Woman Shares Her Terrible Experience As An Airbnb Host, And It Shows How Dangerous It Can Be
Rugile BoredPanda staff
Recently, a young woman named Alavia Khawaja took to Twitter to share her terrible experience while renting a room in her apartment via Airbnb. She rented one of her rooms out to a man named Leonard Jackson, who not only stole from her but was caught carrying three pistols with him.
Alavia says Airbnb did absolutely nothing to help her and even though she is okay physically, the whole situation has still taken a toll on her. “I don’t know where the man is right now. The police don’t really update me..at all so I think even if they arrested him, they wouldn’t tell me”, she said in an interview with Bored Panda. Alavia advises people to not rent their home to strangers and report everything right away if you feel sketched out. “Be persistent in the face of adversity, so then if something happens you can show you tried. Imagine if I gave up contacting help after being brushed aside in the beginning.”
Alavia says she is definitely done with renting her home out, especially since after her terrible encounter two other women had to deal with the same man and neither Airbnb nor police took any actions to help them. Not only that, but many people put blame on the victim by saying it was Alavia’s fault for getting herself into a situation like that, ” Those who say it is my fault have their focus on the wrong subject. Teach people to treat others with respect, as opposed to stressing how to keep disrespectful people at bay.”
Scroll down to read her story, and don’t forget to tell us in the comments what you think.
More info: Alavia Khawaja
Recently a young woman named Alavia Khawaja took to Twitter to share how dangerous renting your room on Airbnb can be
Sounds like the guy has serious mental health issues, lets hope this goes no further than this as he seems to have stalking tendencies.
why these downvotes - i would have run a mile from this AirB&B stalker psychopath
She wasn't going to let him back in. If you read the entire thing, the police told her they couldn't do anything unless or until he confessed. She was stringing him along, trying to get him to admit what he did.
As anyone who've ever had a stalker can tell. They're effing creepy, and anything you can do to get rid of them goes - honestly shocked the police didn't do more...
As a victim of a stalker - it is vey hard to get concrete evidence. My best option was to accuse him of going through your bin -then he has to explain why he was outsdie your door at 2am
Are u bonkers? Where would this woman run to? You're very naive, you have no idea what takes place in today's mad world.
Obviously not physically run anywhere - but if this is actually true the Police were woefully inadaquate, AirB&B dont have any power to arrest him. i would have serious second thoughts about allowing ANY stranger in my home without me being present unless a certified employee of a maintainance company.
when someone tells you they saw a light on in your house- passer-by. when someone tells you they saw lights on in BOTH sides of your house -stalker
If you don't side with the victim or the "victim," you're a bad person. That's the guidelines of the liberal agenda, making the world unsafe for men that are falsely accused everyday. That's why you can't get anyone here to see a reasonable explanation, aka logic, from you. The guy she described was a bad person, whether in fiction or truth, but somehow people don't see how weird it is that she's also posting her information AND mugshots on multiple social media. People pull these stunts on here and other sites all the time, about how their experiences were so terrible - but they also need to post doctored mugshots with makeup and good lighting.
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While I agree she seems to be taking unnecessary chances, she also seems very young. I would have done similar at that age. There's a reason we say young and dumb. Unfortunately, it takes time to learn some life lessons.
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but seeming willing to allow him back was not a good idea
I think it’s not mental health but it appears that he genuinely thinks it’s okay to continue living like a crazy asshole. In other words, I assumed that he doesn’t believe that he’s wrong or so completely self-interested that other people interest or well-being is not a factor in consideration. It’s an all about me attitude.
anarkzie: "seems" to have stalking tendencies? What you read does not STATE he IS a dangerous stalker? What more evidence is needed?
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He's not "mentally ill", he's a criminal. He's not "sick" and he doesn't "need treatment".
Diane a. Why don't you believe it? Police are known for telling victims of stalking/harassment that they can't do anything until a crime has been committed. A person could threaten to hurt you and they can't act on that threat. It happens all the time.
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this really smacks of fabrication - apologies if it isnt but I cannot believe a reputable organisation would allow this - or the police ignore it - to the point where he turns up with guns??? hope it isnt true
This is fucked up. I'm disappointed at both the police and Airbnb but somehow not really surprised. Could she at least file a restraining order? But that would require her to let him know where she always is (to give him through police her home address and job address and new one if and when she moves or changes jobs) so he knows which places to avoid; at least if shows like Law and Order SVU are to believe.
