Airbnb Host Faces $40K Loss After Guest's Arrest on Serious Charges

Monday 07 October 2024 - 16:01

A Toronto Airbnb host, identified only as Daniel, is grappling with nearly $40,000 in damages and lost income following the arrest of a guest linked to serious criminal activities. The incident unfolded on December 13, when Daniel was informed by police that his guest, Sara Staniszewski, 34, had been arrested on drug trafficking and gun charges just five days before her scheduled checkout.

Fearing reprisals from alleged associates of Staniszewski's criminal organization, Daniel opted not to disclose his full name. The police raid resulted in significant damage to his property, including broken doors, while Staniszewski's belongings remained in the unit, rendering it uninhabitable for other guests. Additionally, her luxury vehicle was left in his garage.

Despite multiple attempts over more than a month to resolve the situation with Airbnb, Daniel claims he received little support from the platform. He stated that a lucrative booking worth $28,000 was canceled due to the ongoing issues with the property. "It seems that Airbnb, when things go smooth, it's great. When things don't go so smooth, it's really bad," he lamented.

Daniel has hosted on Airbnb for 11 years and has maintained a "superhost" status during that time. However, he expressed frustration over the lack of recourse available to hosts when guests or their belongings overstay their welcome. According to Airbnb's terms of service, users are prohibited from using the platform for illegal activities.

Staniszewski's booking extended from September 14 to December 18. She was arrested as part of a major drug trafficking investigation and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and possession of a loaded firearm. Although she was released on bail shortly after her arrest, she did not return to collect her belongings or respond to Daniel's inquiries.

The police raid at Daniel's property involved significant force; officers broke through several doors under suspicion of drug-related activities. As the situation unfolded, Daniel sought guidance from Airbnb regarding how to handle the guest's possessions without facing legal repercussions himself. He was advised not to take any action until further instructions were provided.

After weeks of communication with various Airbnb representatives, Daniel was finally told on January 15 to remove Staniszewski's belongings and change the locks. However, another potential booking was canceled on the same day due to the unresolved situation.

Airbnb did reimburse Daniel approximately $1,500 for lock changes but denied additional compensation for lost revenue and damages amounting to $39,000. Legal expert Cresteena Fernandes argues that Airbnb should be held accountable for the financial losses incurred during this prolonged ordeal. She recommends that affected hosts consider small claims court if faced with similar circumstances.

Reflecting on his experience, Daniel hopes that sharing his story will serve as a warning for other Airbnb hosts about the vulnerabilities they face when dealing with problematic guests. "To be left out in the lurch like that by this very powerful tech company is very disturbing," he remarked. "You're on your own."