UPDATE — October 20, 2026: Airbnb banned my account, citing “harassment and threats.” I unequivocally reject Airbnb's characterization of my actions as harassment. Airbnb said it could not conclude that the host violated its camera policy, despite the listing apparently being removed. In my view, Airbnb is punishing me for raising the camera concern. Read Airbnb’s full message and correspondence (PDF).
UPDATE — October 11, 2026: Airbnb Support canceled my reservation and refunded me. The matter is now resolved. As far as I know, the host was not involved, but I cannot confirm that. It is possible he would eventually have refunded me as promised.
Do not stay at this Airbnb on Shengli Road in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Hsinchu Airbnb — A guest review. Reservation: October 11–15, 2026.
I do not trust this host, and I recommend staying somewhere else. Guests deserve clear, honest information about cameras at the property and their privacy. When a host provides contradictory information, guests should not have to fight for a refund or bear the cost of a host’s mistake.
Background and sequence of events
The chronology of this incident is essential to understanding the context of my communications:
- I discovered the host's statement that guest numbers would be monitored by camera.
- I asked where the camera was located.
- The host explicitly described a surveillance camera in a shared kitchen.
- I requested a full refund because I no longer trusted the accommodation. Joe refused an immediate full refund, citing his cancellation policy and directing me to Airbnb to request a refund.
- The host then denied that cameras existed at the property and attributed the references to another listing.
- I said I would leave a negative review. Joe again refused to approve a full refund and left the decision to Airbnb. He also said he would publicly deny a review he considered untrue.
- I said I would publish the exchange on my own website. After that, Joe acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and offered to help request a full refund.
- I created hsinchu-airbnb.com because I did not trust Airbnb’s review system and Joe had said he would publicly deny a review he considered untrue. I wanted readers to see the messages outside Airbnb and judge his contradictory camera statements for themselves.
- UPDATE — October 11, 2026: Airbnb Support canceled the reservation and refunded me.
- UPDATE — October 20, 2026: Airbnb banned my account, citing “harassment and threats.” I unequivocally reject Airbnb's characterization of my actions as harassment.
- UPDATE — Airbnb Support kept sending generic replies without answering my questions.
Read the messages below.
Listing and host.
Full screenshot record.
Full conversation transcript.
Update: my response and later correspondence.
What happened
1. I discovered the host's statement that guest numbers would be monitored by camera
The listing I booked did not disclose any cameras. Only after booking did the host send check-in instructions saying that extra guests would be verified by camera.
The instructions said: Otherwise, a fee will be charged (verified by camera).
This was information I wanted to know before deciding whether to book.
Read the camera-verification instructions in screenshot 5.
2. I asked where the camera was located
At 12:20 PM, I quoted Verified by camera
back to the host and asked: Where is the camera? In the bedroom / bathroom?
I added: I do not want to be watched.
At 12:25 PM, I said cameras were supposed to be disclosed in the listing before the reservation. I was asking what the host's own instructions meant and which spaces were being monitored.
3. The host explicitly described a surveillance camera in a shared kitchen
At 1:38 PM, Joe replied: The surveillance camera is in the kitchen in the common area
. He said it was there to ensure public safety because guests were provided with dishes, cutlery, and a microwave.
He also said the room was a private suite with a private bathroom and that there were no surveillance cameras in that private space. At this point, his explanation was that there was a camera in the common kitchen.
Personally, I do not want cameras anywhere at an Airbnb, including outside. I do not want to be constantly monitored. It is my privacy, and I should be able to choose whether to book a property with cameras.
Airbnb's policy: Indoor security cameras are prohibited in home listings, including shared indoor areas. Permitted exterior cameras and their locations must be disclosed in the listing BEFORE booking. Telling the guest in a message after booking does not replace that disclosure. Read Airbnb's camera policy.
These messages do not prove whether a camera was physically present.
4. I requested a full refund because I no longer trusted the accommodation
I first requested a 100% refund at 1:16 PM, before check-in. My message said: I want to cancel this reservation, for full 100% refund
.
At 1:39 PM, I said I did not want to stay, that cameras had to be disclosed before booking, and that my trust had been violated. I no longer wanted to proceed with the accommodation.
At 1:41 PM, Joe cited his five-day cancellation policy and said a same-day cancellation required a request to Airbnb. He refused to approve an immediate full refund and left the decision to the platform. Asking Airbnb was no guarantee that I would get my money back. At 1:58 PM, he again relied on the policy, saying cancellations less than five days before check-in or on the day of check-in are not accepted.
I understood this as opposition to my refund request: I would have to fight for my money back through Airbnb.
