What was meant to be a simple vacation turned into a nightmare for one Airbnb host in China.
An angry couple, dissatisfied with their stay, decided to take revenge in the most spiteful way possible — by leaving every tap, light, and appliance running before checking out.
The result? A massive utility bill and a story that quickly went viral across social media.
A Cold, Calculated Act of Revenge
The incident took place in the coastal city of Qingdao.
After staying for a few days, the couple reportedly demanded a last-minute refund, which the host declined.
Rather than contacting Airbnb’s support system, they chose a more vindictive route: to make the host pay — literally.
Security footage later showed that before leaving, they turned on all the water taps, left the air conditioning running, switched on every light and stove burner, and then locked the door behind them.
The host, who was away at the time, only discovered the sabotage weeks later, after a neighbor complained about a strange humming noise coming from the property.
“They left as if nothing had happened.
When I went inside, it was scorching hot — the windows were shut, the AC was on full blast, and the water had been running for days.”
— The host wrote on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu
An Outrageous Utility Bill
The damage was staggering.
According to the local utility company, the couple had used nearly 300,000 liters of water and over 2,800 kWh of electricity — the equivalent of months of normal household consumption.
The air conditioning alone, running at maximum power for over 20 days, generated a bill of more than €1,500.
Once notified, Airbnb launched an internal investigation and immediately suspended the couple’s account, stating that such behavior was “a serious violation” of its community standards.
A Rare but Growing Problem
While this story stands out for its sheer pettiness, it’s not the first time a guest has taken revenge on a host.
Short-term rental platforms around the world have reported an increase in malicious or destructive behavior from frustrated guests.
However, few incidents reach this level of deliberate waste.
Psychologists suggest this type of act falls under what they call “emotional retaliation” — a way for people to regain a sense of control after feeling wronged.
In an era of online anonymity, frustration and impulsive decisions often spiral into acts of revenge.
Experts point to several factors behind such behavior:
- The anonymity that digital platforms provide.
- Frustration with strict cancellation and refund policies.
- A sense of impunity, since there’s rarely direct supervision in short-term rentals.
“This is not just an impulsive reaction,” explained sociologist Mei Zhang.
“It’s a symbolic attempt to hurt the other side financially, to feel powerful after feeling powerless.”
Airbnb Responds and Tightens Its Security Measures
Following public outrage, Airbnb China quickly announced new safety measures.
Hosts will now receive automated alerts if their properties show unusually high electricity or water usage, allowing them to intervene early.
The company also reminded users of its Host Guarantee Program, which covers up to $3 million in damages caused by guests.
“We strongly condemn any form of malicious behavior.
Airbnb is built on trust, and these actions violate the very foundation of that trust.”
— Airbnb China official statement
The platform has also reiterated that revenge or retaliatory damage can result in permanent account bans and potential legal action, depending on the severity of the case.
A Sign of a Larger Problem
For many online commentators, the story reflects a deeper issue: the erosion of basic respect and empathy in an increasingly digital world.
Hosts and guests often forget that behind each profile photo and rating system, there are real people, real homes, and real consequences.
Social media users across China and beyond reacted strongly.
Some called the couple’s actions “childish and cruel,” while others argued that “revenge culture” has become a symptom of a society where frustration meets entitlement.
Still, for the host, the hardest part wasn’t the financial loss — it was the sense of betrayal.
“I welcomed them into my home with trust.
I never thought they’d do something like this.”
