Where to file a report about your Airbnb host
You report an Airbnb host through the Airbnb app or website, not through a separate complaints office. Open the conversation with the host in your message thread, scroll to the bottom, and tap or click "Report this host." You can also go to your reservation details, find the three-dot menu, and select "Report Host." Airbnb will ask you to choose a category for your report — safety concerns, discrimination, property damage, or violation of house rules — and describe what happened.
The report goes to Airbnb's Trust & Safety team, not to local authorities. If your concern involves a crime — theft, assault, or property destruction — you should also file a police report in your city or county. Airbnb's team reviews reports separately from law enforcement, and the two processes do not automatically connect.
You do not need to contact Airbnb customer service first. The report form is the direct channel. If you cannot find the report option in your app, make sure you are logged into the account that made the reservation — reports can only be filed by guests who stayed at that property.
Key Takeaways
- Reports go directly to Airbnb's Trust & Safety team through the app or website, using the three-dot menu on your reservation or the "Report this host" button in your message thread.
- You must choose a specific category — safety, discrimination, house rules violation, or property damage — and describe the incident with dates and details.
- If a crime occurred, file a police report in your city or county at the same time; Airbnb and law enforcement do not automatically share reports.
- Airbnb does not tell you the outcome of its investigation or what action it took against the host, but serious violations can result in account suspension or removal.
What counts as a reportable violation
Safety concerns are the most serious category. This includes hosts who misrepresented the property (listing showed a private room but rented a shared space), failed to disclose hazards (broken locks, exposed wiring, mold), or violated local housing codes. It also covers hosts who entered your space without permission, failed to provide promised amenities like working heat or water, or kept the property in unsafe condition.
Discrimination is reportable if a host refused to rent to you, cancelled your reservation, or treated you differently based on race, religion, national origin, disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Airbnb's policy prohibits hosts from discriminating, and the company takes these reports seriously because they may violate fair housing laws.
House rules violations include hosts who charged unexpected fees, kept your security deposit without cause, or demanded payment outside the Airbnb platform. Property damage caused by the host — such as broken furniture or appliances that were already broken when you arrived — is also reportable. Damage you caused is not; that goes through the resolution center instead.
How to gather evidence before you report
Write down the date, time, and what happened as soon as possible. Include the host's exact words if they said something discriminatory or threatening. Take screenshots of any messages from the host, photos of safety hazards or damage, and notes about what amenities were missing or broken.
Keep receipts for any money you spent to fix a problem — a locksmith if the lock was broken, a hotel night if you had to leave early because the property was unsafe. Airbnb may reimburse you if your report is substantiated, but you will need proof of what you paid.
Do not delete messages or photos. Airbnb's team will ask to see them as part of the investigation. If the host sent threatening messages, screenshots are especially important because they show the exact language and timestamp.
What happens after you submit a report
Airbnb's Trust & Safety team reviews your report, usually within a few days. They may contact you for more details or ask you to provide additional evidence. They will also contact the host to hear their side of the story. The investigation is confidential — Airbnb does not tell you what the host said or share their response with you.
If Airbnb finds that the host violated its policies, it may issue a warning, require the host to make changes, suspend the account temporarily, or remove the host from the platform permanently. You will not receive a detailed explanation of what action was taken. Airbnb keeps enforcement decisions private to protect both guests and hosts.
If your report involves a refund — for example, the property was not as described and you paid for a service you did not receive — you can also open a case in the Resolution Center. That is a separate process where you can request money back. The report and the refund request are handled by different teams but can both move forward at the same time.
When to contact Airbnb customer service instead
Use the report form for policy violations and safety concerns. Use the Resolution Center for money disputes — if you want a refund because the property did not match the listing, or the host charged you an unexpected fee. Use customer service if you have a technical problem with the app, cannot find the report button, or need help understanding your reservation.
To reach customer service, open the app, go to Account, tap "Help," and select "Contact Us." You can also visit the Airbnb website and click the Help Center. Customer service can walk you through the report process if you are unsure which category your concern fits into.
If the host retaliates after you report
Airbnb prohibits hosts from retaliating against guests who report them — this means the host cannot leave you a negative review, demand payment, or threaten you in messages. If a host does retaliate, that is a separate violation you can report.
Screenshot any retaliatory messages or negative reviews left after your report. Include them in a new report to Airbnb, noting that the host is retaliating. Airbnb takes retaliation seriously and may remove the host's review of you or take action against the host's account.
Reporting a host for illegal activity
If you believe the host is running an illegal operation — operating without a license in a jurisdiction that requires one, running a short-term rental in a building that prohibits it, or using the property for something other than lodging — you can report it to Airbnb and also to your local housing authority or city code enforcement office.
Contact your city or county government website and look for "Code Enforcement," "Housing Violations," or "Short-Term Rental Complaints." Many cities have a phone line or online form where you can report illegal rentals. Provide the property address and details about what you observed. This report goes to local government, not to Airbnb, and may trigger an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a host anonymously?
No. Airbnb requires your name and account information to file a report. The host will not see your name in the report itself, but Airbnb's team will know who filed it. If you are concerned about retaliation, note that in your report — Airbnb monitors for retaliatory behavior.
What if the host disputes my report?
Airbnb investigates both sides. The host can explain their version of events, and Airbnb weighs the evidence. You will not see the host's response, but Airbnb's decision is based on what both of you said. If you have evidence — photos, messages, receipts — include it in your initial report.
How long does an investigation take?
Most investigations take one to two weeks, though complex cases can take longer. Airbnb will not give you a timeline. You can check your Resolution Center to see if there are any updates, but Airbnb does not always notify guests when an investigation closes.
Can I get my money back if I report the host?
A report and a refund request are separate. Open a case in the Resolution Center if you want money back. Airbnb may issue a refund based on your report if the property was unsafe or misrepresented, but you have to request it. The two processes can happen at the same time.
What if I reported the host but nothing happened?
Airbnb does not tell guests the outcome of investigations. If you do not see a change — the listing is still up, the host is still active — it may mean Airbnb found the report unsubstantiated, or it may mean the host received a warning you cannot see. If you believe the host is still breaking rules, you can file another report with new evidence.