I had asked for a refund promptly after receiving unexpected camera information. I could not afford to book another hotel without knowing I would get my money back. I should not have to absorb the cost of the host's inaccurate information. Accurate listing details and check-in messages are his responsibility.
The refund request and kitchen-camera reply, screenshot 10. My explanation that I no longer wanted to stay, screenshot 11.
5. The host then denied that cameras existed at the property and attributed the references to another listing
At 1:51 PM, Joe changed his explanation. He said the room and its common areas had absolutely no surveillance cameras installed!
and that the CCTV information referred to another listing.
This contradicted his earlier description of a camera in the common kitchen. His later denial did not erase his earlier statements or restore my trust.
Joe's denial and explanation about another listing, screenshot 14.
6. I said I would leave a negative review
At 1:53 PM, I said I could not trust him, asked him to accept the cancellation, and said I would leave a bad review.
At 1:58 PM, Joe again refused to approve a full refund, citing his cancellation policy and directing me to proceed through Airbnb. In the same message, he said he would publicly deny a review he considered untrue. He said he would respond to each public review and clarify the actual situation
to protect the listing’s reputation.
My cancellation request and statement about leaving a review, screenshot 15. Joe’s full response.
7. I said I would publish the exchange on my own website
At 2:01 PM, I sent back his own instructions saying guests would be verified by camera.
I was holding him to his own words. He could not simply change his story and expect me to ignore what he had already told me. I then said I would create a website about the exchange. The messages are included in the full screenshot record and the transcript.
Screenshot 18, 19, 22, 23.
After I said I would publish the exchange on my own website, Joe acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and offered to help request a full refund. At 2:09 PM, he said he had copied and pasted check-in instructions from another property with cameras. He said this listing, its corridors, and its common areas had no cameras.
He offered to assist with requesting a full refund or a cancellation without fees through Airbnb and said I would not incur any losses. At 2:10 PM, he said he would ask the platform how to handle it.
8. I created hsinchu-airbnb.com to document the exchange
I created this website because I did not trust Airbnb’s review system and Joe had said he would publicly deny a review he considered untrue. I wanted readers to see the messages outside Airbnb and judge his contradictory camera statements for themselves.
This website includes the host’s correction and my own messages, with identifying and access details redacted. I cannot confirm whether cameras were physically present. My concern is the information I was given, how it changed, and how the refund request was handled.
9. UPDATE — October 11, 2026: Airbnb Support canceled the reservation and refunded me
On October 11, Airbnb Support canceled the reservation and refunded me. The refund issue was resolved. As far as I know, the host was not involved, but I cannot confirm that. It is possible he would eventually have refunded me as promised.
10. UPDATE — October 20, 2026: Airbnb banned my account, citing “harassment and threats”
Airbnb said it could not establish a camera-policy violation, but banned my account for harassment and threats.
It canceled and refunded my upcoming reservations, barred me from creating another account, and offered an appeal.
Read Airbnb's full message and correspondence, with names and email addresses redacted (PDF).
My response to the harassment finding
NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE NOT HARASSMENT.
DEMANDING A REFUND IS NOT HARASSMENT.
I unequivocally reject Airbnb's characterization of my actions as harassment. Saying I would publish a negative review identifying the Airbnb is not harassment. A review needs enough information for readers to know which listing and host it concerns. I did not publish surnames or the exact address. I used the listing URL, a listing photo, the street name, and the host's first name. These are the bare necessities for readers to identify the Airbnb being reviewed. How can you leave a negative review without identifying what you are reviewing? I find it ridiculous to call that harassment.
I was demanding my own reservation payment back. My consecutive messages—I will make sure that you will lose money. You do not deserve my money.
—were about the reservation payment he was refusing to refund. If Airbnb considers that harassment, then it is treating my demand for a refund as misconduct.
This was a serious concern about my privacy and my money. I was angry, and I had every right to express it. I should not have to tiptoe around my displeasure to have my complaint taken seriously. Calling him a terrible host
does not turn a refund demand or a public review into harassment.
Airbnb has not identified which specific words it considered harassment. I believe Airbnb is punishing me for publicly documenting my privacy concerns outside its platform. My anger does not make my privacy concerns or my demand for a refund unreasonable.
11. UPDATE — Airbnb Support kept sending generic replies without answering my questions
The replies look automated to me, as though no one is reading my questions. One response contains two numbered versions of a generic reply. Even after I said I was not requesting reinstatement, Airbnb kept answering about reactivating my account.
My appeal was rejected after eight minutes. My questions about the cameras, the harassment finding, and this website remain unanswered in this exchange. At 11:34 PM, I asked whether a human was reading and asked What is 2 + 2?
