Airbnb Review Removal: Rules, Requests, and Disputes

Quick Answer

Airbnb reviews can be disputed and removed when they violate the platform's Reviews Policy: most commonly for bias, discrimination, personal information, off-topic content, or reviews unrelated to the actual stay. Airbnb's process is more structured than Google's but the eligibility bar is real: retaliatory reviews and negative-but-truthful reviews generally stay.

What Airbnb will remove

Biased reviews: reviews written in retaliation for a policy enforcement, for example, a guest reviewing after being reported for a house-rule violation

Reviews containing personal information: full names of staff, addresses, contact information

Discrimination: reviews containing hate speech or protected-class targeting

Off-topic: reviews about a different listing, external services, or events unrelated to the stay

Content that violates Airbnb's Content Policy: profanity aimed at individuals, threats, sexually explicit content

What Airbnb generally will not remove

• Factual disputes: Airbnb explicitly states they do not mediate disputes concerning review accuracy or truthfulness

• Truthful negative reviews about cleanliness, accuracy, or communication

• Reviews from guests who had a legitimate bad experience

• Reviews that hurt your Superhost status but do not violate policy

• Reviews you disagree with but cannot document as a policy violation

The removal request path

• Open the review from the trip page

• Click the flag or report option

• Select the specific policy category (do not use a general complaint)

• Provide the written explanation and evidence

• Airbnb reviews and responds: typically within days for straightforward cases

Preparing the evidence

• Screenshots of guest messages showing the actual issue

• Reservation records showing the specific dates and property

• Documentation of any house-rule enforcement that preceded the review

Appeal process

If denied, you can request a review by a different team member. Provide new evidence, not repetition. The appeal window is limited, so move quickly.

What to do while pending

Keep public responses professional, brief, and non-accusatory. Do not reveal that a dispute is in progress. For host-side Airbnb work at scale, engage Reputation Medics for review removal.

Get an Airbnb Host Reputation Scan

Struggling with a retaliatory review or concerned about losing your Superhost status? Start a free REPUSCAN audit or speak with an Airbnb dispute specialist. We review the reservation details, assess policy alignment, and guide you on the best path forward. Last reviewed: July 2026. Reputation Medics does not guarantee removal of any specific review. Outcomes depend on platform policies, evidence, and the reviewer's conduct.