How to get a negative Airbnb review deleted (even when Airbnb ways no)

Receiving an unjustified 1-star rating is every host’s nightmare. Because on Airbnb your overall rating isn’t just a vanity metric. It directly affects your listing’s visibility, your booking rate, and even your Superhost status. Unfortunately, many hosts only find out after the fact that there are legitimate ways to defend themselves.

In this article, Bassel (founder and CEO of Nowistay) explains in detail when Airbnb can delete a review, how to write a credible and structured removal request, and which free tools you can use to save time and maximize your chances of success. He also shares real-world examples and message templates you can easily customize before reaching out to Airbnb.

Why guest reviews matter so much on Airbnb

Airbnb runs on trust. And that trust is largely built through guest reviews. These ratings and comments directly impact your:

• Ranking in search results
• Click-through rate on your listing
• Conversion rate (i.e., booking rate)
• Eligibility for Superhost status
• Credibility compared to nearby listings

Airbnb considers an average rating above 4.8 to be excellent.

Between 4.3 and 4.7? You’re underperforming.

Below 4.2? You risk suspension or even delisting.

What most hosts don’t realize is that even a 3-star review (which may seem neutral) is already considered bad by Airbnb’s algorithm. Just one such review can drag your average down, especially if you don’t have many bookings yet.

An unfair or disproportionate review can have an immediate financial impact. That’s why it’s essential to know when and how to act.

Can you really get a review removed from Airbnb?

Airbnb officially states that reviews won’t be removed just because a host disagrees with them. And that’s true.

However, Airbnb does recognize five specific cases in which a guest review can be taken down. These are outlined in Airbnb’s Content Policy and Terms of Service.

If your situation fits one of these five cases, you have a legitimate reason to request removal.

The 5 official reasons Airbnb will delete a review

1. Abusive, hateful, or discriminatory language

Any comment with insults, aggressive judgments, sexist, racist, homophobic, or defamatory content can be removed immediately.

Real example: “Dishonest host, disgusting place. It’s a disgrace this is even allowed.”

Message to send: Hello, the review received contains offensive language and does not reflect a guest experience but a personal attack. Please remove it in accordance with your content policy.

2. Personal information shared in the review

Airbnb strictly prohibits guests from sharing the exact address, full name, or contact details of the host or property.

Real example: “The apartment is at 48 Rue Jean Moulin, intercom Durand, 3rd floor.”

Message to send: Hello, this review violates Airbnb’s privacy policy by sharing a full address. Please remove it.

3. The guest didn’t actually stay at the property

Only guests who physically stayed at your place can leave a review. If the guest canceled or never checked in, they have no right to comment.

Real example: “I didn’t stay there. I canceled when I saw the neighborhood. Honestly, it didn’t look appealing.”

Message to send: Hello, the reviewer never stayed at the property. This violates Airbnb’s review policy. Please remove the review.

4. Blackmail or retaliation

If a guest threatens to leave a bad review unless you give them a refund or other advantage, this is a valid reason for removal.

Message received: “If you don’t return my deposit, I’ll leave a 1-star review.”‍

Message to Airbnb: Hello, I’m forwarding this message, which clearly shows a threat. The review followed this exchange. Please remove it.

5. Fraudulent or malicious reviews

Airbnb may delete a review that appears to be left by a fake account, a competitor, or someone not associated with the reservation.

Example: An account with no profile picture or activity, leaving a 1-star review with no signs of contact or check-in.

Message to Airbnb: Hello, I suspect review manipulation. This profile shows no normal activity, and the review is inconsistent. Please investigate.

How to submit a review removal request to Airbnb

Follow these steps to submit a formal request to Airbnb:

1. Log into your Airbnb account
2. Go to Help Center > My Listing > Reviews
3. Click on “Report a review”
4. Clearly explain your reason for the request
5. Attach supporting evidence: screenshots, messages, timeline, etc.

Airbnb usually responds within 24–72 hours. If the violation is clear, the review may be removed immediately. Otherwise, a moderator will make the final decision.

Copy & paste review dispute templates (by case)

• Abuse or discrimination: Hello, the review includes offensive and inappropriate language. It violates Airbnb’s standards. Please remove it.
• Personal info shared: Hello, this review shares prohibited personal details. I request its removal.
• No actual stay: Hello, the guest never stayed at my property. The review violates Airbnb’s policy.
• Blackmail or threat: Hello, the review was posted in retaliation to a threat. I’m attaching proof of the message exchange.
• Fraud or sabotage: Hello, I suspect abuse of the review system. Please investigate this suspicious account and review.

Free AI tool to help you draft your request

Nowistay has created a free online tool that helps you:

• Identify the valid reason for your dispute
• Generate a well-written message to Airbnb support
• Save time and improve your chances of success

Just paste the review you received, add a bit of context. And the AI handles the rest.

👉 Try our free AI tool here: https://bit.ly/delete-airbnb-review

How to prevent bad reviews on Airbnb (before they happen)

Many negative reviews can be prevented with the right proactive approach. Here are a few key prevention tactics:

• Create a visual welcome guide with house rules and local info
• Send automated messages before, during, and after the stay
• Screen for suspicious guest profiles (no reviews, odd messages, red flags)
• Diffuse tensions early (respond quickly, keep communication documented)
• Ask for private feedback before guests leave a public review

Nowistay’s AI co-host can handle all of this for you. It analyzes your bookings, detects risks, sends the right messages, and manages friction points.

A bad Airbnb review isn’t always deserved. And it isn’t always final. As a host, you have the right to defend your reputation when it’s unfairly attacked.

But to do so, you need to know Airbnb’s rules, act quickly, and present the right arguments. This article gives you all the basics to succeed.

And with the help of Nowistay’s AI tools, you no longer have to face review injustice alone.

Protect your reputation. Secure your bookings. And show Airbnb that you’re a professional, attentive, and reliable host.