Warning: My Airbnb host in Barcelona tried to charge me $200 in fake cleaning fees

I booked a small apartment in the Gothic Quarter for 5 nights at $45 a night. Everything seemed fine til I checked out and the host claimed I left a stain on a white sofa. They sent a blurry photo and tried to take $200 from my deposit. I fought it with Airbnb support and sent my own check out photos I took that morning. Has anyone else run into hosts pulling this scam in Europe?

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1 Comment

jenniferw824h ago

I read somewhere that this is a HUGE problem in tourist-heavy spots like Barcelona, especially with hosts who use white furniture that shows EVERYTHING. The key is taking those check-out photos with a timestamp, like you did. That blurry photo sounds like total BS, they're just trying to shake you down for extra cash. I've heard stories from people on travel forums where hosts pull this exact move with a vague stain claim and hope you don't fight it. Good on you for having your own proof, that deposit should be safe now.