An Airbnb customer reportedly told guests ‘I’ll pay the coronavirus fines’ after inviting at least 25 people to an illegal house party.
Landlord Corin Jackson was left outraged when a booking for two people turned into a rowdy teenage gathering at his property in Ancoats, Greater Manchester.
He warned the host she could face a £10,000 fine under Government coronavirus laws – but she told her guests ‘don’t worry’ and the group went on to allegedly cause £3,000 of damage.
Mr Jackson told the Manchester Evening News he made it clear guests were expected to follow Covid-19 restrictions when the reservation was made.
However, footage from a front-door camera shows dozens of teenagers arriving with alcohol for a party just hours after check-in.
The landlord messaged the woman who made the booking at 8.30pm, warning she was breaking both Government restrictions and Airbnb rules. When she was told to have everyone out by 9pm, she responded: ‘They’ll be out by 10’.
Mr Jackson warned her he was calling the police and she could face a £10,000 fine – but she replied saying: ‘I will pay the money. I will pay for everyone.’
While waiting for officers, Mr Jackson decided to shut down the party himself as ‘people were continuing to turn up’.
The flat was allegedly left with £3,000 of damage
He claims the woman who booked the flat ‘kicked and screamed’ and told him she wouldn’t leave because she had paid but eventually left with the others.
He said: ‘We just turned the lights on and said “everyone out”. They were all 18-year-olds and they all left, there were only a couple of smarmy comments.’
The flat was left full of rubbish and and nitrous oxide canisters, with holes in the floor, scuffed walls and broken lights.
Mr Jackson, who owns the Jacksonheim Property Group, said: ‘I think she was pretty rich – apparently she was telling everyone at the party “don’t worry, whatever comes our way I’ll just pay for it”. As Airbnb landlords this is the last thing we want.’
The businessman, who has put in a claim with Airbnb, says the coronavirus pandemic has put ‘a strain’ on landlords.
Police are investigating the incident after receiving a complaint of ‘criminal damage’. It is unclear if the host will be pursued for allegedly flouting coronavirus restrictions.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Shortly after midnight on 28 October 2020, officers were called to a report of criminal damage at a property on Malta Street in Manchester.
‘Furniture was damaged. Those inside the property had dispersed before officers arrived at the scene.’