solid one by booking us at another place so we'd still have a place to stay. And that place would be considerably less than what they charged. Ended up checking outta and just going to a hotel.

[@chiquilento.shorts]

amazing tips! thank you :)

[@m.m.4645]

I have never used Airbnb, never will - but know a lot of people that do. The more I hear about that, the more I really hate it. Greedy people rent out for outragious prices, killing the housing market of a whole City, sometimes even area, for the fast money. Disgusting. And the most stupid are all the Airbnb users to not realizing that and still supporting all that sh... Beyond belief.

[@Dennis-xj8nh]

There is more to a superhost status than just good reviews. You can easily find the exact requirements for a host to qualify as a superhost online.

[@cheesedemon88]

Man, the pictures of close by areas. I love when I see them in housing listings, if the listing starts out with 20 pictures of nearby areas, you know you'll get the treat of seeing the shittiest appartment that was ever for sale, the more pictured to click before you get to the house itself, the shittier it'll be.

[@mariellenerder7863]

Honestly, hotels might cost more, but atleast I dont have to do chores there

[@ronkunk144]

I've ran into some of the same issues. I would suggest that you make sure they have photos of the exterior and location of property. We got bit twice on this in Catania Sicily. The interior of the Air B&B was accurate in the photos and description, but the location of the property was not. Outside on the street in one location there was a dead rat, and the adjoining building looked like it had been bombed out in WII. In another place on the street, it was littered with a bunch of trash and that part of town was very dirty. So, I would look for photos of the location and exterior of the building especially in Sicily which is known to have litter issues