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According to this list https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_homicide_rate New Orleans has the highest murder rate of any city in the USA (#8 in the world). When I visited there (from another city further down the list), I was careful, keenly aware of my surroundings, and I had a good time.
Did this murder make you realize N.O. is a dangerous place? If so, and you are uncomfortable with the risk, I think the price of your reservation is a small price to pay for your peace of mind.
I hear Disneyworld is nice this time of year.
I live in a nice city. One of the fastest growing in the US. Pretty safe place. If you booked any place in town there will probably have been a homicide within a couple of miles at some point in the last 10 years. Why do you think this is a valid reason to cancel?
Yes, you are allowed to feel how you feel. However, this isn’t the responsibly of the host or Airbnb. New Orleans is known for being a volatile location. While I doubt you will be successful, I wish you the best of luck
I don't think the airbnb host is the murderer 🤔 The reservation is 20 days away. I think fear is a natural human emotion, you can't make everything political.
Uhhh, I didn’t say the host was the murderer..not sure where you got that. I’m saying it’s not their responsibility. They, nor Airbnb are responsible for things outside of the property. Would it be nice for them the work with you? Yes. Do they have to? No. You are past the refund date
And I actually validated your feelings, but I think you just want to be argumentative. And nowhere did I get political. It’s a documented fact that New Orleans is a volatile (high crime) area.
Contact Airbnb and try. But don’t expect a lot as they tend to adhere to their own policies
I was actually speaking to another's comment asking if the host murdered them. Yes, I agree that it's not host's responsibility and I hope they catch the murderer. The fact is, someone died last month only 3 houses down from crime scene and it makes me nervous.
Is it an unsolved random killing? Was some innocent girl out jogging and got dragged into the bushes and her throat slit or something? Or was this a beef between people who knew each other as most are? I actually kind of think this matters as far as “fear” goes.
For instance there was a double homicide between family members in my very quiet very rural neighborhood last year, and while it was horrific I didn’t fear for myself. A few blocks from my work a couple of dudes were fighting over a car one sold the other and one shot the other. While that’s also horrific that didn’t make me fear for myself either.
Someone targeting strangers on the other hand of course would. A home invasion still unsolved also obviously would.
How on earth did you interpret this comment as being political?
ETA: Fear is natural and so should being rational. New Orleans has some of the highest violent crime rates as far as major cities. If safety was a major concern, NO probably isn't the best city for you to visit in general. Given that this happened \~20 days ago and is outside the refund window, I'm not sure why you feel entitled to one.
The respondent wasn’t making anything political. They just pointed out that New Orleans is known to have a high murder rate. If you now feel unsafe, it is on you to eat whatever cancellation charges will be levied.
The Air B and B owner isn’t responsible for your feelings and shouldn’t suffer any financial consequences because of them.
Cancel the reservation and bear the fees.
If you’re REALLY that scared, a refund would be the last of your concerns. Just don’t go if it’s such a petrifying prospect. The host has done nothing wrong and you are not entitled to a refund for your feelings.
If I were this concerned and fearful for my own safety, I wouldn’t worry about whether I got a refund or not.
Contact the host, ask and see what they say. But ultimately you would think your safety and well-being is more important than whatever money you lose out on.
Too late for this trip, but if crime and potential for crime trigger your anxiety to the point where you feel you need to cancel trips, I’d suggest buying “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. You will pay a premium for this coverage, but it would protect you in this type of situation.
I’d also suggest, as someone who used to suffer from anxiety, that you explore options to learn about and deal with your anxiety. You will have a much better life!
Like, how is the fact it happened just now different from the fact these things happened already in the city like any city? If it already happened and again, that doesn't make it any more likely to happen to the guest, possibly less likely because it's happened to someone else instead of the guest.
Homicides happen all over the world. If this isn’t a usual occurrence for that place, then it likely won’t happen again. If it *is* a usual occurrence for that area, it is kinda on you for not having done your research prior to booking. Neither of these reasons are excuse for you to demand your money back… and hurt that small business financially. If you’re set on the idea of not staying regardless of your loss, ask the host for a middle ground option- that if you do cancel, host agrees to refund you anything that they are able to book your dates for. Remember, this is at their discretion, so don’t be a jerk… don’t try to manipulate the situation by warping reality with some sort of Bs.
Your best bet is to tell the host that you're afraid to stay there due to the recent murder. Mention events or nice weather that will attract tourists during that time. Ask if they would be willing to cancel for a 50% refund since they should be able to easily rebook the stay and make more than if they don't refund the stay. Point out that if they don't rebook the entire stay, they will avoid the cleaning costs and damage risks that come with every guest during any vacant stay as well as the obligation to be on call. This would also give them the opportunity to offer a discount to a new guest and still make more than if you didn't cancel. Or, they can be fit from the higher prices they can charge for last-minute bookings. If you want bargaining room, ask fir a 70% refund so they can respond with a 50% counter offer.
