Title: Airbnb Floods San Francisco Home: Host’s Viral Social Media Post Spurs Increased Compensation Offer
Subtitle: Erika Gemzer’s home and finances negatively impacted by Airbnb guests
San Francisco’s Mission District faced a housing nightmare as Erika Gemzer, an Airbnb host, publicly aired her grievances after her duplex was flooded by guests. Gemzer’s viral thread sparked a debate over the responsibilities of vacation rental companies towards their hosts.
Gemzer took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on October 19th, recounting the incident that left her homeless and saddled with a debt of over $300,000. The flood occurred when Gemzer’s guests abruptly checked out, two days earlier than planned. She woke up to “waterfalls of water” pouring from the ceiling and light fixtures, caused by a clogged toilet bowl and damaged valve in the upper unit.
Despite having Airbnb’s Host Damage Protection policy, Gemzer claimed that the company’s compensation offer covered only 10% of her expenses. Frustrated with the response, she shared her story online, which quickly gained traction, accumulating over 20 million views.
While specific details regarding the revised offer made by Airbnb were not disclosed, Gemzer attributed the increase in compensation to her social media campaign. Airbnb neither confirmed nor denied this assertion, stating that they provided additional support to her after reviewing documentation.
The incident cost Gemzer $130,000 for drying the duplex alone, with estimates from contractors suggesting that the rebuilding process would require close to $250,000. Her homeowners’ insurance alleviated some of the financial burden, though she still faced significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Critics have accused Gemzer of mismanaging her Airbnb business and not understanding the risks involved. However, she clarified that she became a host out of necessity, as buying a single-family home in San Francisco was financially unfeasible. The median home price in the city was reported to be around $1.3 million.
Gemzer emphasized the need for better education and support for hosts, stating that not all Airbnb hosts are running multiple properties like mini-corporations. She advised other hosts to consider acquiring homeowners’ insurance, umbrella insurance, and short-term rental insurance as precautionary measures.
In the aftermath of the flood, Gemzer has lived in four different Airbnb rentals while waiting for her duplex to be repaired. She recently secured a lease for another home in the area.
The incident has brought the responsibilities of vacation rental companies like Airbnb into spotlight, prompting calls for improved host support and stricter regulations. Gemzer’s case serves as a cautionary tale for both Airbnb hosts and guests, highlighting the importance of open communication, taking adequate precautions, and understanding the terms and policies of renting properties through such platforms.