I rent a big apartment where I live with two permanent guests and rent another room on Airbnb. I left on a long trip, letting one of the guests co-host. After ten days, the permanent guest got in a fight with the Airbnb guest. Both guests ended up injured but one from Airbnb more so; he was in the hospital with a broken nose.

I lost sleep during the holidays talking with the two guests, my co-host, and Airbnb trying to see what had happened, who was more responsible, and how to act. The permanent guest was claiming that the Airbnb guest was disrespecting him, leaving common areas dirty, so he confronted him and got in a fight. The Airbnb guest was claiming he was overreacting and attacked him. We first announced the incident to Airbnb and as a result they cancelled the reservation of the Airbnb guest, refunding his money after he had stayed for more than a week.

I found this unfair and asked for a case manager who asked for more information. I provided photos of the permanent guest who was hit as well as the mess the Airbnb guest left. I tried to be objective saying to the Airbnb guest that he probably irritated the permanent guest enough to start the fight (I knew him; he was really quiet and respectful). Both have some responsibility. I also advised the permanent guest to be very careful in the future and let him stay.

The Airbnb guest was mad I didn’t support him and finally after a week without any explanation I received a message from Airbnb they deactivated my account due to violating the terms and conditions. Somehow the host is responsible for the actions of the guests, something that is not logical from my point of view. Nor could I find this in the user agreement.

I found the whole decision totally unfair to me with zero support from Airbnb. It’s a dispute between guests – how can I be responsible for their actions? No explanation about why they deactivated me, or why they believe the Airbnb guest. From my point of view, disputes and fights can occur and both parties should be responsible, but why the host?

Can Airbnb charge my account as a host for the expences the Airbnb guest had in the hospital? Can they do this legally? I can’t remember if I register with my credit card, IBAN number, or both. The bank told me if I cancelled my credit card I can dispute the matter otherwise they can do it. An attorney said they probably could charge me. Under what evidence or legal process can they do that? Who is responsible in a fight when there are no witnesses and if there is evidence the permanent guest started it, is he the only one responsible? I’d appreciate any answers.