Something is very strange with this story. I'm a so-called "super host" on Airbnb and 2 weeks is not a typical response from them (they're fast!). Also: Why did a single woman rent a room to a single man, who clearly was not verified on Airbnb and/or was a brand-new user? (Death wish?) Why is she texting him with her phone number, rather than using the Airbnb app? Why is she even responding to the rantings of a crazy person? With every response, she puts herself in greater danger. She made a lot of high-risk decisions here, and I hope everything works out OK for her.
Solid victim blaming there.
I find this whole conversation they had quite weird. She doesn't seem to talk to him like he was a complete stranger. Sure, she was wanting a written statement of his crime, but still it read a bit fishy to me. Maybe he has mental issues, or maybe she isn't telling also the whole truth. Remember, that BP serves only one side of the story and it wouldn't be the first time when they left out important facts to make the article more sipcy.
If women avoided doing anything risky, they’d have no civil rights at all.
My husband and I got an Airbnb condo last vacation in Florida. It was wonderful and I would go to them again. (So much better than a hotel!) But, I wouldn't rent a room in someones house, that just sounds kinda creepy. I would only rent the entire house or condo. We never got our host's personal phone number, all communication we did was through the app.
stop blaming the victim these things happen all the time, denying or ignoring them cos you are scared won't make these incidents go away. use it to learn from it for future references, never rent out your apartment room, never text on personal phone, always know that the authorities and also AirBnb in this case won't help you out / in time so have other plans set for emergency situations.
@sarah, the police wouldn't be able to get that ID information without a subpena, most likely. AirBNB would have it on file, sure, but they're not just going to rat on a customer.
Thanks Alib, I agree something is off and she should not be using and responding with her personal cell phone number. I'm also not sure why all the photos of herself as a single lady. She looks like shes advertising herself.
Alib, you must be such a perfect person to know how to handle any and all situations! Inclulding, I suppose, you don't rent to single men on AirBnB? And you call yourself a "super-host?" Make sure I never rent from you!
@Crochet Lady - a guy (who i mistakenly made friends with) has been stalking me and my partner for 5 years now.Police involved, he was arrested, cautioned and they cant do anything more unless they catch him outside my home at 2am, small town, limited police, they aint going to watch my house all night every night. Am not going to hide outside my own home all night, every night in order to catch him snooping in a dead end cul de sac where he has no business to be.
Alib excuse me? Are you actually blaming the victim right now? Fuck no.
I have had 2 stalkers in my life, both reported to the police - i never felt the need to share my contact details and my photo with the internet about it
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and shares her name photograph and contact information to the world - not a wise choice
This story was made up. Conveniently came with mugshots, right?
i am the same - trying to find a post I can respond to. i hate thePolice they have done only harm. Call the police in desperation confidentially tell them you have arranged somewhere secure to get out of in 2 weeks time - they tell the abusive partner of your escape plan
Oh God, had that happened to you? That is so terrible...
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i just keep seeing this thread and itlooks more stupid every time.
I would not ever cast blame on an innocent victim, however sharing her photo and contact details with potentially millions of people is not wise, regardless of the original issue with Airb&B and her experience of having a mentally ill person in her home.
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am going to give up now - for being accused of contourism for suggesting that a lady who shares her pretty picture - hugely made up aka Kim Kardashian while back(whilst accusing a guy of almost rape)whilst saying she would let him back in her home if he admitted the offences AND shared her name is kind of looking for trouble
You're an idiot...she was obviously just trying to get a confession in writing so she could take it to the police
Also please look up the definition of "victim blaming"
This is scary and disgusting and why I am too afraid to use Airbnb and Uber and other such things where you have to trust a complete stranger.
most taxi's have a city operating license thats quite hard to get. An nyc taxi medallion used to be worth like $1.4 million, now its still worth like $180K. Still quite a barrier for crazed rapists to overcome
In UK: My friend was about to get into Uber car at 4 AM to catch a bus to the airport and the driver just left when she was about to open the doors... We don't understand why
You have to trust strangers every single days, you know? ;)
Kelly, what is your country that registers uber drivers?
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I dont get the difference - jump in a Black Cab in London - your fine - jump in a Yellow Cab in New York - your fine- but an Uber sounds scary. They are all family people trying to make a living.best way they can. My little town has limited taxi services - you need to book them days in advance and we know them by name - and their sisters, brothers, dad, and kids. i would have no problem getting a taxi with someone I didnt know, Because taxi drivers are decent people
Is that why Uber advises their passengers to take precautions like informing friends and family about the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location where your going? Seems to me that they do suspect some of their drivers to be rapists or murderers.
