Woman Shares Her Terrible Experience As An Airbnb Host, And It Shows How Dangerous It Can Be
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
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Share on FacebookSounds 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
Load More Replies...This is f****d 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.
Load More Replies...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
Load More Replies...I Airbnb our place a lot for about 5 years now. I would never, EVER have rented a room to a man while I am in the house, especially if I was a single woman. I also would never, ever rent to anyone who isn't verified and who I haven't communicated with extensively and sussed out. I would also never post a hot picture of myself, not because I don't think she isn't hot (she is) but because people are freaking creeps and we should look out for ourselves and each other. Airbnb is a fantastic experience but it did not have to go this way.
Aunt Messy- That's a stupid interpretation of what was actually written. Alib said her cute photos could very well likely attract the attention of creepy men. That's the TRUTH. Nowhere did anyone say she deserved what happened to her. Women have to think smart and recognize the risks to ourselves. It's NOT fair, but it IS reality.
Load More Replies...I am both shocked and disgusted about the way this was handled by the company and the police. I hope things are better for her in the future.
I'm not shocked. Disgusted, maybe. But to be honest, airBNB isn't going to knock on a paying customer unless they really have to. As for the cops, the theft and stuff... eyah, they're not going to put much effort into chasing that guy down. As for the confession thing... that's a load of bull and a complaint should be made to the appropriate oversight committee.
Load More Replies...diane a: I've read all your comments on this post and reading comprehension isn't your strong suit, is it? You've focused on her looks and not any of the actual story. Try reading it again, but this time read all the words and work real hard on understanding what they actually say. Oh, and stop victim blaming.
I'm gonna state the obvius here, but, Airbnb has this (like uber) reputation system, you can check both host and guest.
I agree, something doesn't add up with this story, and I'm not convinced she even used Airbnb's services. Airbnb has an app--you never need to personally text someone (I never have after 5 years)--and every user has references and is verified, unless she chose to overlook all those flags. This story is fishy.
Load More Replies...And no one thinks it 's at all weird to admit strangers into your home....
He is a freaking pervert, first he deletes her pictures of guy friends, then he steals cash! Then he is just acting creepy!
Terrifying. I'd move ASAP. We had a four bedroom Airbnb house directly behind us, which renters had leased under the pretense they would be the living there. Residential neighborhood. Instead, they turned it into a hostel, and had eight beds per bedroom. Yes, 32 guests per night, very inexpensive. Two bathrooms. People were having sex in the their cars when chidren were walking to school. Airbnb did nothing.
Airbnb isn't obligated, but there is likely a city or town ordinance against it.
Load More Replies...There's an Episode of Adam Ruins Everything about housing, and they talk a bit about AirBnB. Apparently a LOT of s**t like this happens with AirBnB. They're not a very responsible service, and people have gotten seriously hurt by others when using it, and often their houses get crazy damaged too, and of course AirBnB doesn't pay for all of it, if they pay anything at all.
Well, not often. Bad things do happen of course, but the huge majority of AirBnB users are good and friendly guests and hosts, who are happy with the service. You just don't read about that, only the bad stuff makes the news.
Load More Replies...Since when a criminal HAS to confess their crimes for the police to do anything??? If you call the police about something potentially dangerous to you, they HAVE to, at least, investigate!!! What a crappy police department!!!
This guy is creepy af. And there's a lot of guys like him out there. That's why a lot of females have very low opinions of men smh
Love to know where she is that both the police and Airbnb aren't taking this seriously. I think her next step should be to hire a lawyer to "talk" to the police about their lack of willingness to arrest and charge someone who is obviously stalking someone and to "talk" to Airbnb about their lack of protection for those people that are renting out. Maybe if a lawyer gets involved it will light a fire under their a*s!
I dont think the comments here are "victim shaming" at all.... reality is what it is. She did make a lot of mistakes, that's real. All communication is through the Air B&B app, and not a personal chat... that is a big NONONO and one is warned not to do this. So its not shaming, she must realise she make many mistakes, and the first one is that she accepted a guy... Air B&B clearly suggests that for safety one should rent out to persons of our own gender.... etc. It is bad that this happened, but she did put herself at risk, so she should not blame air B&B for this... also, they reply immediately....
