12 Airbnb Horror Stories That'll Make You Think Twice

6/12

Mom Can’t Get Help for Son in Foreign Country

Airbnb horror stories happen around the globe. In Madrid, Spain, 19-year-old Jacob Lopez’ host locked him in his room while he sharpened knives to use as weapons against him. Lopez called his mother in Massachusetts for help. While the mother argued with Airbnb and Spanish authorities, her son was sexually assaulted.

If you’re traveling internationally, check out these 12 gorgeous Airbnb accommodations. The Madrid Marvel is heavenly.

7/12

Renters Illegally List Home on Airbnb

A Miami Beach homeowner was charged with almost half a million dollars in fines when his long-term tenant illegally listed the home on Airbnb. Drew Grewal had no idea what was happening until he received notice from the city of Miami Beach of violations of their short-term rental laws. Some Airbnb horror stories take time to resolve. Grewal spent three months rectifying this situation.

With close to 20 percent of American residential buildings governed by one of the more than 340,000 Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), it’s no surprise that there are plenty of horror stories about these organizations, as well. Here are 10 of those horror stories for you to peruse.

8/12

House Sitter Lists Home on Airbnb

When a San Francisco couple left their home in the care of a house sitter, they never dreamed he’d list the home for rent on Airbnb. After all, wasn’t his pay enough? John and Ed discovered this devious plot only because the house sitter unknowingly rented the home to friends of theirs. Thankfully, as Airbnb horror stories go, this one turned out okay in the end.