It is different than a regular cab service in that most cab services have a base to report to and a separate operators license that the taxi driver must obtain..meaning they are required to undergo training and what they legally can and can't do during the transportation process. Because the taxis have a base, they have an immediate manager to report to. Uber drivers have been known to attack their customers, over charge, try to bill for messes and damages that the customer never caused and have held onto customer info so they can bill for rides that a previous customer never took. Any taxi driver that attempted to do the things that some of the uber drivers get away with would get their operators licenses revoked and their butt facing lawsuits by their bosses for damaging the reputation of the company. All Uber requires is that you have a nice fully operational car, valid insurance and valid license..that is it.
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I dont think Uber is any different to a regular cab service. It is a stranger who is driving you somewhere. Best solution if you are that anxious is to snap a photo of the registration plate and send it to a friend before you get in and tell the driver you have done it. the driver will be paranoid as hell - but you will feel better
In my Country Uber is completely private, while taxis must have a license with individual number plate and belong to public transport.
Sounds like the guy has serious mental health issues, lets hope this goes no further than this as he seems to have stalking tendencies.
why these downvotes - i would have run a mile from this AirB&B stalker psychopath
She wasn't going to let him back in. If you read the entire thing, the police told her they couldn't do anything unless or until he confessed. She was stringing him along, trying to get him to admit what he did.
As anyone who've ever had a stalker can tell. They're effing creepy, and anything you can do to get rid of them goes - honestly shocked the police didn't do more...
As a victim of a stalker - it is vey hard to get concrete evidence. My best option was to accuse him of going through your bin -then he has to explain why he was outsdie your door at 2am
Are u bonkers? Where would this woman run to? You're very naive, you have no idea what takes place in today's mad world.
Obviously not physically run anywhere - but if this is actually true the Police were woefully inadaquate, AirB&B dont have any power to arrest him. i would have serious second thoughts about allowing ANY stranger in my home without me being present unless a certified employee of a maintainance company.
when someone tells you they saw a light on in your house- passer-by. when someone tells you they saw lights on in BOTH sides of your house -stalker
If you don't side with the victim or the "victim," you're a bad person. That's the guidelines of the liberal agenda, making the world unsafe for men that are falsely accused everyday. That's why you can't get anyone here to see a reasonable explanation, aka logic, from you. The guy she described was a bad person, whether in fiction or truth, but somehow people don't see how weird it is that she's also posting her information AND mugshots on multiple social media. People pull these stunts on here and other sites all the time, about how their experiences were so terrible - but they also need to post doctored mugshots with makeup and good lighting.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
While I agree she seems to be taking unnecessary chances, she also seems very young. I would have done similar at that age. There's a reason we say young and dumb. Unfortunately, it takes time to learn some life lessons.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
but seeming willing to allow him back was not a good idea
I think it’s not mental health but it appears that he genuinely thinks it’s okay to continue living like a crazy asshole. In other words, I assumed that he doesn’t believe that he’s wrong or so completely self-interested that other people interest or well-being is not a factor in consideration. It’s an all about me attitude.
anarkzie: "seems" to have stalking tendencies? What you read does not STATE he IS a dangerous stalker? What more evidence is needed?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
He's not "mentally ill", he's a criminal. He's not "sick" and he doesn't "need treatment".
Diane a. Why don't you believe it? Police are known for telling victims of stalking/harassment that they can't do anything until a crime has been committed. A person could threaten to hurt you and they can't act on that threat. It happens all the time.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
this really smacks of fabrication - apologies if it isnt but I cannot believe a reputable organisation would allow this - or the police ignore it - to the point where he turns up with guns??? hope it isnt true
This is fucked up. I'm disappointed at both the police and Airbnb but somehow not really surprised. Could she at least file a restraining order? But that would require her to let him know where she always is (to give him through police her home address and job address and new one if and when she moves or changes jobs) so he knows which places to avoid; at least if shows like Law and Order SVU are to believe.
Something is very strange with this story. I'm a so-called "super host" on Airbnb and 2 weeks is not a typical response from them (they're fast!). Also: Why did a single woman rent a room to a single man, who clearly was not verified on Airbnb and/or was a brand-new user? (Death wish?) Why is she texting him with her phone number, rather than using the Airbnb app? Why is she even responding to the rantings of a crazy person? With every response, she puts herself in greater danger. She made a lot of high-risk decisions here, and I hope everything works out OK for her.
Solid victim blaming there.
I find this whole conversation they had quite weird. She doesn't seem to talk to him like he was a complete stranger. Sure, she was wanting a written statement of his crime, but still it read a bit fishy to me. Maybe he has mental issues, or maybe she isn't telling also the whole truth. Remember, that BP serves only one side of the story and it wouldn't be the first time when they left out important facts to make the article more sipcy.
If women avoided doing anything risky, they’d have no civil rights at all.
