Sometimes. Airbnb removes a review as retaliatory only if the guest broke a policy, was told about it, and then left a biased review because it was reported. A review that just argues your claim is unfair does not count on its own. You can ask for removal at any time, and you can always post a calm public reply.
When a review counts as retaliatory
Airbnb's Reviews Policy says users "may not write reviews to retaliate against another user for enforcing an Airbnb policy." It then sets a narrow test. A review is retaliatory only if the reviewer:
- committed a policy violation,
- was notified of that violation, and
- then left a biased review because their own violation was reported.
The policy also says: "A review discussing the facts or legitimacy of a Resolution Center or AirCover claim isn't automatically considered retaliatory."
Other reviews Airbnb may remove
- Irrelevant. Not based on a first-hand stay, for example the guest never arrived, or canceled for reasons unrelated to your home.
- Fake. Not based on a real reservation.
- Pressure or extortion. Hosts and guests may not threaten a negative review to get compensation, a refund, or something else.
- Conflict of interest. Reviews of listings the reviewer is affiliated with or competes with.
- Content Policy. Explicit, discriminatory, harmful, or illegal content.
What usually stays up
- You disagree with the star rating.
- The review mentions things outside your control, like a noisy neighborhood.
- Opinions, like "the kitchen was small and cramped."
Airbnb says it generally does not mediate disputes about whether a review is accurate. Your tool there is a public response.
How to ask for removal
Airbnb's help page on removing a review says you can ask Airbnb to review a review you received "at any time." On desktop:
- Select the review you want removed.
- Select the reason.
- Explain why it breaks the policy.
- Upload supporting documents.
Airbnb emails its decision, "usually within 48 hours." You can submit a request for the same review up to two times. Do not include government IDs, health data, details about children, or criminal history. Airbnb says it won't consider them.
Worked example
A guest checks out on Nov 8. The house rules say no smoking. You find a burn mark on the counter and a strong smoke smell.
- Nov 9. You message the guest through Airbnb about the no-smoking rule and the damage.
- Nov 10. You send a Resolution Center request with photos and a cleaning quote.
- Nov 15. The guest posts a 1-star review calling you "greedy" and saying "the place was dirty."
Check the three-part test. Airbnb's guest ground rules say guests should respect "no smoking" rules, so there is a violation. You told the guest on Nov 9. The review came after. That fits, so a removal request for retaliation is reasonable. Attach the Nov 9 message, the Resolution Center request, and photos.
Now say the review only said, "The host filed a claim for damage that was already there." That discusses the claim. On its own, Airbnb says that is not automatically retaliatory. A public reply is the better move.
A calm public reply might be:
"Thank you for staying with us. Our house rules list the home as no smoking, and we found smoke odor and a burn mark after checkout. We handled it through Airbnb's Resolution Center. We look forward to welcoming future guests."
Keep it short. State facts. Leave out the guest's personal details. Future guests see your reply next to the review.
Steps
- Write down the timeline: date of the rule break, date you told the guest, date of the claim or report, and date the review posted.
- Screenshot each message and the review.
- Check the review against the three-part test and the other removal reasons.
- If it fits, submit a removal request on desktop with your proof.
- Post a short, factual public reply either way. Airbnb posts responses right away, next to the review.
- If Airbnb says no and you have new proof, you have one more request for that review.
The Airbnb claim clock tracks your claim dates and includes copy-ready text for a review report and a public reply. If you are still inside the claim window, see our guide to Airbnb damage claim deadlines.
Sources
- Airbnb Help: Reviews Policy (article 2673)
- Airbnb Help: Remove or dispute a review (article 3582)
- Airbnb Help: Respond to a review (article 32)
- Airbnb Help: Ground rules for guests (article 2894)
Last checked Oct 17, 2026. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Check your own platform terms and dashboard.