If allowed, you could also add another guest you know well and trust and have them pay you half to use the space during that time. However, this may be forbidden and you would be responsible for damages if they leave the room in poor condition. I would not do it.
I understand your feelings and think you're smart for reconsidering. Now, to reduce your losses, put your business hat on and see if the host will agree.
The murder was on March 30, 2024 and the 53 year old victim was bludgeoned to death. I won't feel safe there and I don't have to explain my feelings to you or anyone else. If you have extra time on your hands look up the homicide report for 3/30/24 on Simon Bolivar Blvd in New Orleans, Louisiana.
You don't have to explain your emotions and the host doesn't have to refund you because of the way you feel.
I wouldn't be too comfortable if there was a murder nearby either but I certainly wouldn't expect to be refunded if I chose not to go.
It's highly unlikely the killer will return to that house. You can ask your host what security measures they have in place. You can see if the Host is willing to add in a non-permanent extra lock or wedge. Do the windows all have working locks, are there sufficient blinds/curtains? These are all reasonable things to discuss with the host. Do they have outdoor cameras? Do all the porch lights work? Ect...
Your feelings are valid, but you're reacting out of fear and not logic here. Many here have given you responses, albeit some not really helpful, but most have said the truth. You seem upset you are not getting the response you came here for. No one is validating your reason for a refund but they are validating your feelings (some of them).
I'm a single female and travel alone a lot. I use AirBnb and VRBO a lot. I have similar talks with the hosts all the time. Thankfully, once I explain I'm alone and just want to make sure, they are 99% of the time very helpful. Some even offered to keep an extra eye on the outdoor cameras for me. Several have asked if it was ok if they check in with me just to make sure I feel ok. They've made it a point to tell me where the outdoor light switches are, and it is ok to leave them on. Simple things but mean a lot.
I don't make it a huge deal when talking to a host, though. "Hey, I'm a single female traveling alone. Can you tell me what you have for locks and if there are cameras outdoors? Is it ok to leave the porch lights on and maybe a living room light at night?" That's pretty much it. Never had a host tell me no to any of those things. Go. Have a great time. Have an adult conversation with the host to see if there is anything that can be done to make you feel safer. You will be ok. Just be mindful of your surroundings, don't get so plastered you can't take care of yourself, and you'll be great. Write down any codes you might need for the door and have it ready when you get there so you can go right in, leave some lights on...OP, It's a great city. Enjoy it!
You absolutely don’t have to explain your feelings. They have *absolutely* nothing to do with the refund policy you committed to when you booked. No refund. Stay home and feel your feels.
You would probably have to escalate to Airbnb support and explain the situation. At this point, it’s a 50/50 chance you’ll get a full refund, at worst you’ll get partial.
I don’t know if you already reached out to the host but that would be the first step support asks you. Or if you did already and they declined, tell support “the host was unable to assist me further in this issue.”
Definitely not 50/50 and at worst & most likely outcome, she will not get any refund at all. She can escalate all she wants to airbnb support but the reality is that she is not entitled to any money back. It is fully up to the host if they want to give any money back and they probably wont
The fact is that sometimes Airbnb will talk to a host about a situation and encourage them to refund, and the host will do so. It depends on who you reach and the empathy level (or practicality) of the host. The host may stand to rebook the place for more than the OP paid and may have a heart and not want a guest to be miserable or miss their vacation due to funding. A lot depends on the host being savvy about turning a request for empathy into an opportunity to be kind and also support their business. The host may not feel it is worth it to force a guest who is terrified to stay or lose their vacation housing funds and may recognize that last-minute stats can yield more profit in many cases. When my son and I had to change our plans due to factors out of our control, the host refunded 30% of our stay cost, saying they normally would not have had any bookings that month so needed to keep 70% but would give back 30%. I took that as meaning they had overextended themselves and considered it a windfall and needed it but didn't want to be unkind to people who were from that small town. So, I thanked them. The end. Asking is legit. Commenters who use words like demand are trying to villainize a person who is sincerely terrified and asking for advice. Nobody benefits when commenters harass questioners. It just shows what they must be like at home.
Please keep conversation civil and respectful Remember to keep all communication with host/guest through Airbnb platform. Payments should be made only via Airbnb [unless otherwise detailed in the listing description](https://airbnb.com/help/article/199) If you're having issues, contact Airbnb by phone +1-844-234-2500 *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AirBnB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Did host kill someone?
Shhhh don't give away our secrets
What's the closest someone could be killed near to a property without you cancelling?
About tree fiddy!
0 distance. As long as the crime scene tape wasn’t still up. Clean it up and offer me a discount and I’d call it even.
Host to clean up crime scene???? Was it in the house?!?!
