5 Signs you're about to fall for a bad Airbnb listing

When looking for accommodation for a next holiday, many people turn to the rentals listed on Airbnb. Although many are amazing, some are not so great. We talk to experts who shed light on some of the key indicators that a rental may not be all it’s cracked up to be, or worse, that you’re about to fall for an Airbnb scam.

1. Photos that leave you with more questions than answers 

The best listings will provide a virtual photo tour of the space you will temporarily call home. On the other end of the spectrum, a questionable listing will have photos of the outside area, the neighbourhood, and the street … but not what you care about the most: the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen, says chief digital officer Nerissa Marbury, who has booked everything from entire homes to private rooms in 12 cities across five countries. “If the listing has limited photos, it doesn’t hurt to ask the host for more photos. And if the host offers a lame excuse as to why this isn’t possible, be wary,” she says.

2. You can't find any reviews.....

When you’re shopping for anything from a mattress to a blender, what information is most valuable to you? Reviews from internet strangers, your friends, your neighbour – anyone who will provide insight about their experience. The same goes for an Airbnb listing. If there are little to no reviews, you should proceed with caution, says Sara Mosadegh, an Airbnb host and property manager. While, sure, every new listing will start from square one, if you are considering booking a listing with no feedback and a host who isn’t responding, run away!

3. ......or you are only finding negative reviews 

You might find a property with tons of reviews – but are any of them peachy? The only thing worse than no feedback is negative criticisms of a listing, says Mosadegh. “Reviews that say negative things about wifi, neighbours, or neighbourhood safety are important to sort through. That’s why you should take the time to read all reviews and dig deep,” she explains. She also recommends following up on reviews that mention construction, since that could change or improve over time. “Review comments may not be a deal breaker but are always something you should weigh up,” she adds.

4. You aren't finding photos that match the description

Use your investigative skills to see if the description matches the pictures provided, urges Jessica Norak, a travel writer and Airbnb frequent traveller. “If the text says ‘luxury apartment’ and you see chipped paint, uneven concrete floors, and little furniture pictured, it probably is not a luxury apartment,” she explains. “Be sure to check the photos that have been verified or taken by Airbnb, and use those to inform what you think the apartment will be like, rather than the description, if the two do not match.”

5. You can't believe the price 

Finding a good deal is often a double-edged sword: saving money is always a bonus, but it’s important to understand why a place is far below market value compared with other listings, says digital nomad and frequent Airbnb guest Veronica Silva. As she puts it, there’s often a reason, so don’t just believe you scored a budget-friendly option right off the bat. “Maybe the neighbourhood is not great, or the place itself is lacking something and the host is just trying to make up for it,” she explains. When in doubt, you should ask your potential host to provide further insight on how he or she arrived at the rate.\