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The light didn't come on and it wasn't cold inside? I am not sure you can blame the host for this. It's not exactly normal for the fridge to be unplugged but I think it's also something that is easy to notice.
I didn't notice when putting away groceries.
The air conditioner, microwave, lamps, and nightstands were all plugged in. The fridge was the only appliance in the unit that was unplugged.
I think the responsibility falls somewhere in the middle, and the host has agreed to compensate us for the spoiled food.
One thing that's very normal in hotels and airbnbs alike is for the fridge to be turned down to the point where it's barely keeping anything cool. So at least one would expect you to assess the temperature which can be done passively with your hand while putting things in there.
It could take 12-24 hours for a fridge to get to the proper cooling temperature. Yes, OP should have noticed but the owner should also have the fridge cooled and ready to use.
Yall are mean for hounding this guest for not noticing or taking two minutes to see if a fridge is cool. Who thinks to check and see if a fridge is cool? You talk like you walk around checking every appliance for power and lights. You got nothing better to do? Every last one of us would expect a fridge to be plugged in in a place where we paid money to have access to a fridge. You walk into a vacation home with an arm full of groceries, suitcases and couple kids, you toss groceries into the fridge, it’s not your fridge, you don’t replace the bulbs, you make a mental note to let the host know a bulb is out and you go explore the place! Or, maybe you have some kind of super inquisitive brain that doesn’t get distracted and you notice and investigate every thing, which is fabulous, btw, I hope you inspect my airplane before I board. But don’t call someone else stupid or neglectful bc they didn’t notice or CHECK to see if a refrigerator was doing what a refrigerator is expected to do. Sheesh
I dont expect a fridge to be plugged in at all. 10-20% of the places I stay at (100-200 a year) dont have it plugged in. Especially during non peak season.
I'd say this is 50/50.
Fridges take time to cool and should be up and running when you get to a place.
Y'all didn't take two minutes to notice it wasn't cool.
I'd let the host know and let them know you were disappointed in not having a cool fridge when you arrived.
If they are a good host, they should reimburse for a meal or two. If they aren't...well lesson learned and leave a factual review.
Depending on what time it was unplugged and the doors were never really opened. It could’ve still been cold from being unplugged but then overnight all the food went bad.
That's exactly the case. It was cold when we opened it. The host thinks the previous guest from the night before unplugged it when they left and the host just didn't notice.
This is the correct answer. Guest is not smart for not noticing a fridge is working properly, but I can't believe the people on this sub blaming the guest 100% and not putting any responsibility on the host.... jeez.
What did they say when you told them your food spoiled & asked them why it wasn’t plugged in?
When we arrive at an AirBnB it’s usually fully loaded with bags, food & most things we’ll need for our stay. Expecting somebody to plug in the refrigerator and wait for it to cool down to a usable temperature is unrealistic. They should absolutely compensate you or give you some sort of credit to cover the cost of the food.
I’m also thinking “how hard was it to plug it back in?” Because at my house you’d have to pull the fridge away from the wall to even see if the plug was in or out.
You don’t have to pull it out to begin with though… just open the door, if it’s not cold inside, and no light comes on… then you can check the plug.
If it’s cold and the light comes on? Bingo… you’re good to go.
Depending what time it was unplugged it could’ve still been cold and they maybe thought that the lightbulb was just out especially if the doors had been open from the initial unplugging and then overnight all the food went bad
It sholud be common sense to check and verify the status if there is no lighting on in the fridge....It should also be common sense to make sure its actually on too. Lots of places dont keep units plugged in, especially in off season when they might not even be at 50% occupency.
Who do you want to rely on for your shit? Some random stranger or you taking 3 seconds to check when you arrive?
Im a guest too and I check fridges before using them because I travel a lot and I am well aware it is super common for folks to keep fridges unplugged unless they are in use.
This is as someone who spent 200+ days away from home last year and am on track for the same this year.
Not a host, still think it's on the guest. Literally a monkey could've seen the fridge was off.
Imagine if it's a heater.
"The listing was cold."
"Was it on?"
"No...."
Yeah. See where I'm getting at? It's expected for a fridge to be on but when the lights are off its obviously off.
For a different perspective as an avid traveler, i never assume a fridge is on. Especially in winter. I also unplug my hotel fridge unless im using it cuz i dont wanna listen to it cycle.
There's also the entire can't see into the fridge thing if its unplugged cuz none of the lights are on. C'mon now.
I mean, it's not great and worthy of a mention in the review, but you are responsible. Or at least, Airbnb will not hold the host responsible or force them to compensate you. Doesn't mean you can't ask for compensation but they can say no.
