Host bombarded us after contacting AirBnB about a malfunctioning AC

Summary:
This is a hot rental situation involving an unresponsive host and a faulty air conditioning system. The property did not match the listing, and after reaching out to AirBnB for help, we were told to cancel the booking ourselves, which would result in forfeiting our payment — a loss of over $2,000. AirBnB forwarded our complaint to the host, and since then he has been texting us relentlessly, pressuring us to leave, refusing to issue a refund, and demanding we forfeit the money. His messages have been aggressive and disrespectful.

What happened:
– The AC did not function as advertised, making the living space uncomfortable.
– We attempted to resolve the issue through AirBnB, but were instructed to cancel the reservation ourselves, with no guarantee of a refund.
– The host was notified of our complaint and began sending nonstop, hostile text messages.
– The host refused to cancel the booking or offer a refund, and insisted we depart the property immediately.
– We ended up leaving after a few hours and stayed in a nearby hotel to avoid continued discomfort.

Current situation and next steps:
– We did not stay at the property beyond the first few hours and relocated to alternative accommodations.
– We are seeking guidance on how to pursue a refund or dispute resolution given that the listing was inaccurate and the host is uncooperative.
– Potential options include: documenting all communication, submitting a formal dispute through AirBnB’s resolution center, reviewing the refund policies for accommodations that fail to meet listing standards, and seeking assistance from consumer protection resources if applicable in your jurisdiction.

Considerations for future guests:
– When a property’s condition diverges significantly from the listing (e.g., nonfunctional air conditioning in hot climates), document the issue promptly (photos, timestamps) and reach out to the platform’s support team.
– Save all communications with the host and the platform for evidence in any dispute.
– Understand the platform’s cancellation and refund timelines, as they can vary and may impact your eligibility for a refund.

If you’d like, I can help craft a detailed complaint or guide you through the steps to file a formal dispute with the platform, including what information to include and how to present your case effectively.