A bad review is frustrating, but not every one can be removed. Airbnb removes a review only when it breaks the Reviews Policy, so the practical question is whether yours does.
What Airbnb says about removal
According to Airbnb’s Help Centre, a review can be removed only if it violates the Reviews Policy. The listing owner, a co-host with full access or the guest can dispute a review. A review you have received can be disputed at any time, with up to two requests, and Airbnb usually gives a decision within about 48 hours. Reviews you wrote yourself can be removed within 30 days. Check the Help Centre for the current wording before you act.
Reviews that may qualify
Think of content that breaks the platform’s rules, not simply a review you disagree with. Hosts should read the policy itself and match the review to a specific rule before filing. A vague complaint that “this is unfair” is unlikely to succeed.
If it cannot be removed, respond
Hosts can reply publicly, and future guests read that reply. Keep it short, factual and calm: thank the guest, acknowledge the issue if there was one, and say what you changed. Our review response builder can help you draft something measured.
- Do not argue or reveal private guest details.
- Do not blame the guest in public.
- Mention a concrete fix if you made one.
Reduce the chance of the next one
Most poor reviews trace back to a mismatch in expectations. Review your listing accuracy, your house manual, your check-in instructions and how quickly you handle issues mid-stay, as covered in guest reports a problem during stay.
Want a second opinion on a tricky review?
We help hosts draft measured public responses and tighten guest messaging remotely so small problems get fixed before they reach a review.
See guest messaging support
Bruce J is the CEO of Thrive Hosts and leads the short-term rental team. He works on the operations and performance side of STR: guest communication, pricing and calendar discipline, turnovers, issue tracking and owner reporting across Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. On the blog he writes practical, no-fluff guides for owners and operators who want their rentals to run more consistently.
