Homeowner Flips Out After Redditor Asks Airbnb For A Refund Because Pool In Their Rented Place Stopped Working

You know those times when you have free time and some extra money to spend on a mini vacation of sorts? That’s right—you book an Airbnb and have a staycation.

It is a go-to website (or app) whenever you want to rent a place for cheap compared to hotels that charge a much higher rate. It enables property owners to rent out their spaces to visitors looking for a place to stay.

As expected, the host should be responsible for ensuring that their capital, a.k.a. property, is clean, well-maintained, secure, and has all the amenities that their posting advertised. In fact, all these should be a priority.

On the other hand, as a client, there are boxes on your list that you want to be ticked off. If your requirements are not met, you will not be booking that service in the first place.

This particular Reddit post shares an Airbnb experience with a not-so-responsible host, and it just didn’t sit right with many Reddit users. In fact, OP’s complaint was not acknowledged by the host until it involved Airbnb itself.

The host contacted OP and accused them of “taking food out of his children’s mouths.” This made OP think twice about their decision: was OP actually the asshole?

Here's the sitch:

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Eager to escape the cold winter, OP and their family rent an Airbnb in a warm state for two weeks. They were particular about renting one with a pool since they all wanted to swim.

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The pool was great at the beginning of their stay, but on the fourth day, it broke down, and the water became as filthy as it could get within the span of 14 hours. OP contacted Airbnb assistance for three days, but the pool situation was still not resolved.

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Understanding Emotional Reactions

In situations where economic stressors are involved, as seen in this case, emotional responses can escalate rapidly. According to Dr. Paul Ekman's research on emotions, feelings of fear and anger can manifest as defensive aggression when individuals perceive their livelihoods as threatened.

When an Airbnb host feels that a refund request threatens their financial stability, they may react with heightened defensiveness, projecting their anxiety onto the guest. This often leads to a breakdown in communication, where logical discourse gives way to emotional outbursts.

Since Airbnb assistance has not been able to fix the pool, OP requested a partial refund and filed a report with Airbnb. However, instead of receiving half the refund, the company returned the full amount. The owner contacted OP on a private number, freaked out, and blamed them for “taking food out of his children’s mouths,” since the owner probably wasn’t paid anything due to the refund.

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The whole situation was not just about the pool. Many other issues and inconveniences were screaming red flags, and the pool was just the tipping point of it all.

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Here's what people have to say:

OP was not able to use the amenity she paid for. If this is a source of income, the owners should make an effort to improve their space.

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Behavioral psychologists note that in highly charged interactions, such as this one, individuals may resort to blame and shame as defense mechanisms. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology indicates that when people feel cornered, they often lash out in self-preservation, intensifying the conflict instead of resolving it.

Understanding these dynamics can help both parties navigate the interaction more effectively.

The owner, as well as the friend who sided with the owner, are the assholes. In this business, everything must be thought out, especially since this is a service product.

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It can be hard to rely on Airbnbs, according to this commenter. Just hope that they advertise what they have, not just because they want to clickbait potential customers.

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Cases like OP’s—where the company actually takes action—are rare. Booking an Airbnb is basically a gamble: either you put up with the amenities or find hidden cameras in the bathrooms.

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The Role of Communication in Conflict Resolution

Effective communication can be a game changer in resolving conflicts. Studies show that employing active listening skills can significantly decrease emotional tension in heated exchanges. A clinical psychologist emphasizes that acknowledging the other party's feelings can diffuse hostility and foster cooperation.

It's essential for both hosts and guests to approach these situations with empathy and an understanding that financial pressures can induce stress, leading to irrational responses.

This Redditor had their fair share of bad Airbnb experiences.

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However, they had used a rental company to book a condo—something went wrong, but the company made up for it by moving them to a better location!

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Something went south with the booking. The refund was no longer OP’s problem, but the full refund would probably lead to the owners battling OP in court.

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To mitigate conflict in future interactions, consider implementing a clear communication strategy. Research indicates that using 'I' statements can help express feelings without assigning blame. For example, saying 'I feel concerned about my finances due to this situation' can open the door to constructive dialogue.

Additionally, establishing guidelines for refunds and expectations upfront can prevent misunderstandings and reduce emotional reactions.

They said the pool was a feature, but it didn’t last for OP’s whole stay. OP rightfully deserved the refund.

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It wasn’t anyone’s fault that the pool broke down.

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However, the lack of communication was a significant part of the issue.

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Coping Strategies for High-Stress Situations

Psychologists recommend several coping strategies for managing intense emotional reactions during conflicts. Techniques such as deep breathing or taking a brief pause before responding can help individuals regain composure and think more clearly. According to Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist, "Mindfulness practices can significantly enhance emotional regulation, allowing individuals to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively." Emphasizing the importance of these techniques, Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, states, "Taking a moment to breathe and reflect can transform our responses in high-stress situations."

Not the asshole, but go and move somewhere nice. A suggestion: maybe a nice hotel with a pool.

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The family should go and enjoy the second and last week of their vacation. The full refund will most likely help them find somewhere better to stay.

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It’s actually quite the opposite—the owner of the listing is, in fact, the one taking money from OP. After all, OP’s main requirement in booking a place was the pool.

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OP complained about the pool not working, and they didn’t do anything about it. For something that’s the only source of income, they’re being pretty careless.

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They are basically lazy. The owners couldn’t care less about sorting out the issue with their property.

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It’s all just business. “Why pay for something you don’t get?”

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This sort of mentality of keeping silent is kind of unfair. After all, OP worked hard for the money she earned to rent a nice place for her family.

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It’s a wonder why OP’s friend sided with the other party. Nevertheless, this Redditor is waiting for OP to write their savage Airbnb review!

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In conclusion, you are responsible for what you advertise. People pay for the things listed on their booking, and if the place does not have them, they are entitled to complain and maybe ask for compensation.

Some customers only ask for half of a refund, if lucky. In this case, however, the company took matters into its own hands, and the property owner just had to accept their fate.

Do you think OP was an asshole in this situation? Comment below, and don’t forget to share this with your family and friends to see if they would accept the full refund!

Psychological Analysis

This intense reaction from the homeowner likely stems from a deep-seated fear of financial instability, which can trigger defensive behaviors. It's not uncommon for individuals in stressful situations to lash out when they perceive their livelihood is threatened, showcasing a protective mechanism that often escalates rather than resolves conflict.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, understanding the psychological dynamics at play can help both parties navigate future interactions more effectively. Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates that empathy and clear communication are vital components in resolving interpersonal conflicts.

Ultimately, fostering a more compassionate approach can lead to better outcomes for all involved.