How to Report an Airbnb Listing: Steps & Options
If you encounter an Airbnb listing that violates safety standards, misrepresents the property, or breaks local laws, reporting it helps protect other guests and keeps the platform trustworthy. This guide covers the exact steps to file a report through the Airbnb app or website, plus alternative reporting options for urgent or serious issues. You’ll need an Airbnb account and access to the listing in question.
What You’ll Need
- An Airbnb account (you can report without having booked the listing)
- The specific listing URL or the listing’s name/location
- Details of the issue (dates, photos, messages, etc.)
- Access to the Airbnb app or website on a browser
Step-by-Step
- Open the listing page. Go to airbnb.com or open the Airbnb app and navigate to the listing you want to report. You can search for it by name, location, or use the link from a message or email.
- Find the “Report� option. On the listing page, scroll down to the bottom section. Under the host’s name and photo, you’ll see a link titled “Report this listing.� On the app, tap the flag icon (usually in the top right corner) or the three-dot menu and select “Report.�
- Choose the reason. Airbnb will show a list of categories: “Misleading photos,� “Listing is a scam,� “Safety concern,� “Listing is unavailable,� “Host is asking me to pay outside Airbnb,� “Listing violates local laws,� or “Other.� Select the one that best matches your issue.
- Provide details. In the text box, explain what’s wrong. Be specific: mention dates, what you saw, and why it’s a problem. If you have screenshots or photos, attach them when prompted. You can also include links to the listing.
- Submit the report. Review your information and tap “Submit.� Airbnb will send you a confirmation email. You can also report a listing from inside an active reservation by going to your Trip details and selecting “Get help.�
- Follow up if needed. If you don’t hear back within 48 hours, contact Airbnb’s support through the Help Center and reference your report.
Common Mistakes
- Reporting a listing for a reason that isn’t covered—like “I don’t like the decor� or “The host is rude.� Airbnb only acts on policy or legal violations.
- Not providing enough detail. Vague reports like “This is a scam� without explanation are often ignored.
- Using the “Report� button for a dispute with a host about a booking. That should go through the Resolution Center instead.
- Forgetting to attach evidence. Screenshots of misleading photos or messages make your report stronger.
- Reporting the same listing multiple times. It doesn’t speed up the process and may flag your own account.
Tips
- If you’re reporting a safety hazard (e.g., exposed wiring, no fire escape), call Airbnb’s 24/7 safety line instead of just using the form. Find the number in the Help Center under “Contact us.�
- Save your own copies of any evidence—screenshots, emails, or photos—in case you need them later.
- Report as soon as you notice the issue. Delays can make it harder for Airbnb to investigate.
- If the listing is illegal (e.g., unlicensed short-term rental in a city that bans it), you can also report it to your local government or housing authority.
- Keep your language factual and neutral. Avoid emotional language; focus on what you observed.
Troubleshooting
I can’t find the “Report� link. On some mobile browsers, the link is hidden at the very bottom of the listing page. Try scrolling past all reviews and the host’s other listings. On the app, look for the flag icon in the top right corner of the listing photo.
The “Report� button is grayed out. This can happen if you’re not logged in. Log in to your Airbnb account, then try again. If it still doesn’t work, clear your browser cache or update the app.
My report was rejected or ignored. You can appeal by contacting Airbnb support directly. Go to the Help Center, choose “Report a concern,� and explain that you previously submitted a report and want to escalate it. Provide your report ID if you have it.
I accidentally reported the wrong listing. Contact Airbnb support immediately and explain the mistake. They can withdraw the report if it hasn’t been acted on.
I’m worried about retaliation. Airbnb keeps reports confidential. The host won’t see your name or the content of your report. If you feel unsafe, mention that in your report and contact safety support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a listing without booking it? Yes, you can report any listing you see on Airbnb, even if you haven’t stayed there. Use the “Report this listing� link at the bottom of the page.
What happens after I report a listing? Airbnb reviews the report and may remove the listing, warn the host, or take no action if it doesn’t violate policies. You’ll get an email confirmation, but not always an update on the outcome.
Can I report a host for something outside the listing? Yes, if the host sends you messages that are harassing, discriminatory, or try to move the transaction off-platform, you can report those messages directly from your inbox. Use the “Report� button next to the message.
Is reporting anonymous? Yes, Airbnb does not share your identity with the host. However, if the issue involves a reservation you have, the host may infer it was you.
What if the listing is already taken down? You can still report it if you have the URL. Airbnb will log the report and may use it to prevent the host from re-listing a similar property.
Can I report a listing for being overpriced? No, pricing is not a violation. Only report for issues that break Airbnb’s content policy, safety standards, or local laws.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.