An Airbnb host in South Korea has reportedly been hit with a $640 utility bill after his guests intentionally left the gas on and increased water usage.
The host, identified as Lee, said a man and a woman booked the house in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Airbnb for an extended stay of more than a month, according to an English translation of an SBS report.
During her stay, Lee received a call from a meter inspector warning her that there might be a gas leak inside the home, according to the report.
When Lee checked the residence, he discovered a burning fire and a warm floor. The windows were left open and there were no guests inside the home, according to the report.
Due to high gasoline consumption, Lee was charged 640,000 won, according to SBS.
That’s equivalent to more than $480. The couple also used 120 metric tons of water, adding another nearly 170,000 won to their bill.
That is another charge of almost $130.
The Seoul water authority said the water usage is equivalent to the amount eight adults would use in a two-month span, the outlet reported.
Lee claimed that the couple raised the bills on purpose because he refused to honor her last-minute cancellation request.
According to the report, a few days before the reservation, guests tried to cancel claiming they were infected with COVID-19.
Lee refused to accept their request unless they had proof, according to the report.
The guests decided to go ahead with their stay.
Eventually, Lee began to notice his unusual behavior through his security cameras.
According to the report, the guests packed up and left after staying only five days in the house.
However, they did return to the property from time to time, according to surveillance footage.
Lee allegedly asked Airbnb for help with the high utility bill, but the company said it would not be able to help with compensation in this case, according to the report.
Airbnb representatives did not immediately respond to FOX Business’s request for comment.
Airbnb enhanced its comprehensive insurance program, AirCover, last year, increasing its coverage to $3 million in damage protection.
Under the program, Airbnb reimburses hosts for damage caused by guests to their home and belongings, including artwork and valuables, boats, and cars.
Hosts will also be compensated if a guest’s pet damages the home or in the event a host has to cancel Airbnb reservations due to damage caused by the guest.
The program does not specify utility bills, according to the Airbnb website.
