Air BnB damage claim - excessive?

saajan_12

Ergates said:

HiddenIdentity_9782 said:

I have recently stayed at an air BnB and unfortunately during the stay my partner had an accident with a period that arrived earlier than expected.

 

She did not make me aware immediately as she was absolutely mortified and embarrassed (we are a relatively new couple). However we only stayed one night so this should not have caused too much delay.

 

The host has immediately demanded costs for damages to replace the duvet, cover, bedsheets, and mattress protector.

 

I agree these were regretably stained with blood, but the host has not even attempted to clean them. Furthermore, the cost of these items is totalling £301. 

 

Air BnB Resolution centre has stepped in and reduced the claim to £180 (presumably based on receipts) but I still feel this is very unfair because they potentially could have been cleaned, an element of this surely can be considered wear and tear, and in any event - £180 for a sheet, duvet, and cover seems very expensive for a BnB! Certainly more expensive than I would ever pay for something at home let alone for a BnB! 

From my reading online, in other cases a precedent has been set elsewhere that this sort of staining is considered wear and tear and should be bourne by the host. I think these cases are in America though.

I understand we have soiled the bedding, and I offered to pay additional cleaning costs if they arose (stain remover etc.) but to just immediately go straight to replacement without even trying to clean surely is not fair? And is it normal to use such expensive bedding in a BnB?  (The BnB cost around £140 for the night in total). 

I don't want to get out of paying my fair share if we have genuinely caused undue cost to the host. However I feel like this is just too much. I can't really even afford that much! 

Whilst, in theory they *could* have attempted to clean the sheets, is it reasonable to expect a BnB host to deal with somebody else's blood  (or other body fluids), given it's a potential biohazard?

Yes. A pair of washing up gloves and you're sorted. They had to anyone to replace the sheets. 

People sweat, sneeze, and generally leave *other less visible bodily fluids on beds they sleep on. That's part and parcel of being a hotelier or BnB host. Don't like it, then pick another industry. 

ripplyuk

I don’t think they should be charging anything at all. This must surely be a common scenario and an accepted risk of running a AirBnB. Besides period stains, kids and the elderly are going to have accidents and romantic couples will leave ‘other’ bodily fluids. IMO bedding that cannot be washed at high temperatures is unfit for purpose in a commercial setting. 

born_again

HiddenIdentity_9782 said:

All this has taught me, is to never use an Air BNB again. I think going forward I will stick to hotels.

Many hotels will charge in cases like this. You will need to read their T/C 👍