I can't believe the company nor the police would help you. That's a literal nightmare.
"You have no reason not to trust me." Says the guy who picked the lock, and stole 500 dollars
There will always be dangerous people around. Man or woman or even a whole shared house, doesn't matter, they must still keep common sense when it comes to anyone they let into their home. It is very naive to think that all humans are beautiful, peaceful, lovely and honest. There are all sorts out there, from chancers to sociopaths, from violent thugs to rapists. Yeah, most people are actually alright but to deny reality and just let a stranger, without any ID or proper backup into her house is literally naivite. Oh and the same goes for big countries. Don't just let anyone in as there will be a******s [least worry] amongst them too. Don't be naive!
What the f? American Police is the best! Thank God I don´t live in America.
He needs a therapist. Also, the police sucks! AirBnB too, but the police should have done a better job!
He needs to be in a mental institution in locked facility. He's a dangerous nut! She's the one who needs a therapist.
Load More Replies...The "police" should be shamed for this. If anything happened to her it's on them. Our taxes PAY THEM to protect and serve. Do you f*cking job douches. That's why everyone hates you.
Looks like to use AirBnB. You have to really plan and be cautious
This reminds me of a guy who set on my table at a McDonalds bc He wanted to smalltalk. He seemed a little weird but okay and I was like "Okay, give him a chance, whatver", so I have him my number. Well ... blocked him a week bc he didn't WANT to understand that I was mit interested in flirting (what I told him). Stuff like Me: "I'm not your dear" - Him: "Yes you are - Because I want you to - And I really really want you" included ... Anyway. Just wanted to say that I kinda know this style of Messages. Like, it doesnt even seem to matter if you have feelings for him, These guys will always find a way to think you're their love-interests and that you're the same. Kinda shocked how often these guys seem to so stuff like that.
I think I won't be using AirBnB much anymore. For SHAME! and I gave up on the police a long time ago. They seem only interested where they can use their guns against other "challengers" (or whom they THINK are "challenging" them) so who cares about a female? Might get investigated for killing a woman. Another "mano a mano" is AOK. A woman? Who cares! Air BnB Makes me SICK after reading this. PLEASE UPDATE.
I can't figure out why she's having this conversation with this guy creepy what's that all about?
I can't help but think this is too kooky to be real.. I can't understand why she would talk to him or entertain seeing him when he got out of jail. This lady is a fool.
Load More Replies...Such a relief to know the police is there to help me when I need protection. Not.
First off why is she renting a room to a man when she is single? Just asking for trouble right there. But if the police and Airbnb aren't doing anything about it, then why not? Could be grounds for suing? Also the worst thing she could have done was to keep texting him. She really should have just given it up to a bad decision and lost cause and got on with her life with hopefully a few more brain cells to help her think better and never do that again!
That guy is nuts! Crazy and dangerous; a lethal mix. Never ever have anything to do with folks who behave like this!
This is actually terrifying and yet I feel relieved to now the girl is safe. Quite a close shave if you ask me.
Nothing to see here, folks: just more shameless self-promotion. Another wannabe-internet-socialite trying to scrounge up attraction for her "portfolio." "Girl posts harrowing event on social media while also humbly posting mugshots." Nice.
Very creepy, to say the least. However, her stance on "we need to teach people respect rather than avoiding disrespectful people" is extraordinarily naive. It's about risk management; not everyone in this world is sane. As much as she has a right to rent her room out and expect people to respect the rules, it just won't always work out that way. There is always the chance of ending up with people like this guy, who make this world a grubby place.
I keep getting noticed that someone commented on my original post but can't find the original post.
Ugh, no way. That's why I'm so angry my neighbor moved out and is renting her place full time as an Airbnb. No background checks, nothing...Airbnb is the worst.
"I could have been murdered" Hahahahaahaha. Could have would have should have. Stop it.
I know 2 ppl who were hosts. Both were robbed by their Airbnb guests who broke into locked rooms and cabinets. One had her identity stolen and 401k drained. Airbnb only provides partial compensation under the condition that they did not talk about what happened on social media. I'm not surprised this happened.
