Unliveable property, construction noise, rude host, AirBnB unresponsive.

A ****! I booked and moved into an apartment on 24 Jan, with the intention of checking out on the 15 March. Their property had many issues and so I moved out on 2 Feb, but they have refused to shorten my booking or to cancel and refund. They **** to Airbnb support about construction work which was still happening, they told Airbnb that the construction stopped even though materials were still there and the construction is due to carry on until June according to the contractors which I spoke with in person. I submitted photos and videos to Airbnb support but Airbnb have been no help. I then got the host to at least move the check-out date from March 15 to March 2, until I found another solution.

My issue was that construction is happening on Saturday mornings and during the week as early as 5am, which was really disruptive for me. I could not sleep and was exhausted. The host then told me to just stay inside and close the doors and windows.

I’ve paid £1263 to date (roughly R25,200) for accommodation I’m not even staying in, and Airbnb tried to charge me another amount Sunday 14th Feb, and again on Saturday 20th Feb – an extra £293 (roughly R5800) which got declined because I only put money in that account for transactions I know are going to happen and agree with.

Another issue is that the host says they haven’t received a cent from Airbnb so far. Even though money was deducted from my account in January. I'm not sure if it’s true but he messaged me saying I have been staying there for free and *******ly, he wants keys back and that the owner might be taking legal action against me.

I have been communicating with Airbnb to help resolve this issue, to understand what process to take to return the keys, and what that means for my booking and the amount I already paid. They said on Monday 15th Feb that they have a 'specialized team' who will contact me, but haven't heard anything from them since then (it's been a week).

A truly horribly experience, waste of precious time and money. I don't see the benefit of using Airbnb when they take the money but leave you out to dry when any issue arises. DON'T USE AIRBNB.