I cannot verify whether the replies were automated.
Read the full correspondence, with names and email addresses redacted (PDF).
Conclusion
It should never be acceptable for a host to monitor guests without properly disclosing it before they book. Indoor cameras are prohibited in home listings, including shared indoor areas. I cannot confirm whether a camera was physically present here, but Joe's own messages gave me reason to be concerned.
A guest's money should never be held hostage over a host's inaccurate information. After his unexpected camera instructions and contradictory explanations, I should not have had to argue for a refund or face paying for another hotel without knowing whether I would get my money back.
Airbnb should expect guests to be angry about undisclosed-camera concerns and delays getting their money back. My privacy and my money were at stake. I should not have to be perfectly polite for those concerns to matter. My anger did not excuse the host's contradictory messages or Airbnb's failure to answer my questions.
Airbnb eventually canceled the reservation and refunded me. It later banned my account for harassment and threats
, a characterization I reject. The refund resolved the payment issue, but my questions about the cameras and the basis for my ban remain unanswered in the correspondence.
To me, Airbnb seems more concerned about its image than my privacy. It leaves me feeling that Airbnb would rather silence the complaint than address it. How does banning me reassure other guests worried about cameras? Guests should be able to raise privacy concerns, demand a refund, and express anger publicly online without fearing that speaking up will cost them their account.
The listing and host
Listing: Home in East District / Train Station Hotel Style Bedroom. View the Airbnb listing.
Location: Shengli Road, East District, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan.
The street is from the reservation and host's check-in instructions. The exact address and map location are redacted. Redacted location screenshot.
Joe — host
Joe sent the replies quoted above. This is the image displayed on his Airbnb profile. Profile screenshot.
Full host conversation transcript
Transcribed in conversation order, with overlapping screenshots merged and screen wrapping removed. The original wording and capitalization are retained except for marked redactions of my name, home location, exact address, floor/unit details, and access credentials. “Me” identifies my messages. Airbnb’s “Translation on” setting was enabled. Relative date labels are written as calendar dates for clarity. Separate paragraphs under one speaker represent separate message bubbles unless part of a long message.
October 10, 2026 — Me — 3:53 PM
I'm also an airbnb host in [Personal background removed]!
Airbnb reservation confirmation
Your reservation is confirmed for 1 guest on Oct 11–15.
October 10, 2026 — Joe · Host — 3:58 PM
Thank you very much, [name removed], for booking your stay on October 11, 2026. Please read the listing description and check-in information carefully.
We will provide you with detailed check-in information and the PIN code two days before your scheduled arrival. Please feel free to ask any questions. Thank you very much. 😊
October 10, 2026 — Joe · Host — 7:31 PM
Train Station Hotel Style Bedroom
Thank you very much for your booking. I look forward to hosting you and your guests!
Your check-in time is 16:00 on October 11, 2026.
In this message, you'll find information about the main entrance and access to the house, parking, Wi-Fi, changes to the number of guests, house rules, and the house manual. Please read it carefully.
1. Address of the listing: [street number removed], Shengli Road, Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
[Street number, floor, unit, and access instructions removed.]
2. If you drive, you can park at the public Lin Sen three-dimensional parking lot (public parking is cheaper), and walk to the house in five minutes
3. Check-in method: Check-in after 16:00, self-check-in by entering the code after arriving at the house,
4. Check out before 12:00, close the door. [Key-return instructions removed.]
5. [Wi-Fi credentials removed.]
Please take care of the items provided in the home, and let the Host know if there is any damage. The cabinet bottles are decorative, please do not drink them.
6. The TV uses the Anbo Box Internet TV (UB Video or UB Live can be used to watch TV and movies, etc.), and the signal can be watched and used after the signal is switched to the HDM signal (the TV does not have a traditional fourth channel, only Internet TV is provided
7. Number of guests: 2 guests
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, and if the number of guests exceeds the number of people booked, please change your reservation and send it to us for approval. Otherwise, a fee will be charged (verified by camera).
8. House Rules
1. No parties allowed:
Quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
2. No smoking inside the house (any type) If we find evidence of smoking, we will charge a fee of 3000 NTD.
3. No pets (an additional fee of 1500 NTD will be charged for pets)
4. Slippers are provided in the room to keep the floor clean, and the floor is cleaned and disinfected before each stay.
5. Please turn off the air conditioner and lights when you go out or when not in use.
6. Do not eat or drink on the bed. We will charge for stains on sheets and towels that cannot be washed.
7. Wash cookware and dishes after use.
Remember, you will be staying in a home, not a hotel. Therefore, we ask you to treat our space with the same respect you would treat your own. Thank you for visiting and enjoy your stay.
