Every Airbnb host eventually faces it: a review that feels unfair, inaccurate, or completely out of line with reality. And when it starts affecting your rating, the first question that comes to mind is simple:
How do you remove Airbnb reviews?
The truth is that Airbnb does not remove reviews often, but they do remove them under specific conditions. The key is knowing the rules, understanding your rights as a host, and using the system correctly.
In this guide, I will walk you through the exact situations where Airbnb will delete a review, how to request removal, and what to do when the review cannot be removed.
Every Airbnb host eventually faces it: a review that feels unfair, inaccurate, or completely out of line with reality. And when it starts affecting your rating, the first question that comes to mind is simple:
How do you remove Airbnb reviews?
The truth is that Airbnb does not remove reviews often, but they do remove them under specific conditions. The key is knowing the rules, understanding your rights as a host, and using the system correctly.
In this guide, I will walk you through the exact situations where Airbnb will delete a review, how to request removal, and what to do when the review cannot be removed.
Can You Remove Airbnb Reviews?
The honest answer is: not directly.
Hosts cannot press a button and delete a review themselves.
However, Airbnb will remove reviews that break their Review Policy or Content Guidelines.
So the real question becomes: Does your review violate Airbnb’s rules?
If it does, you have a strong chance of getting it removed.
If it does not, your best strategy is crafting a professional, calm response that protects your reputation.
When Airbnb Will Remove a Review
Airbnb will delete a review if it violates one of the following categories. These guidelines are taken from Airbnb’s official policies, but explained in simple terms.
1. The review includes hate speech, threats, insults or harassment
Any review containing abusive language or personal attacks can be removed.
2. The review contains false claims used to manipulate you
For example:
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“Give me a refund or I’ll leave a bad review”
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“Change the price or I will report you”
This is considered extortion, and Airbnb removes those immediately.
3. The review is clearly fake or not from a real guest experience
If the person never stayed at your property or never completed a booking, the review violates platform rules.
4. The review includes private or confidential information
Airbnb will remove reviews that mention:
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your address
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your personal details
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security codes
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phone numbers
5. The review talks about things outside your control
Airbnb does not allow guests to rate you for things that have nothing to do with your hosting, such as:
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neighborhood noise
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traffic
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weather
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local businesses nearby
If this happens, you can request removal.
6. The review mentions legal matters, ongoing disputes or law enforcement
This is strictly prohibited and almost always removed.
How To Request Airbnb To Remove a Review
Here is the step by step process for hosts.
Step one: Identify which Airbnb rule the review breaks
Screenshot the review and look for the exact reason it violates the guidelines.
Step two: Contact Airbnb Support
You can contact them through the app or by phone.
Make your message short, calm and direct.
Step three: Clearly explain the violation
Do not send long emotional paragraphs.
Keep it simple.
Example message:
“Hi there. I am requesting removal of this review because it violates Airbnb’s Review Policy under the section that prohibits personal insults. Please see attached screenshot.”
Step four: Wait for Airbnb to review it
Most decisions happen within 24 to 72 hours.
Step five: Follow up if needed
If the first agent does not understand your point, try again with another support rep. Sometimes a second set of eyes helps.
What If Airbnb Won’t Remove The Review?
This happens often, even when you feel the review is unfair.
If Airbnb decides the review stays, you still have control over how future guests see it.
A calm, thoughtful reply can completely transform the situation.
A great response can:
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show your professionalism
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reassure future guests
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clarify the misunderstanding
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protect your rating and reputation
If you want to make your replies faster and easier, you can use your AI tool.
This lets hosts paste the review and instantly get a professional reply that sounds personal and caring.
How To Write a Response That Protects You
When responding to unfair reviews:
Stay calm
Never get emotional, even if the review feels unfair.
Focus on clarity, not blame
Explain your side without accusing the guest.
Keep it short
Guests respect concise communication.
Offer reassurance to future guests
Remember, your reply is not for the person who left the review.
It is for every future guest who reads it.
Examples of Great Host Responses
If the complaint is false:
“Thank you for your feedback. We take accuracy seriously and always strive to provide a clear and honest listing. We reviewed the details of your stay and believe there may be a misunderstanding. For future guests, please feel free to message us with any questions before booking. We are always here to help.”
If the review mentions something outside your control:
“We appreciate your comments. While the neighborhood environment is outside our control, we always make sure guests have a comfortable and positive experience inside the home.”
If the tone of the review is harsh:
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We are sorry to hear that your stay did not meet your expectations. We always do our best to address any concerns immediately, and we are committed to improving with every stay.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask the guest to change their review?
You can politely ask, but you cannot offer money, discounts or gifts. That is against Airbnb rules.
Can a guest edit their review later?
Yes, but only within the first forty eight hours after posting.
Will replying to a bad review help my rating?
Yes. Future guests judge your tone, not the complaint.
Does Airbnb ever remove reviews automatically?
Sometimes, especially if the system detects abuse or policy violations.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to remove Airbnb reviews is something every host eventually needs. While you cannot delete reviews yourself, you do have the power to appeal unfair ones and to shape how guests perceive your listing.
When a review breaks the rules, ask Airbnb to remove it.
When it does not, reply with calm confidence and protect your reputation with grace.
And when you want help crafting the perfect response quickly, your AI tool can take care of it in seconds.
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