Airbnb Shut Our Listing Down: Here’s What We Learned (Episode 429)

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

It’s every host’s worst nightmare—your Airbnb listing is shut down, removed entirely from the platform, and your revenue stream comes to a screeching halt. That’s exactly what happened to us. But instead of panicking, we leaned on our experience, stayed persistent, and navigated the situation step by step. Now, we’re sharing what we learned so you can be prepared if this ever happens to you.

The Incident: A Late-Night Gas Leak Alert

It all started with a 3 a.m. message from a guest reporting the smell of gas. While their safety was our top priority, their decision to contact Airbnb before notifying us set off a chain reaction. Airbnb canceled the reservation, moved the guest to a different property, and eventually shut down our listing entirely—without warning.

The kicker? A gas company inspection revealed no actual safety issues. However, getting that message through to Airbnb proved to be an uphill battle.

What Happened Next: Proving Safety

Once the guest vacated, we immediately called the gas company to inspect the property. Armed with their clean report, we contacted Airbnb to have the listing reinstated. Unfortunately, as co-hosts, we hit a frustrating roadblock: Airbnb support insisted on speaking directly with the listing owner, despite us managing all operations.

After much back-and-forth and several days of delays, we finally provided the documentation Airbnb required. But even with proof of safety, it took over a week to get our listing back online.

Key Takeaways for Hosts

  1. Document Everything
    Whether it’s a safety inspection, maintenance record, or guest communication, detailed documentation is your best friend. When Airbnb demanded proof, having a signed report from the gas company made all the difference.
  2. Be Persistent (and Patient)
    Navigating Airbnb support can be slow and frustrating, but persistence is key. Stay calm, explain the situation clearly, and escalate if needed.
  3. Prepare for Emergencies
    Unexpected issues like this can disrupt your hosting business overnight. Have a plan in place for responding to emergencies quickly and effectively.
  4. Diversify Your Booking Channels
    This experience reinforced the importance of having a direct booking option. While our Airbnb listing was down, we used our email list to fill last-minute availability, ensuring our client’s revenue wasn’t entirely lost.

Why You Need a Direct Booking Site

Relying solely on Airbnb for bookings puts your business at risk. By diversifying your channels and creating a direct booking site, you maintain control over your listings and protect your revenue. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our YouTube video: How to Create a Direct Booking Site for Your Airbnb Business.

Final Thoughts

Emergencies and unexpected situations are part of the hosting journey. While we hope you never face having your listing shut down, being prepared can make all the difference. Take the time to build a safety net—through documentation, direct bookings, and backup plans—so you can navigate challenges with confidence.

Have you experienced something similar? Let us know! Email us at hi@thanksforvisiting.com or DM us on Instagram at @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

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@wanderchatt

Welcome to The Merry Mushroom by Wander Chatt, an enchanting tiny home on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, designed by Mike Hicks, a coach in our private Hosting Business Membership. Known for his expertise in unique builds and creative construction, Mike has created a property that’s as magical as it is thoughtful. With 450 square feet of custom craftsmanship, this cabin features a plush king bed, a copper soaking tub, a bluff-side hot tub, and an outdoor fire pit with Adirondack chairs. Perfectly located just minutes from Cloudland Canyon State Park and Chattanooga, The Merry Mushroom is the ultimate blend of creativity, comfort, and adventure. Experience the magic and see how our membership helps bring properties like this to life!

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.

Together, Annette & Sarah are the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Thanks For Visiting, co-creators of the Hosting Business Mastery Method, & seasoned short-term-rental hosts.

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