Airbnb has been criticized about hidden cleaning and security fees, but hosts are still adding excessive rules to their properties — and some are so bizarre that people are ready to look for rentals elsewhere.
Such was the case for one anonymous renter who used Airbnb to rent a property in Montauk, New York, a fishing village at the end of The Hamptons known for its lively party scene and the mix between generationally-raised locals and seasonal city-goers using the town as an escape from the city life.
Related: Airbnb Announces Ban on Renting Out Houses Where Enslaved People Lived
In a TikTok posted to the account aptly named @airbnbhorrorstory, the renter documents a home that has one too many rules plastered in almost every room of the house.
The video, which has more than 614,000 views, shows the man walking through the property and stopping each time there’s a piece of white paper with different rules that are “a little insane” for staying in the home.
@airbnbhorrorstory No smoking. Okay. I get that. And maybe the toilet. I get weak pipes. But the rest are a little insane. #airbnbtiktok #airbnbhost #airbnbexperience #airbnb #travel #traveltiktok #fyp #holiday #beach #vacation #weekendgetaway #airbnbnightmare ♬ original sound – Airbnb Horror Story
“This is just excessive,” he says exasperatingly. “Anywhere you literally go there’s a sign.”
The rules shown include (but most likely are not limited to) no smoking or vaping, no spraying perfume/cologne/body oil inside the home (guests are asked to step outside to do so), hot showers limited to 8 minutes maximum, and being required to leave the shower door open after showering to prevent mold.
Naturally, people in the comment section were flabbergasted.
“That many signs that person definitely has a hidden camera somewhere,” one user mused.
“Enough signs to make you feel unwelcome and nervous,” another pointed out.
Airbnb did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur’s request for comment.
Last June, Airbnb instated a permanent ban on house parties being thrown at any of its properties — something that was first tested in August 2020 among social distancing and quarantine protocols during the pandemic.
“Disruptive parties and events will continue to be prohibited, including open-invite gatherings. ‘Party house’ properties will continue to be strictly prohibited as well,” the company had said in a release. “The policy will continue to include serious consequences for guests who attempt to violate these rules, varying from account suspension to full removal from the platform.”
Airbnb was down just over 18% in a one-year period as of late Monday afternoon.
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Are you looking to take a relaxing summer vacation in the Hamptons? One New Yorker recently found himself awestruck by the sheer number of rules listed in an Airbnb rental he found there.
Nicholas Buamah of Towson, Maryland recently thought it would be amusing to rent a home in the Hamptons for the summer. Although he was expecting an unforgettable vacation, little did he know that a list of “excessive” rules would greet him at the door.
After taking a look at the walls, Buamah was astonished – the rules covered from general tidying up instructions to ones about not bringing in the neighbors. He took it upon himself to document the entire list, and share it with the world via social media.
He was surprised to learn that one of the requirements was that guests must comply with town regulations to not have any more than 10 people in a house at one time. Another rule instructed guests to use the home’s AC settings responsibly, as no excess energy consumption would be allowed.
So, if you’re looking to book a place in the Hamptons, take note: your stay may not be quite as relaxing as you’d hoped.
It’s clear that this particular Airbnb host has their tight list of rules located around and inside of their home – and it’s certain that those in search of a more laid back stay may want to look elsewhere. But for those who have no problem with such a tight set of rules, there are plenty of peaceful and idyllic settings for a wonderful getaway this summer.
