1. What Counts as Grounds for Review Removal?
Airbnb:
You can’t edit or remove reviews yourself, but you can request removal if a review violates Airbnb’s policy. Valid reasons include:
- Includes personal or private information (like full name or address).
- Left by someone who never stayed at your property.
- Was posted in retaliation (after a resolution center case or dispute).
- Includes false or irrelevant information or violates content rules you can’t mediate yourself.
Vrbo (and Booking.com):
Reviews may be removed if they:
- Contain offensive, fraudulent, or hate speech content.
- Were posted fraudulently or by someone not eligible to review.
- Do not relate to a genuine stay (e.g. guest never arrived).
- Disclose personal details or are otherwise prohibited.
2. Timing Matters: When Should You Request Removal?
Act quickly, but not impulsively. Situations like violations or false claims should be flagged within a week or two.
Let minor complaints pass. A single average review in a sea of 5-stars might not harm your reputation and may even feel more authentic.
Don’t confront or harass guests. Both platforms explicitly prohibit retaliatory behavior or incentivizing guests to change reviews.
3. How to Submit an Effective Removal Request
Gather evidence such as screenshots, timestamps, and communications that back your claim.
Use the official platform form or help center to file your request:
- Airbnb: Go through “Start the request,” select the problematic review, cite why it violates policy, and submit your evidence.
- Vrbo: Submit via the partner support tools or customer service, focusing on policy violations.
Be factual, calm, and concise. Stick to evidence, avoid emotional language, and clearly point to how it breaks the rules.
4. If Your Request Is Denied: What to Do Next
A denial doesn’t have to be the end. You can still respond professionally to the review (where allowed). Acknowledge feedback, address inaccuracies, and communicate your commitment to improvement.
Learn from the case. Understand why it was denied, and refine your internal processes, whether that’s updating your listing description, cleaning protocols, or guest communication.
5. Best Practices to Minimize Risk of Problem Reviews
- Set expectations early. Use your listing descriptions, email messaging, and in-stay communication to clarify key policies.
- Ask for feedback privately. Invite guests to flag concerns during the stay rather than post them publicly.
- Stay proactive during stays. Quick pre-checkout check-ins (“How’s everything going?”) can help you resolve issues before they become review problems.
