How to Remove a Negative Airbnb Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Why Managing Airbnb Reviews Matters

For Airbnb hosts, reviews are the lifeblood of their business. A glowing review can skyrocket bookings, while a single negative review can deter potential guests. With 90% of consumers reading online reviews before making a booking, managing your Airbnb reputation is crucial. Fortunately, not all negative reviews are set in stone—some can be removed if they violate Airbnb’s content policies.

This guide will walk you through the process of identifying, disputing, and handling negative Airbnb reviews effectively. Plus, we'll introduce a free negative review analysis tool to help you determine your chances of review removal.

Can You Remove a Negative Airbnb Review?

Short answer: Not directly. Airbnb has strict policies in place to ensure transparency and trust. However, if a review violates their guidelines, you can request its removal.

What types of reviews can be removed? Airbnb allows hosts to dispute and request removal of reviews that violate their Content Policy, including:

• Inappropriate Content: Reviews containing offensive language, hate speech, or privacy violations.

• Fake or Fraudulent Reviews: If a guest never stayed at your property.

• Extortion & Blackmail: If a guest demands a refund or perks in exchange for a good review.

• Irrelevant Content: Reviews that have nothing to do with the stay or property.

• Personal Attacks or Retaliatory Reviews: If a review is meant to harm your reputation unfairly.

If your negative review falls into one of these categories, you have a strong case for removal.

Use the Free Negative Review Analysis Tool

• This tool scans Airbnb reviews for potential policy violations.

• Provides removal eligibility rankings (low, medium, high).

• Gives personalized guidance on how to dispute reviews successfully.

📌 Try the free Instant Assessment negative review analysis today and take control of your business reputation!

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting a Review Removal

1. Log into Your Airbnb Account

   • Navigate to the Help Center.

   • Click on "Contact Us" and select "Report a New Issue."

     
     

2. Select the Review You Want to Dispute

   • Reviews appear in reverse chronological order.

   • Only listing owners, co-hosts with full access, and the guest who booked the reservation can request removal.

     
     

3. State the Reason for Removal

   • Choose the primary reason (e.g., offensive content, fake review, extortion).

   • Provide detailed supporting evidence (screenshots, messages, photos).

     
     

4. Submit the Request

   • Click Submit and wait for Airbnb’s response (typically within 48 hours).

     
     

What If Airbnb Denies Your Request?

Not every request is approved. If Airbnb decides to keep the review, here are your next steps:

• Respond Publicly to the Review

  • Keep it professional and factual.

  • Acknowledge the feedback, clarify any misunderstandings, and highlight improvements.

    
    

• Escalate the Request

  • Contact Airbnb Support directly:

    • U.S. Support: +1-855-424-7262 / +1-415-800-5959

    • UK: +44 203 318 1111

    • Australia: +61 2 8520 3333

    • Email: support@airbnb.com

      
      

  • If phone support doesn’t work, try reaching out on Twitter (@AirbnbHelp).

Strategies for Handling Reviews That Can't Be Removed

If Airbnb refuses to remove a review, take proactive steps to minimize its impact:

• Craft a Thoughtful Response:

  • Start Positive: Thank the guest for their feedback.

  • Clarify the Issue: Address concerns calmly and professionally.

  • Highlight Solutions: Show future guests how you’ve improved.

  • End on a Positive Note: Reassure potential guests of your commitment to hospitality.

    
    

• Encourage More Positive Reviews:

  • Request reviews from satisfied guests to push the negative one down.

  • Deliver an exceptional guest experience to ensure glowing feedback.

    
    

Preventing Negative Reviews Before They Happen

Prevention is the best strategy. Here’s how to avoid bad reviews altogether:

✔️ Set Clear Expectations: Provide an accurate and detailed description of your property. ✔️ Communicate Effectively: Respond promptly to guest inquiries.

✔️ Address Issues Immediately: Fix problems during the stay rather than after.

✔️ Encourage Private Feedback: Ask guests to share concerns privately before they leave a review.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Airbnb Reputation

A single negative review doesn’t have to ruin your Airbnb business. Whether it’s removing a review, responding strategically, or preventing bad reviews, taking the right approach can safeguard your reputation.

Not sure if your negative review qualifies for removal? Use our free negative review analysis tool to find out.