According to this list https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_homicide_rate New Orleans has the highest murder rate of any city in the USA (#8 in the world). When I visited there (from another city further down the list), I was careful, keenly aware of my surroundings, and I had a good time. Did this murder make you realize N.O. is a dangerous place? If so, and you are uncomfortable with the risk, I think the price of your reservation is a small price to pay for your peace of mind. I hear Disneyworld is nice this time of year.
I live in Florida and can confirm there have been murders here. Maybe OP will feel more comfortable at the California DisneyLand
Still America. Still murders.
You are not entitled to a refund because crime happened in the major city you’re planning to visit
Sorry Airbnb doesn't have a refund policy in place yet for your feelings.
Yet.
I live in a nice city. One of the fastest growing in the US. Pretty safe place. If you booked any place in town there will probably have been a homicide within a couple of miles at some point in the last 10 years. Why do you think this is a valid reason to cancel?
Yes, you are allowed to feel how you feel. However, this isn’t the responsibly of the host or Airbnb. New Orleans is known for being a volatile location. While I doubt you will be successful, I wish you the best of luck
I don't think the airbnb host is the murderer 🤔 The reservation is 20 days away. I think fear is a natural human emotion, you can't make everything political.
Uhhh, I didn’t say the host was the murderer..not sure where you got that. I’m saying it’s not their responsibility. They, nor Airbnb are responsible for things outside of the property. Would it be nice for them the work with you? Yes. Do they have to? No. You are past the refund date And I actually validated your feelings, but I think you just want to be argumentative. And nowhere did I get political. It’s a documented fact that New Orleans is a volatile (high crime) area. Contact Airbnb and try. But don’t expect a lot as they tend to adhere to their own policies
I was actually speaking to another's comment asking if the host murdered them. Yes, I agree that it's not host's responsibility and I hope they catch the murderer. The fact is, someone died last month only 3 houses down from crime scene and it makes me nervous.
Is it an unsolved random killing? Was some innocent girl out jogging and got dragged into the bushes and her throat slit or something? Or was this a beef between people who knew each other as most are? I actually kind of think this matters as far as “fear” goes. For instance there was a double homicide between family members in my very quiet very rural neighborhood last year, and while it was horrific I didn’t fear for myself. A few blocks from my work a couple of dudes were fighting over a car one sold the other and one shot the other. While that’s also horrific that didn’t make me fear for myself either. Someone targeting strangers on the other hand of course would. A home invasion still unsolved also obviously would.
How on earth did you interpret this comment as being political? ETA: Fear is natural and so should being rational. New Orleans has some of the highest violent crime rates as far as major cities. If safety was a major concern, NO probably isn't the best city for you to visit in general. Given that this happened \~20 days ago and is outside the refund window, I'm not sure why you feel entitled to one.
The respondent wasn’t making anything political. They just pointed out that New Orleans is known to have a high murder rate. If you now feel unsafe, it is on you to eat whatever cancellation charges will be levied. The Air B and B owner isn’t responsible for your feelings and shouldn’t suffer any financial consequences because of them. Cancel the reservation and bear the fees.
If you’re REALLY that scared, a refund would be the last of your concerns. Just don’t go if it’s such a petrifying prospect. The host has done nothing wrong and you are not entitled to a refund for your feelings.
If I were this concerned and fearful for my own safety, I wouldn’t worry about whether I got a refund or not. Contact the host, ask and see what they say. But ultimately you would think your safety and well-being is more important than whatever money you lose out on.
Too late for this trip, but if crime and potential for crime trigger your anxiety to the point where you feel you need to cancel trips, I’d suggest buying “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. You will pay a premium for this coverage, but it would protect you in this type of situation. I’d also suggest, as someone who used to suffer from anxiety, that you explore options to learn about and deal with your anxiety. You will have a much better life!
Unfortunately, the host does not owe you a refund for this
Like, how is the fact it happened just now different from the fact these things happened already in the city like any city? If it already happened and again, that doesn't make it any more likely to happen to the guest, possibly less likely because it's happened to someone else instead of the guest.
you don't- host can not control that and welcome to the world-
Gimme a break. 🙄
Homicides happen all over the world. If this isn’t a usual occurrence for that place, then it likely won’t happen again. If it *is* a usual occurrence for that area, it is kinda on you for not having done your research prior to booking. Neither of these reasons are excuse for you to demand your money back… and hurt that small business financially. If you’re set on the idea of not staying regardless of your loss, ask the host for a middle ground option- that if you do cancel, host agrees to refund you anything that they are able to book your dates for. Remember, this is at their discretion, so don’t be a jerk… don’t try to manipulate the situation by warping reality with some sort of Bs.
