Airbnb host charges you for breathing: the ultimate fee-for-everything experience
An Airbnb host in Queensland has taken charging guests to a whole new level with a list of nearly 20 demands. Fees for anything from not emptying the dishwasher to extra towels (yes, towels!) have guests questioning if they’re staying at a property or being scammed.
Rules, Fees, and More Fees
When you book an Airbnb, you expect a list of house rules—things like “no pets” or “be respectful.” But one Queensland Airbnb host has upped the ante with nearly 20 rules that charge guests for almost everything under the sun. The fees start innocently enough with a no-security-deposit clause, but things quickly escalate. Don’t empty the dishwasher? That’ll be $120. Want more towels? That’s an extra $60 per load. Need another trash bag? Pay $30. It’s like a game of "How Much Can We Charge You for Not Doing Basic Housework?" Guests are left questioning if their stay will come with a hefty bill of penalties for every tiny slip-up.
Too Much of a Good Thing: Tracking Your Every Move
In a move that feels a bit like Big Brother, this host also informs guests that additional charges will apply if there are any surprise guests. The rental fee includes 10 people, but beyond that, you’d better pay up—$25 per night for extra overnight guests and $15 for “day guests.” The catch? The host has a “tracking device” on the property to monitor guest numbers. If the device alerts them to any extra visitors, expect an extra charge—and perhaps even an unexpected visit from the host. So, if you're considering sneaking in a couple more friends or family members, think again. It could cost you more than you bargained for.
The Admin Fee You Didn’t Ask For
It’s not just the cleaning or extra guests that could cost you; if you accidentally break something or leave a mess, get ready for a surprise admin fee. The host charges a $30 fee just to invoice you for damages or any excess cleaning. And if you dare to inquire about the damage or send any follow-up messages, there’s an additional $30 charge for every correspondence. It’s not a cleaning fee—it’s an “admin fee” that makes sure they get compensated for doing their job, no matter how small the issue. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.
Are These Fees Even Legal?
As crazy as these demands might sound, they’re not entirely out of the ordinary—Airbnb allows hosts to set their own rules, but guests can flag unreasonable ones. Airbnb introduced a feature in 2023 to ensure transparency around checkout instructions, meaning you should see all the rules before booking. If too many guests complain about a host’s excessive demands, Airbnb has promised to remove the listing. But until that happens, guests may want to keep their wallets close and their expectations in check when booking an Airbnb in Queensland.
