The prosecution: Marlene
Dani is 24 – if she creates a mess, she should handle it on her own. Let this be a teachable moment
For our 10-day summer getaway, I reserved and paid for an Airbnb villa in Malta. The total cost was €1,100 for our family of four: myself, my spouse Derek, and our two children, Dani, 24, and Jamie, 19. Dani joined us for four days while the rest of us stayed the whole time.
We had a pleasant experience, but Dani and Jamie left their section of the villa in utter chaos, which I didn’t discover until after we returned home. Dani had a separate wing that I overlooked, and when we got back, I received a message from the host. They sent photos of her space, showcasing trash bags and crumbs scattered across the counter along with a shattered vase. She hadn’t informed us about the vase; I learned of it only from the host.
A £100 cleaning charge was already included in the booking, but they indicated that only covers essentials such as laundering bed linens and floor cleaning. It doesn’t account for damages, resulting in an additional £50 fee for the broken vase.
Dani argues that I should have contested it, but I simply wanted to resolve the situation. I explained to her that actions have repercussions and requested that she cover the additional charge for the damage. She complied, but now insists we should challenge the fee through Airbnb.
Dani claimed she broke the vase unintentionally, which I believe, of course. However, at 24, she is no longer a child. If you create a mess, it’s your responsibility to rectify it. Jamie also received a reprimand for leaving his room untidy, but he didn’t cause any damage.
Since Dani is employed, asking her to pay isn’t a huge issue. That’s what adulthood entails: making fair contributions and accepting responsibility for errors. I shouldn’t need to supervise my adult children when we travel. We funded the holiday, so they ought to exhibit some appreciation. I refuse to bear the financial burden of their mistakes.
I believe this extends beyond finances – it’s about respect and accountability. I planned this trip to unite our family, but instead, I’m left feeling embarrassed by the host’s complaint and burdened with an unexpected bill.
The defence: Dani
We already paid for a cleaning fee, why should we incur additional charges? Airbnb should reimburse us
I spent four nights in Malta and truly enjoyed our family getaway. However, I don’t believe I should be held responsible for the broken vase, and I’m now seeking to recover my money. Mum disagrees.
I didn’t thoroughly review the villa policy upon arrival, as I arrived late, but had I done so, I would have exercised greater caution. I left some trash in bags in my room and accidentally knocked over the vase on the second day. I attempted to clean it up. I didn’t realize the villa would enforce such strict rules.
Moreover, there was already a £100 cleaning fee incorporated, as is standard with most Airbnb listings. That fee is meant to cover rubbish, crumbs, dishes, and mishaps. No Airbnb is returned in pristine condition. The notion that I need to pay additional charges on top of that is absurd because that reflects typical holiday occurrences.
When Mum initially asked, I just paid her since Dad advised me to “maintain harmony.” But now I’d like it refunded through the platform, while Mum believes we should let it go. I’m determined and wish to dispute it to demonstrate my point. We are at an impasse.
I appreciate Mum and Dad taking me on holiday, but they do seem to get rather anxious about matters like this. They prefer to overlook everything, while I would prefer to challenge the charge until Airbnb reimburses us.
What truly frustrates me is that Mum is framing this as a type of life lesson. I’m not suggesting I shouldn’t contribute – I will willingly cover my share for the time I was there – but I don’t believe I should be subjected to extra fees, nor lectured about irresponsibility. I left the villa in a reasonable condition, yet now I must pay more than anticipated – and Mum is using it to assert power over me. It feels as if she is wielding money to penalize me.
At 24, I’m juggling rent, bills, and work pressures. Mum is more financially capable of handling this trip than I am, and she invited my brother and me. I was not informed that there would be any additional charges. It feels like I’m being subjected to a lesson after we’ve returned home, and I’m uncertain about its true purpose.
The jury of Guardian readers
At 24, Dani should know better. Paying a cleaning fee does not give someone the right to leave the place in disarray – that’s disrespectful. She should have admitted to breaking the vase during checkout. Concealing it was immature.
Zoe, 33
Dani left the villa in poor condition, ruined her room, damaged someone else’s property, and now dislikes the repercussions. It may have been an accident, but why should Airbnb be expected to refund when we all hold responsibility for our behavior? It ultimately revolves around respecting others.
George, 42
If you break something, you pay for it. Accidents do not alter the outcome, and a cleaning fee does not encompass damages. Dani should accept her mistake and stop making her mother uncomfortable to prove her stance.
Yoanna, 32
I broke a coffee pot at the cottage we stayed in this summer. I felt terrible about it and paid for its replacement, as that seemed like the right thing to do. Perhaps this is a generational issue, or is Dani more upset by the reprimand than the cost?
Keith, 64
What world is Dani living in? How can she not anticipate not having to pay for something she broke? This is someone else’s property, and someone else’s vase. Replacing something carelessly broken is not what the cleaning fee covers at all.
Anna, 70
Now you be the judge
In our online poll, tell us whether Dani’s argument holds up
The poll closes on Wednesday, 1 October at 9am BST
Last week’s results
We asked whether Gina should stop brushing her teeth in the kitchen.
68% of you said yes – Gina is guilty
32% of you said no – Gina is not guilty
