By Basant El-Faramawy
An Airbnb host in Plymouth, Devon, said she felt "violated" after her home was extensively damaged during a guest's stay in April. Leanne Duff returned to find every room vandalized, including her 13-year-old son's bedroom.
Extent of damage
Food was smeared on walls, internal doors were removed and stacked, a television was smashed, and her son's electric guitar had its strings cut and toys ripped apart. Assessors estimated £25,000 worth of damage. Duff, who has hosted for seven years with 200 positive reviews, said she had never experienced such an incident.
Police and Airbnb response
Devon and Cornwall Police spoke to a 17-year-old girl who booked the property but filed the case because they could not prove which individuals caused the damage. Airbnb removed the guest from its platform and reimbursed Duff for the property damage. The company stated that disruptive parties are banned and its identity verification processes are designed to build trust, though "no verification system is foolproof."
Host's aftermath
Duff said she could not fault Airbnb's handling but now feels nervous about guests' intentions. She has increased her vetting process and no longer rents the house for single-night stays. "I lost my livelihood for months and they wrecked a family home," she said.