My husband and I got an Airbnb condo last vacation in Florida. It was wonderful and I would go to them again. (So much better than a hotel!) But, I wouldn't rent a room in someones house, that just sounds kinda creepy. I would only rent the entire house or condo. We never got our host's personal phone number, all communication we did was through the app.
stop blaming the victim these things happen all the time, denying or ignoring them cos you are scared won't make these incidents go away. use it to learn from it for future references, never rent out your apartment room, never text on personal phone, always know that the authorities and also AirBnb in this case won't help you out / in time so have other plans set for emergency situations.
@sarah, the police wouldn't be able to get that ID information without a subpena, most likely. AirBNB would have it on file, sure, but they're not just going to rat on a customer.
Thanks Alib, I agree something is off and she should not be using and responding with her personal cell phone number. I'm also not sure why all the photos of herself as a single lady. She looks like shes advertising herself.
Alib, you must be such a perfect person to know how to handle any and all situations! Inclulding, I suppose, you don't rent to single men on AirBnB? And you call yourself a "super-host?" Make sure I never rent from you!
@Crochet Lady - a guy (who i mistakenly made friends with) has been stalking me and my partner for 5 years now.Police involved, he was arrested, cautioned and they cant do anything more unless they catch him outside my home at 2am, small town, limited police, they aint going to watch my house all night every night. Am not going to hide outside my own home all night, every night in order to catch him snooping in a dead end cul de sac where he has no business to be.
Alib excuse me? Are you actually blaming the victim right now? Fuck no.
I have had 2 stalkers in my life, both reported to the police - i never felt the need to share my contact details and my photo with the internet about it
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
and shares her name photograph and contact information to the world - not a wise choice
This story was made up. Conveniently came with mugshots, right?
i am the same - trying to find a post I can respond to. i hate thePolice they have done only harm. Call the police in desperation confidentially tell them you have arranged somewhere secure to get out of in 2 weeks time - they tell the abusive partner of your escape plan
Oh God, had that happened to you? That is so terrible...
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
i just keep seeing this thread and itlooks more stupid every time.
I would not ever cast blame on an innocent victim, however sharing her photo and contact details with potentially millions of people is not wise, regardless of the original issue with Airb&B and her experience of having a mentally ill person in her home.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
am going to give up now - for being accused of contourism for suggesting that a lady who shares her pretty picture - hugely made up aka Kim Kardashian while back(whilst accusing a guy of almost rape)whilst saying she would let him back in her home if he admitted the offences AND shared her name is kind of looking for trouble
You're an idiot...she was obviously just trying to get a confession in writing so she could take it to the police
Also please look up the definition of "victim blaming"
This is scary and disgusting and why I am too afraid to use Airbnb and Uber and other such things where you have to trust a complete stranger.
most taxi's have a city operating license thats quite hard to get. An nyc taxi medallion used to be worth like $1.4 million, now its still worth like $180K. Still quite a barrier for crazed rapists to overcome
In UK: My friend was about to get into Uber car at 4 AM to catch a bus to the airport and the driver just left when she was about to open the doors... We don't understand why
You have to trust strangers every single days, you know? ;)
Kelly, what is your country that registers uber drivers?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I dont get the difference - jump in a Black Cab in London - your fine - jump in a Yellow Cab in New York - your fine- but an Uber sounds scary. They are all family people trying to make a living.best way they can. My little town has limited taxi services - you need to book them days in advance and we know them by name - and their sisters, brothers, dad, and kids. i would have no problem getting a taxi with someone I didnt know, Because taxi drivers are decent people
Is that why Uber advises their passengers to take precautions like informing friends and family about the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location where your going? Seems to me that they do suspect some of their drivers to be rapists or murderers.
It is different than a regular cab service in that most cab services have a base to report to and a separate operators license that the taxi driver must obtain..meaning they are required to undergo training and what they legally can and can't do during the transportation process. Because the taxis have a base, they have an immediate manager to report to. Uber drivers have been known to attack their customers, over charge, try to bill for messes and damages that the customer never caused and have held onto customer info so they can bill for rides that a previous customer never took. Any taxi driver that attempted to do the things that some of the uber drivers get away with would get their operators licenses revoked and their butt facing lawsuits by their bosses for damaging the reputation of the company. All Uber requires is that you have a nice fully operational car, valid insurance and valid license..that is it.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I dont think Uber is any different to a regular cab service. It is a stranger who is driving you somewhere. Best solution if you are that anxious is to snap a photo of the registration plate and send it to a friend before you get in and tell the driver you have done it. the driver will be paranoid as hell - but you will feel better
In my Country Uber is completely private, while taxis must have a license with individual number plate and belong to public transport.