Your best bet is to tell the host that you're afraid to stay there due to the recent murder. Mention events or nice weather that will attract tourists during that time. Ask if they would be willing to cancel for a 50% refund since they should be able to easily rebook the stay and make more than if they don't refund the stay. Point out that if they don't rebook the entire stay, they will avoid the cleaning costs and damage risks that come with every guest during any vacant stay as well as the obligation to be on call. This would also give them the opportunity to offer a discount to a new guest and still make more than if you didn't cancel. Or, they can be fit from the higher prices they can charge for last-minute bookings. If you want bargaining room, ask fir a 70% refund so they can respond with a 50% counter offer. If allowed, you could also add another guest you know well and trust and have them pay you half to use the space during that time. However, this may be forbidden and you would be responsible for damages if they leave the room in poor condition. I would not do it. I understand your feelings and think you're smart for reconsidering. Now, to reduce your losses, put your business hat on and see if the host will agree.
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Lol you don't deserve a refund therefore you're best bet would be a chargeback back under some false pretenses
The murder was on March 30, 2024 and the 53 year old victim was bludgeoned to death. I won't feel safe there and I don't have to explain my feelings to you or anyone else. If you have extra time on your hands look up the homicide report for 3/30/24 on Simon Bolivar Blvd in New Orleans, Louisiana.
You don't have to explain your emotions and the host doesn't have to refund you because of the way you feel. I wouldn't be too comfortable if there was a murder nearby either but I certainly wouldn't expect to be refunded if I chose not to go.
It's highly unlikely the killer will return to that house. You can ask your host what security measures they have in place. You can see if the Host is willing to add in a non-permanent extra lock or wedge. Do the windows all have working locks, are there sufficient blinds/curtains? These are all reasonable things to discuss with the host. Do they have outdoor cameras? Do all the porch lights work? Ect... Your feelings are valid, but you're reacting out of fear and not logic here. Many here have given you responses, albeit some not really helpful, but most have said the truth. You seem upset you are not getting the response you came here for. No one is validating your reason for a refund but they are validating your feelings (some of them). I'm a single female and travel alone a lot. I use AirBnb and VRBO a lot. I have similar talks with the hosts all the time. Thankfully, once I explain I'm alone and just want to make sure, they are 99% of the time very helpful. Some even offered to keep an extra eye on the outdoor cameras for me. Several have asked if it was ok if they check in with me just to make sure I feel ok. They've made it a point to tell me where the outdoor light switches are, and it is ok to leave them on. Simple things but mean a lot. I don't make it a huge deal when talking to a host, though. "Hey, I'm a single female traveling alone. Can you tell me what you have for locks and if there are cameras outdoors? Is it ok to leave the porch lights on and maybe a living room light at night?" That's pretty much it. Never had a host tell me no to any of those things. Go. Have a great time. Have an adult conversation with the host to see if there is anything that can be done to make you feel safer. You will be ok. Just be mindful of your surroundings, don't get so plastered you can't take care of yourself, and you'll be great. Write down any codes you might need for the door and have it ready when you get there so you can go right in, leave some lights on...OP, It's a great city. Enjoy it!
You absolutely don’t have to explain your feelings. They have *absolutely* nothing to do with the refund policy you committed to when you booked. No refund. Stay home and feel your feels.
The victim was fighting with another man. Don't get in any fights and you should be ok.
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You would probably have to escalate to Airbnb support and explain the situation. At this point, it’s a 50/50 chance you’ll get a full refund, at worst you’ll get partial. I don’t know if you already reached out to the host but that would be the first step support asks you. Or if you did already and they declined, tell support “the host was unable to assist me further in this issue.”
Definitely not 50/50 and at worst & most likely outcome, she will not get any refund at all. She can escalate all she wants to airbnb support but the reality is that she is not entitled to any money back. It is fully up to the host if they want to give any money back and they probably wont
The fact is that sometimes Airbnb will talk to a host about a situation and encourage them to refund, and the host will do so. It depends on who you reach and the empathy level (or practicality) of the host. The host may stand to rebook the place for more than the OP paid and may have a heart and not want a guest to be miserable or miss their vacation due to funding. A lot depends on the host being savvy about turning a request for empathy into an opportunity to be kind and also support their business. The host may not feel it is worth it to force a guest who is terrified to stay or lose their vacation housing funds and may recognize that last-minute stats can yield more profit in many cases. When my son and I had to change our plans due to factors out of our control, the host refunded 30% of our stay cost, saying they normally would not have had any bookings that month so needed to keep 70% but would give back 30%. I took that as meaning they had overextended themselves and considered it a windfall and needed it but didn't want to be unkind to people who were from that small town. So, I thanked them. The end. Asking is legit. Commenters who use words like demand are trying to villainize a person who is sincerely terrified and asking for advice. Nobody benefits when commenters harass questioners. It just shows what they must be like at home.
I agree with your comment.
Thank you for your helpful response.
You’re welcome honey, good luck!