This is horrific, but why would you rent a room in your home to a total stranger in the first place? Way too risky.
I can't find my comment but to answer the question of what do I think, I think she was having a sexual relationship with this guy and for whatever reason she decided to end it. She wasn't saying enough to convince me otherwise. He was saying things based on his experience with her. She seemed to be leaving something out of her story, which is probably the same thing that the police thought.
Very scary. Either this guy had serious mental issues, drug issues or both. Either way, I'm convinced never to rent out anywhere I'm living through AirBnB, it's just not worth it. I am curious though . . . why did she keep texting with this psychopath lunatic? This is just the sort of nutcase that really could be capable of committing the worst imaginable nightmares.
This is unbelievably terrifying I am never signing up for air b&b legitimately terrifying
Oh my god, this is horrifying! The police couldn't do anything because he didn't admit to stealing?? He picked the lock on her room! I'm absolutely amazed the police nor Air B&B did anything about it. I'm going to email Air B&B now and tell them how disgusted I am. I'm so glad this lady is safe, it sounds like it could've gone the complete opposite.
sounds like to mad people met - the woman seems to be a massive liar who faces his own "mirror" so-to-say
This story is soooooo sketchy! Especially accompanied by her "modeling" photos. I get a feeling she just wanted more followers on her Instagram! The dude literally proposes to her over the msg. My response to a "complete stranger", would be "what the f**k is wrong with you?!". She ignores that "proposal" and keeps chatting. So f*****g weird! I dont trust anything anymore! I stayed in Airbnb several times- knocking on wood, all was well.
This is precisely the reason that I would never airbnb..........too risky
This is precisely one of the reasons that I would never airbnb.............
There should have been a restraining order on him. Also, she should have ceased replying to his messages.
Why would she ever be talking about going to see him? Sounds like a fake story for publicity.
Men shouldn’t be so aggressive when being selected as a house mate.
Load More Replies...So women aren’t allowed to run bed and breakfast businesses in your world? But let me guess, they shouldn’t treat men as potential rapists.
Load More Replies...Because if she is wearing makeup, she is just seeking attention and not trying to warn us of the dangers of strangers? Wow.
Load More Replies...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
Load More Replies...This is f****d 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.
Load More Replies...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
Load More Replies...I Airbnb our place a lot for about 5 years now. I would never, EVER have rented a room to a man while I am in the house, especially if I was a single woman. I also would never, ever rent to anyone who isn't verified and who I haven't communicated with extensively and sussed out. I would also never post a hot picture of myself, not because I don't think she isn't hot (she is) but because people are freaking creeps and we should look out for ourselves and each other. Airbnb is a fantastic experience but it did not have to go this way.
Aunt Messy- That's a stupid interpretation of what was actually written. Alib said her cute photos could very well likely attract the attention of creepy men. That's the TRUTH. Nowhere did anyone say she deserved what happened to her. Women have to think smart and recognize the risks to ourselves. It's NOT fair, but it IS reality.
Load More Replies...I am both shocked and disgusted about the way this was handled by the company and the police. I hope things are better for her in the future.
I'm not shocked. Disgusted, maybe. But to be honest, airBNB isn't going to knock on a paying customer unless they really have to. As for the cops, the theft and stuff... eyah, they're not going to put much effort into chasing that guy down. As for the confession thing... that's a load of bull and a complaint should be made to the appropriate oversight committee.
Load More Replies...diane a: I've read all your comments on this post and reading comprehension isn't your strong suit, is it? You've focused on her looks and not any of the actual story. Try reading it again, but this time read all the words and work real hard on understanding what they actually say. Oh, and stop victim blaming.
I'm gonna state the obvius here, but, Airbnb has this (like uber) reputation system, you can check both host and guest.
I agree, something doesn't add up with this story, and I'm not convinced she even used Airbnb's services. Airbnb has an app--you never need to personally text someone (I never have after 5 years)--and every user has references and is verified, unless she chose to overlook all those flags. This story is fishy.
Load More Replies...And no one thinks it 's at all weird to admit strangers into your home....
He is a freaking pervert, first he deletes her pictures of guy friends, then he steals cash! Then he is just acting creepy!
