Airbnb has revolutionised the way we travel, making it easier than ever to find a “home away from home” at the tap of a screen. However, the concept of strangers renting homes to strangers naturally comes with its risks—chief among them, security. In 2021, rumours emerged that the company quietly pays millions to cover up disturbing incidents linked to rentals, including crimes as serious as murder.
While Airbnb has made efforts to improve safety, it hasn’t prevented a string of truly shocking stories. From murderous homeowners to secret cameras and squatting guests, here are ten of the most disturbing Airbnb horror stories in recent years.
1. Pay Up or Die
In a horrific incident that shook Australia in 2017, Ramis Jonuzi—a bricklayer from Melbourne—was murdered after being unable to pay an additional A$210 to extend his stay. He had initially rented a room via Airbnb for a few days but requested a longer stay. When he failed to pay, the homeowner and two other men beat him to death. Airbnb condemned the act, but the story remains a grim reminder of the risks involved.
2. The Superhost Who Secretly Filmed Guests
In 2022, a highly rated Airbnb host from Comfort, Texas, was arrested after a hidden camera—disguised as a Wi-Fi router—was found pointing at a bed. It was later discovered that the 54-year-old man had secretly filmed over 2,000 guests. He was charged with multiple crimes, including invasion of privacy and causing emotional distress.
3. Arrested for Being Black
In 2018, Donisha Prendergast—granddaughter of music legend Bob Marley—was leaving her Airbnb in California when police surrounded her and her friends with seven squad cars and a helicopter. A neighbour had called the police, claiming they looked suspicious because they “didn’t wave”. The incident sparked global outrage and highlighted ongoing racial bias, even in travel spaces.
4. Deadly Easter Party in Pittsburgh
On 17 April 2022, a house party in Pittsburgh ended in tragedy. The property had been rented via Airbnb and hosted an illegal party attended by over 200 people—most of them minors. When gunmen opened fire, two people were killed and many more were injured. Airbnb permanently banned the guest responsible and pursued legal action for breaching its no-party policy.
5. From Guesthouse to Brothel
A homeowner in Dunedin, New Zealand, rented out his property in 2019 while travelling in Asia. The guests—two women of Asian descent—converted the home into a brothel. Even after their stay ended, men continued arriving at the house looking for services. The owner was left with over $600 in power bills and extensive damage to the home’s plumbing and heating systems.
6. Guest Shoots Host
In May 2022, a 21-year-old guest in Portland, Oregon, shot his Airbnb host in the chest when she attempted to speak to him through the front door. Thankfully, the host survived. Airbnb banned the guest for life, and police charged him with attempted murder. The case highlighted how unpredictable—and dangerous—interactions with guests can sometimes be.
7. Squatters Who Took Over the Property
A Sydney host named Chris learned the hard way why it’s risky to extend bookings outside of Airbnb’s platform. After agreeing to let a guest stay longer, he started receiving complaints from neighbours about odd behaviour—hoarding, planting trees in other people’s gardens, and flying strange flags. When he attempted to evict them, the guests hired private security and blocked his access. It took a solicitor and thousands in legal fees to reclaim his home.
8. Fire Destroys Home in Sonoma
In June 2017, a group of Airbnb guests accidentally burned down a holiday home in California’s wine country. Cigarettes left on the deck sparked the blaze. The owners faced major insurance challenges, as their policy hadn’t declared the house a rental. Although Airbnb advertises a $1 million host guarantee, the couple initially struggled to get help rebuilding their home.
9. Robbery in London
In 2016, two London roommates had their flat ransacked by Airbnb guests who vanished after the booking. Among the stolen items was a Banksy print valued at £9,000. The guests had deleted their Airbnb profile and trashed the home, leaving behind condoms, laughing gas containers, and cigarette butts. It served as a wake-up call that even identity checks aren’t foolproof.
10. Porn Shoot in a Rented Home
Sharon Marzouk from Menlo Park, California, rented out a portion of her house through Airbnb—only to return and discover it had been used as an adult film set. The guests had used her bathtub and various rooms for filming, leaving behind sex toys, camera equipment, and water damage from broken plumbing. Sharon filed a claim to cover the thousands of dollars in damage.
While Airbnb remains a convenient and often cost-effective way to travel, these chilling stories serve as a reminder that caution is essential—whether you’re a host or a guest. It’s important to read reviews carefully, follow platform rules, and report any suspicious behaviour.
Have you had a strange or scary Airbnb experience of your own? We’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments below—and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow travellers so they can stay safe too.