Airbnb Host Left With $1,570 Bill After Couple Leaves Taps Running And Gas On For 25 Days

A couple took revenge on an AirbBnB host when they were unable to cancel their reservation, leaving them with a $1,570 (£1,260) charge.

The two made the 25-day journey from China to a villa in Seoul, South Korea, in order to punish the host, according to SBS.

Credit: SBS

Throughout this time, they left the gas on and the water taps open, incurring enormous utility costs.

Reportedly, issues started when the couple reserved their stay at the Airbnb.

Although the villa is in Seoul, it is not in the city's center but rather in a nearby suburb.

Credit: SBS

The couple had already made reservations and paid in full for their three-and-a-half-week trip when they realized this.

But they decided to resolve the situation on their own rather than honoring their reservation or raising their issue with Airbnb.

The host, who has only been known as Mr. Lee, claims that they got in touch with him and inquired about the presence of security cameras in the building.

Credit: SBS

The visitors entered and turned on as many lights, taps, electrical appliances, and gas taps as they could after he made sure there weren't any.

Instead of staying at the villa, they traveled throughout South Korea and visited the vacation rental just five times in 25 days, staying just five minutes each time.

When the two left and Mr. Lee's gas provider informed him of a noticeably increased usage, suspecting a leak, he only realized there was an issue.

Credit: SBS

The villa was vacant, the windows were open, and the gas was on when the host arrived.

He now owes $116 for water and electricity, $730 for gas, and $728 for other "miscellaneous expenses".

During this time, the pair used up more than 120,000 liters of water.

Airbnb customer service reportedly stated that it was "unable to make an exception and help with compensation" in the SBS story.

While not covering electricity costs, Airbnb's AirCover protects hosts by offering insurance for damage to the home or the host's belongings.

According to reports, Mr. Lee was instructed to settle the conflict with the couple immediately, but they had already left the country.

The story has generated discussion online since local media outlets reported it, with many people criticizing the couple's actions.

One person commented:

“120 tonnes of water? Wow, it’s a huge waste.”

Another added:

“How bad is this couple! Somehow they should bear the responsibility.”