Terrifying. I'd move ASAP. We had a four bedroom Airbnb house directly behind us, which renters had leased under the pretense they would be the living there. Residential neighborhood. Instead, they turned it into a hostel, and had eight beds per bedroom. Yes, 32 guests per night, very inexpensive. Two bathrooms. People were having sex in the their cars when chidren were walking to school. Airbnb did nothing.
Airbnb isn't obligated, but there is likely a city or town ordinance against it.
Load More Replies...There's an Episode of Adam Ruins Everything about housing, and they talk a bit about AirBnB. Apparently a LOT of s**t like this happens with AirBnB. They're not a very responsible service, and people have gotten seriously hurt by others when using it, and often their houses get crazy damaged too, and of course AirBnB doesn't pay for all of it, if they pay anything at all.
Well, not often. Bad things do happen of course, but the huge majority of AirBnB users are good and friendly guests and hosts, who are happy with the service. You just don't read about that, only the bad stuff makes the news.
Load More Replies...Since when a criminal HAS to confess their crimes for the police to do anything??? If you call the police about something potentially dangerous to you, they HAVE to, at least, investigate!!! What a crappy police department!!!
This guy is creepy af. And there's a lot of guys like him out there. That's why a lot of females have very low opinions of men smh
Love to know where she is that both the police and Airbnb aren't taking this seriously. I think her next step should be to hire a lawyer to "talk" to the police about their lack of willingness to arrest and charge someone who is obviously stalking someone and to "talk" to Airbnb about their lack of protection for those people that are renting out. Maybe if a lawyer gets involved it will light a fire under their a*s!
I dont think the comments here are "victim shaming" at all.... reality is what it is. She did make a lot of mistakes, that's real. All communication is through the Air B&B app, and not a personal chat... that is a big NONONO and one is warned not to do this. So its not shaming, she must realise she make many mistakes, and the first one is that she accepted a guy... Air B&B clearly suggests that for safety one should rent out to persons of our own gender.... etc. It is bad that this happened, but she did put herself at risk, so she should not blame air B&B for this... also, they reply immediately....
I can't believe the company nor the police would help you. That's a literal nightmare.
"You have no reason not to trust me." Says the guy who picked the lock, and stole 500 dollars
There will always be dangerous people around. Man or woman or even a whole shared house, doesn't matter, they must still keep common sense when it comes to anyone they let into their home. It is very naive to think that all humans are beautiful, peaceful, lovely and honest. There are all sorts out there, from chancers to sociopaths, from violent thugs to rapists. Yeah, most people are actually alright but to deny reality and just let a stranger, without any ID or proper backup into her house is literally naivite. Oh and the same goes for big countries. Don't just let anyone in as there will be a******s [least worry] amongst them too. Don't be naive!
What the f? American Police is the best! Thank God I don´t live in America.
He needs a therapist. Also, the police sucks! AirBnB too, but the police should have done a better job!
He needs to be in a mental institution in locked facility. He's a dangerous nut! She's the one who needs a therapist.
Load More Replies...The "police" should be shamed for this. If anything happened to her it's on them. Our taxes PAY THEM to protect and serve. Do you f*cking job douches. That's why everyone hates you.
Looks like to use AirBnB. You have to really plan and be cautious
This reminds me of a guy who set on my table at a McDonalds bc He wanted to smalltalk. He seemed a little weird but okay and I was like "Okay, give him a chance, whatver", so I have him my number. Well ... blocked him a week bc he didn't WANT to understand that I was mit interested in flirting (what I told him). Stuff like Me: "I'm not your dear" - Him: "Yes you are - Because I want you to - And I really really want you" included ... Anyway. Just wanted to say that I kinda know this style of Messages. Like, it doesnt even seem to matter if you have feelings for him, These guys will always find a way to think you're their love-interests and that you're the same. Kinda shocked how often these guys seem to so stuff like that.
I think I won't be using AirBnB much anymore. For SHAME! and I gave up on the police a long time ago. They seem only interested where they can use their guns against other "challengers" (or whom they THINK are "challenging" them) so who cares about a female? Might get investigated for killing a woman. Another "mano a mano" is AOK. A woman? Who cares! Air BnB Makes me SICK after reading this. PLEASE UPDATE.
