Thanks For Visiting

429. Airbnb Shut Our Listing Down: Here’s What We Learned

Jan 16, 2025

28:57

Airbnb Shut Our Listing Down: Here’s What We Learned

Welcome back to another episode of Thanks for Visiting! This week, we’re diving into a hosting nightmare that became a learning opportunity. Imagine waking up to find that Airbnb has not only shut down your listing but removed it entirely from the platform. That’s exactly what happened to us, and we’re here to share the entire story, how we handled it, and what you can learn from our experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you prepare for the unexpected and keep your hosting business running smoothly—even when things go wrong.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] #STRShareSunday: WanderChatt

We’re highlighting @WanderChatt, a vacation rental business specializing in unique builds like the incredible Merry Mushroom property. Learn how they’ve mastered the art of partnering with influencers to market their rentals.

[00:03:00] The Gas Leak Incident

A late-night message from a guest reporting a potential gas leak sets off a chain of events that leads to Airbnb shutting down our listing. Here’s what happened next.

[00:06:00] Navigating Airbnb Support

We break down the frustrating process of working with Airbnb’s support team, including why they initially refused to communicate with us as co-hosts.

[00:10:00] Getting the Listing Back Online

From proving the property was safe to dealing with the slow response times, we share how we finally got the listing reinstated—and the important documentation that made it possible.

[00:15:00] Why Direct Bookings Matter

This experience reinforced the importance of having a direct booking option. We explain how we leveraged our email list to fill last-minute availability while waiting for Airbnb to reinstate the listing.

[00:19:00] Lessons Learned for Hosts

What every host should know about preparing for emergencies, working with Airbnb, and diversifying booking platforms to protect your revenue.