TL;DR
- You can now file a review removal request directly in your dashboard via a guided form (“Start the request”), attach evidence, and get a decision usually within 48 hours.
- Airbnb removes reviews only for policy violations (biased/extortive, irrelevant to the actual stay, or content that violates the Content Policy). They don’t arbitrate truth disputes between host and guest.
- Who can file? Listing owners, full-access co-hosts, team owners, and other designated roles; the booker can also request removal.
- Appeals exist: if Airbnb moderates (or declines to moderate) review content, there’s an internal appeal system with a 6-month window.
- Reviews aren’t pre-moderated, but they can be removed after publication if they violate policy.
What actually changed in 2025
Airbnb centralized review disputes into an in-product “Start the request” flow that asks you to pick a policy reason, write a short rationale, and upload evidence. Decisions are emailed and typically arrive within 48 hours.
Some hosts also report that a specialized team now handles review removals and that you can resubmit if you bring new evidence, though experiences vary (this is based on community reports, not an official promise).
When Airbnb will remove a review
Airbnb says reviews must be unbiased, relevant, and must follow the Content Policy. The most common, successful hooks:
- Bias / Extortion / Manipulation (e.g., “Give me a refund or I’ll leave 1★”).
- Irrelevance (comments not about the actual stay or guest/host experience).
- Inauthentic (no genuine stay; coordinated/fake reviews).
- Content violations (hate speech, threats/harassment, doxxing/private info, illegal content).
If any of the above applies—and you can prove it—your odds are good.
When Airbnb won’t remove a review
- He-said-she-said disputes about accuracy where both sides simply disagree; Airbnb generally does not mediate the “truth” of reviews.
- Negative opinions that are relevant and policy-compliant (even if they feel unfair).
- Quality complaints without evidence of a policy violation.
In these cases, publish a measured public response to contextualize the feedback for future guests.
Step-by-step: File a removal request (desktop)
- Go to Profile → Reviews and open the review.
- Click Start the request.
- Choose the policy reason (bias/extortion, irrelevant, content violation, etc.).
- Write a concise explanation referencing the policy.
- Upload evidence (screenshots, chat timestamps, photos, house rules).
- Click Submit and watch your email for a decision (often within 48 hours).
Who’s allowed to submit: listing owner, full-access co-host, team owner, several pro-host roles, and the booking guest.
Appeals (if Airbnb declines to remove)
If Airbnb removes or declines to remove a review, you can use the internal appeal system (Airbnb’s content-moderation appeals). You must appeal within 6 months; a case handler reviews your submission and emails a decision.
Tip: Only appeal when you have new or clearer evidence (e.g., explicit threat messages, metadata proving irrelevance, or proof the reviewer never stayed).
Evidence checklist (what actually helps)
- Platform messages showing extortion, threats, or attempts to barter a positive review for money/refunds.
- Timeline proof (guest never checked in, canceled pre-arrival → review is irrelevant to a stay).
- Screenshots with timestamps that contradict claims (e.g., issue reported after checkout, or rules acknowledged earlier).
- House rules / listing text backing your enforcement (noise, occupancy, smoking).
- Photo/video evidence (condition at check-in, cleaners’ after-stay photos).
Pro host tactics
- Lead with the policy, not the pain. Open with “This violates the Reviews Policy because…” and then attach the proof.
- Keep responses short. Your form text should be 3–6 sentences plus attachments.
- Post a public reply (if the review stays): be calm, factual, solution-oriented.
- Don’t expect pre-moderation. File after it’s published; Airbnb doesn’t review all content before it goes live.
FAQ
How long do decisions take?
Airbnb emails a decision usually within 48 hours after you submit the form.
Can I remove a review I wrote?
Yes—if it no longer reflects your genuine experience, you can request its removal via Support.
Is there really a “new team” reviewing these?
Airbnb doesn’t officially announce a special team in Help Center docs, but several host reports suggest a focused team and that resubmissions may be possible when you have new evidence. Treat this as anecdotal, not guaranteed.
Are reviews moderated before posting?
No. They’re posted after both parties submit or when 14 days pass—Airbnb may remove them later for policy violations.