I can't figure out why she's having this conversation with this guy creepy what's that all about?
I can't help but think this is too kooky to be real.. I can't understand why she would talk to him or entertain seeing him when he got out of jail. This lady is a fool.
Load More Replies...Such a relief to know the police is there to help me when I need protection. Not.
First off why is she renting a room to a man when she is single? Just asking for trouble right there. But if the police and Airbnb aren't doing anything about it, then why not? Could be grounds for suing? Also the worst thing she could have done was to keep texting him. She really should have just given it up to a bad decision and lost cause and got on with her life with hopefully a few more brain cells to help her think better and never do that again!
That guy is nuts! Crazy and dangerous; a lethal mix. Never ever have anything to do with folks who behave like this!
This is actually terrifying and yet I feel relieved to now the girl is safe. Quite a close shave if you ask me.
Nothing to see here, folks: just more shameless self-promotion. Another wannabe-internet-socialite trying to scrounge up attraction for her "portfolio." "Girl posts harrowing event on social media while also humbly posting mugshots." Nice.
Very creepy, to say the least. However, her stance on "we need to teach people respect rather than avoiding disrespectful people" is extraordinarily naive. It's about risk management; not everyone in this world is sane. As much as she has a right to rent her room out and expect people to respect the rules, it just won't always work out that way. There is always the chance of ending up with people like this guy, who make this world a grubby place.
I keep getting noticed that someone commented on my original post but can't find the original post.
Ugh, no way. That's why I'm so angry my neighbor moved out and is renting her place full time as an Airbnb. No background checks, nothing...Airbnb is the worst.
"I could have been murdered" Hahahahaahaha. Could have would have should have. Stop it.
I know 2 ppl who were hosts. Both were robbed by their Airbnb guests who broke into locked rooms and cabinets. One had her identity stolen and 401k drained. Airbnb only provides partial compensation under the condition that they did not talk about what happened on social media. I'm not surprised this happened.
This is horrific, but why would you rent a room in your home to a total stranger in the first place? Way too risky.
I can't find my comment but to answer the question of what do I think, I think she was having a sexual relationship with this guy and for whatever reason she decided to end it. She wasn't saying enough to convince me otherwise. He was saying things based on his experience with her. She seemed to be leaving something out of her story, which is probably the same thing that the police thought.
Very scary. Either this guy had serious mental issues, drug issues or both. Either way, I'm convinced never to rent out anywhere I'm living through AirBnB, it's just not worth it. I am curious though . . . why did she keep texting with this psychopath lunatic? This is just the sort of nutcase that really could be capable of committing the worst imaginable nightmares.
This is unbelievably terrifying I am never signing up for air b&b legitimately terrifying
Oh my god, this is horrifying! The police couldn't do anything because he didn't admit to stealing?? He picked the lock on her room! I'm absolutely amazed the police nor Air B&B did anything about it. I'm going to email Air B&B now and tell them how disgusted I am. I'm so glad this lady is safe, it sounds like it could've gone the complete opposite.
sounds like to mad people met - the woman seems to be a massive liar who faces his own "mirror" so-to-say
This story is soooooo sketchy! Especially accompanied by her "modeling" photos. I get a feeling she just wanted more followers on her Instagram! The dude literally proposes to her over the msg. My response to a "complete stranger", would be "what the f**k is wrong with you?!". She ignores that "proposal" and keeps chatting. So f*****g weird! I dont trust anything anymore! I stayed in Airbnb several times- knocking on wood, all was well.
This is precisely the reason that I would never airbnb..........too risky
This is precisely one of the reasons that I would never airbnb.............
There should have been a restraining order on him. Also, she should have ceased replying to his messages.
Why would she ever be talking about going to see him? Sounds like a fake story for publicity.
Men shouldn’t be so aggressive when being selected as a house mate.
Load More Replies...So women aren’t allowed to run bed and breakfast businesses in your world? But let me guess, they shouldn’t treat men as potential rapists.
Load More Replies...Because if she is wearing makeup, she is just seeking attention and not trying to warn us of the dangers of strangers? Wow.
Load More Replies...
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