How to Delete an Airbnb Review (and When You Actually Should)

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Every Airbnb host knows the importance of reviews. Glowing 5-star ratings can help you land more bookings and secure Superhost status, while a single bad review can dent your reputation and income. But what happens when a review feels unfair, misleading, or downright inappropriate? Can you delete it?

In this guide, we’ll explain when Airbnb will remove a review, how to request removal, and what to do when you’re stuck with a negative review you can’t delete.

📌 Can You Delete an Airbnb Review?

The short answer: you can’t directly delete a guest’s review from your listing. However, Airbnb does allow for review removal if it violates their Content Policy.

According to Airbnb, a review may be taken down if it includes:

  • Discriminatory or offensive language

  • Threats, blackmail, or extortion attempts

  • Irrelevant content unrelated to the actual stay

  • False claims or intentionally misleading information

It’s important to note that Airbnb won’t remove a review simply because it’s negative or you disagree with it. The review has to break specific content guidelines to qualify for removal.

📌 How to Request a Review Removal on Airbnb

If you believe a review crosses the line, follow these steps to report it:

  1. Log in to your Airbnb account.

  2. Go to your Reviews section under your profile.

  3. Find the review you want to challenge.

  4. Click Report and select the appropriate reason for removal.

  5. Submit your report and wait for Airbnb’s team to investigate — typically within 48 hours.

Make sure to include any relevant evidence (like guest messages or photos) to support your case.

💡 Pro Tip: Airbnb tends to favor objective evidence over hearsay. If you can document the guest’s violation of house rules or abusive behavior, your chances of removal increase.

📌 What If Airbnb Won’t Remove the Review?

If Airbnb decides not to remove the review, don’t panic. You can still respond publicly to the review on your listing, which is a valuable opportunity to present your side of the story.

When responding:

  • Stay calm, polite, and professional

  • Acknowledge the issue (if appropriate)

  • Explain your perspective clearly

  • Highlight any steps you took to resolve the matter

Example:

“We’re sorry this guest didn’t enjoy their stay. Our house rules are clearly stated in the listing, and we communicated expectations prior to check-in. We always strive to provide a great guest experience and appreciate all feedback.”

This shows future guests that you’re a responsible, communicative host — and often neutralizes the impact of a bad review.

📌 How to Avoid Negative Reviews in the First Place

The best strategy is prevention. Here’s how:

  • Set clear house rules and expectations in your listing.

  • Use pre-stay messages to confirm check-in details and rules.

  • Vet guests carefully before accepting bookings. (Check out our post on [How to Vet Airbnb Guests Without Breaking Platform Policies]

  • Be available for quick communication during their stay.

  • Offer small touches like welcome snacks, local recommendations, and a clean, well-prepared space.

  • Politely request reviews from satisfied guests after checkout.

📌 Final Thoughts

While you can’t control every review you receive, knowing how to properly handle negative or unfair reviews is part of being a successful Airbnb host. Focus on prevention, transparency, and professionalism — and when necessary, use Airbnb’s reporting tools to protect your hosting reputation. At HostHavenBNB, we handle all of this for you. Contact us today to learn how we can help automate your short term property.

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