I had a nightmare experience with a long-term booking in Havana, Cuba (Reservation HMSMSRRT8B, Oct 2025 – Feb 2026).
During my companion's stay, the host started major unannounced renovations: workers broke open the living-room ceiling, with large chunks of concrete falling just meters away from her (video evidence available). This clearly violates Airbnb's own policy: “Hosts may not perform major construction or renovation work while a reservation is active.”
The apartment became objectively uninhabitable and dangerous due to falling debris and exposed rotten pipes. Additionally, the host repeatedly threatened my companion (police threats, intimidation, extortion attempts to force $450 cash payment for pre-existing damage), including racist remarks (screenshots available).
I opened case HMSMSRRT8B on Nov 24, 2025, uploaded extensive evidence multiple times (videos of renovations, audio statements from the host’s own employee confirming pre-existing issues, screenshots of threats, checkout video showing clean handover).
Airbnb escalated to Safety & Trust team but repeatedly closed the case in favor of the host, ignoring clear policy violations (unauthorized construction + threats/intimidation/extortion). No meaningful resolution, no rebooking help, no proper refund.
My companion had to leave for safety reasons on Nov 25, 2025. I had to cancel the booking myself to stop further automatic charges. The host then filed a retaliatory €1,670 damage claim (rejected/ignored by Airbnb).
Airbnb’s support was slow, reassigned agents constantly, and protected the host despite overwhelming proof of serious safety risks and rule-breaking behavior. This is not isolated – especially in countries like Cuba where Airbnb seems reluctant to enforce policies.
Never again. Avoid Airbnb for long-term stays or in regions with weak local support.
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