With the rise of home-sharing platforms like Airbnb, more and more people are choosing to stay in private residences instead of traditional hotels. While many have had positive experiences, some have not been so lucky. In fact, there have been several instances where Airbnb guests have found themselves in real-life horror movies.
The “Psycho” Host
In 2014, a woman named Jaleesa Jackson rented an Airbnb in Atlanta, Georgia. The host, a man named Mickey, seemed friendly at first, but things quickly took a turn for the worse. Jackson noticed that Mickey had cameras set up throughout the house, including one in the bedroom. When she confronted him, he became aggressive and refused to remove the cameras. Jackson left the Airbnb and reported the incident to the police, who found that Mickey had a history of stalking and harassment.
The Haunted House
In 2015, a group of friends rented an Airbnb in Pennsylvania for a weekend getaway. They soon discovered that the house was haunted, with doors opening and closing on their own and strange noises coming from the walls. The group contacted the host, who admitted that the house was indeed haunted and offered them a refund. The incident was later turned into a horror movie called “The Houses October Built.”
The Murder Scene
In 2016, a man named Christian rented an Airbnb in the French Quarter of New Orleans. When he arrived, he noticed a strange smell coming from one of the bedrooms. Upon investigation, he found that the room was covered in blood and that there was a body under the bed. Christian immediately called the police, who later determined that the body belonged to a missing woman and that the Airbnb had been used as a murder scene.
The Creepy Basement
In 2017, a couple rented an Airbnb in Pennsylvania for a weekend getaway. They soon discovered that there was a locked door in the basement that they were not allowed to open. When they contacted the host, he told them that the door led to a storage area and that they did not have access to it. However, the couple became suspicious and decided to leave the Airbnb early. When they returned home, they found that the host had left them a bad review and had accused them of trying to break into the locked door.
The Uninvited Guest
In 2018, a woman named Alavia Khawaja rented an Airbnb in Toronto, Canada. One night, she woke up to find a stranger standing in her bedroom. The man quickly fled, and Khawaja called the police. It was later discovered that the man had been able to enter the Airbnb through a locked back door that the host had failed to secure.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the real-life horror stories that have occurred in Airbnb rentals. While the majority of Airbnb stays are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to take precautions to stay safe. Always read reviews before booking a rental, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. By being cautious and aware, you can ensure that your Airbnb experience is a positive one.