Terrible Airbnb Experience in a Rural Setting: Should I Inform the Host Before Leaving?

A difficult stay in a rural area has left me searching for guidance on how to handle leaving mid-stay. Here’s a concise summary of what I’ve endured and the questions I’m facing.

What happened during the stay
– The host’s behavior: The host drinks frequently and, when intoxicated, engages in boundary-pushing behavior that I’ve had to address daily.
– Pest issues: The accommodation is infested with roaches. They appear to drop from the ceiling, crawl under furniture, and populate sofas. Each morning I wake up to a handful of dead roaches to sweep up. I was told this is common in a rural African setting and that insects were mentioned on the listing, but I had expected more typical pests (ants, beetles) rather than a pervasive roach problem.
– Inadequate sleeping conditions: The mosquito net has holes. I patched it to improve sleep, but I’m still uneasy about mosquitoes due to an outdoor shower that leaks and accumulates water near plants—an ideal breeding ground for insects.

What I’m considering doing
– I’ve booked a new place for the remainder of my stay. My family advises leaving without notifying the host in advance and simply informing him after I’ve moved to the new place, citing concerns about a potentially negative reaction.
– I’m hesitant to complain to Airbnb because this appears to be a family-run operation. The host’s brother and other family members have been supportive and protective, which complicates the decision to escalate the issue. I hadn’t realized they lived next door, and their presence has made me feel slightly less immediate danger, though safety concerns remain.

Dilemma
– Should I tell the host in advance that I’m cutting the stay early due to his behavior and the roach problem, or should I depart quietly and inform him after I’ve moved?

Update
– I left the property and contacted Airbnb once I reached my new place. I’ve received no direct resolution beyond an escalation notice. I’m grateful for the community’s perspective, which validated that a host’s family income isn’t more important than personal safety and the service I paid for.

Note for readers
– If you’re facing a similar situation, consider documenting any safety concerns, pest issues, and communication attempts with the host. Seek guidance from the platform’s support channels and review terms related to early termination, refunds, and safety codes. Your wellbeing and the value of the service you paid for should come first.