Looking forward to your stay. Have a nice day.
October 10, 2026 — Joe · Host — time not shown
[Replying to Me: “I'm also an airbnb host in [Personal background removed]!”]
Welcome to Hsinchu ~ It was a pleasure hosting you ^_^
October 11, 2026 — Me — 12:20 PM
“Verified by camera”
Where is the camera? In the bedroom / bathroom?
I do not want to be watched
October 11, 2026 — Airbnb Support — 12:20 PM
If you’re experiencing a safety issue, the Airbnb Support team is standing by to help.
[“Contact us” button; “Only visible to you.”]
October 11, 2026 — Me — 12:25 PM
Cameras are supposed to be disclosed in the listing, before reservation.
October 11, 2026 — Me — 1:16 PM
I want to cancel this reservation, for full 100% refund
Thank you
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 1:38 PM
The surveillance camera is in the kitchen in the common area because we provide guests with dishes, cutlery, and a microwave, in order to ensure public safety.
The room is a private suite with a private bathroom that doesn't need to be shared with others, and there are no surveillance cameras, so you can rest assured. As stated in the listing description, there is no invasion of personal privacy.
October 11, 2026 — Me — 1:39 PM message group
I do not want to stay here
this must be disclosed in the listing before booking
it is a violation of my trust
I hope you understand
I am also an Airbnb host
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 1:41 PM
Our cancellation policy is that there is no charge for cancellations made five days in advance.
Same-day cancellations require a request to the platform.
October 11, 2026 — Me — 1:45 PM message group
Airbnb policy is that you must disclose cameras and their locations before the reservation.
this reservation is a violation of airbnb policy
i have submitted a cancelation request
please let me know if you need more assistance from me
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 1:51 PM
Hi! Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Because we operate multiple listings, the room you booked this time and its common areas have absolutely no surveillance cameras installed! The CCTV information mentioned on the platform actually refers to our "other, different listing" (because the common areas of that listing have CCTV installed in accordance with regulations).
The space you're staying in absolutely ensures your privacy. Please rest assured that there are no CCTV cameras.
October 11, 2026 — Me — 1:53 PM message group
Okay. But, I cannot trust you
Please accept the cancelation. I will leave a bad review.
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 1:58 PM
Hello. Regarding your cancellation request and the review you mentioned, we would like to explain the following to you: First, regarding the cancellation policy, our cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel five days before check-in, but cancellations made less than five days before check-in or on the day of check-in are not accepted. If your current booking status does not meet the free cancellation deadline, you must proceed according to the platform's rules.
Secondly, regarding security cameras and reviews, we have explained to you on several occasions that this listing and the common areas are indeed completely free of security cameras, and your privacy is absolutely guaranteed. If you leave a negative review that is untrue without verification, we will respond to each public review and clarify the actual situation in accordance with Airbnb's platform guidelines to protect the listing's reputation.
We sincerely hope that we can communicate rationally. If you still decide to continue with your trip, you are very welcome. If you wish to cancel in accordance with the rules, please do so through the platform's system. Thank you!
October 11, 2026 — Me — 2:01 PM message group
[Image attachment: screenshot of the host’s earlier instructions, including “Otherwise, a fee will be charged (verified by camera).”]
I have screenshots. You said this.
You are a terrible host.
I will not cancel
Unless it is a full refund
October 11, 2026 — Me — subsequent message; exact time not shown
I will also be reporting this conversation, creating a website about your place, and including the address of your place and your names.
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 2:09 PM
Hi, I'm very sorry for the misunderstanding and concern!
Actually, when I was managing several different properties, I accidentally "copied and pasted" the check-in instructions into an old template for other properties that have security cameras, which resulted in the text not being updated. I would like to clarify to you here that this listing, as well as the corridors and common areas, are indeed "completely free" of any security cameras, and your privacy is 100% protected. I apologize again for the error in the written description that caused you to lose trust. If you insist on canceling due to this typographical error, we would be more than happy to assist you in requesting a full refund or a cancellation without any fees from the Airbnb platform. Rest assured that you will not incur any losses!
Due to poor cell service, I sent both messages before seeing Joe’s refund offer, though they appear after it in the conversation.
October 11, 2026 — Me — 2:09–2:10 PM
Two messages combined for readability; Joe’s reply appeared between them in the original exchange.
I will make sure that you will lose money. You do not deserve my money.
October 11, 2026 — Joe · Host — 2:10 PM
Just a moment. I'll ask the platform how to handle this.
This is my personal review. It is not affiliated with Airbnb.