When one host’s new property was blocked for mysterious “violations,” Sarah and Annette shared exactly how to fight back—and protect your business from relying too much on one platform.

Imagine buying a short-term rental, updating the design, and getting ready to launch—only to find your Airbnb listing suspended with no clear reason why. That’s what happened to Renee, a Superhost from Tucson, Arizona.

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette explain what likely happened behind the scenes (spoiler: it’s usually a trust and safety violation tied to the property’s address, not the host). They share actionable advice for hosts facing similar situations, including how to escalate your case, gather proof of compliance, and use public support channels to get Airbnb’s attention.

But the real takeaway? You can’t build a sustainable business on someone else’s platform. Use moments like this as a catalyst to diversify—whether that means launching a direct booking website, expanding to VRBO or Booking.com, or targeting midterm renters.

Because at the end of the day, Airbnb doesn’t own your property—you do.

Resources Mentioned:

Lodgify – All-in-one software to manage bookings, sync calendars, and build your direct booking site.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

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