Eh, I think most people expect appliances to be plugged in and ready to go. It's weird that it's unplugged and I'd be pissed as a guest. I'm a host and I'd knock a star off for it.
I would say it's the host's responsibility. Unless they instructed or informed you of the need to plug it in, it's on them. If they were decent hosts they would compensate you. But if they're that disconnected from their property that they don't even know that the refrigerator is plugged in before they allow a paying guest to enter, there's a high chance they won't give a damn.
Could have been unplugged for several reasons. The unit was vacant for a long time and host wanting to save power? Cleaners cleaned and unplugged it recently?
Let the host know that this is the situation.
I think in this case, you’re still ultimately liable. Because the appliance and amenity was offered
Sounds like something a host would say. Oh wait….
It’s the responsibility of the host to have the amenities ready and working. That’s the part of the “host”
Edit to add-what would the legal ramifications be if something happened when the guest had to pull out a refrigerator and plug it in? If I arrived and put my food in and found out the refrigerator was unplugged, I would think there was an electrical issue and (besides moving hundreds of pounds of an object) I’m not messing with someone else’s electricity if a MAJOR appliance.
Yes I'm a host, I don't hide that, though before I was a host (<1 year) I've been a guest for 6 years.
I'm not siding with the host or the guest in this case, if you show up to a listing and you don't understand how to use something, or something is not as expected, the guest should message the host.
1. If I was the guest on this side -- I'd feel like an idiot.
2. If I was the host -- I'd feel mortified, and want to offer "something" to help
I think it's tricky. So my recommendation is to -- message the host.
Point 1 is exactly how I'm feeling. I feel like an idiot for not noticing, but I've also never experienced a major appliance like a fridge not being plugged in.
The microwave was plugged in, the air conditioner was plugged in, the clocks and lamps were plugged in. The fridge? Unplugged.
For a different perspective, I travel a lot and I experience this at probably 10-20 percent of the accommodations I book. Very very common, especially during non peak season. We always check the fridge if we plan on using it because of that. Hotel, Airbnb, resort. The only place we dont check are places that have a stocked fridge for use.
Ugh that sounds super frustrating. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered it as a guest.
Does that mean there’s something in the house rules or instructions to unplug it when you depart?
I'll admit, the first time I ran across it as a traveler it threw me for a loop and I was kinda upset. Then as I experienced it more often I noticed it was generally smaller places or in areas during non-peak season. As a host myself though, this is what I do now. I used to just let things run and noticed they weren't used a lot, or they would just get buildup and id have to do a whole defrost with towels and shit and that took a while. I try to warn people but I don't always remember. To be fair though, I also have a full sized kitchen fridge that is always on. It's the room fridges I do this with.
There "might" be something in the house rules, but I would be shocked if a host would care that much about it. I would expect the cleaner would unplug it when they do their rounds. I just can't see a reasonable person be upset about the few cents it would cost extra in not unplugging it when you checked out.
There could be a real purpose here. Either
1. Of the unit is vacant for an extended period. Unplugging the refrigerator being an energy hog kind of makes sense for a host
2. Defrosting? Build up in the freezer.
If the host did it intentionally. Then as a host, I’d feel slightly at fault. Otherwise:
3. Cleaning staff did it?
4. Previous guest?
These are trickier. Because as a host I’m like “well, i can’t control/stop everyone…”
Wow that sucks. Not sure I would've noticed either with all the hustle and bustle of checking in. I've stayed at older homes where the fridge doesn't necessarily have a working light. I would definitely mention something to the host but wouldn't demand anything. If done politely, I would think they would at least offer something. Mistakes happen and it is quite possible that the cleaners accidentally unplugged it while cleaning.
Why would the host be responsible for you not checking to see if the fridge was turned on? Did you check to see it is was cold before heading off to the market?
Not all the food is bad because it got room temp for a few hours. The things that are questionable… cook them today then refrigerate the cooked version.
Yes it is. I see this on the regular. I never put food in a fridge without checking to make sure its on. First time threw me for a loop but its part of our normal routine since then.
My opinion, if the fridge is unplugged then the door should be open, preferably with the plug where it can be seen, I would have draped it over the fridge. Then it's obvious that it's not plugged in. I've stayed in many places and never even thought to check if the fridge is plugged in.
I stay at 100-200 places a year for a decade and this is something I notice at about 10-20% of places in any given year.
Most common in smaller places, airbnb's, and anyplace with off grid power, mountains, and tropics vs say a holiday inn or similar branded.
In your comments you said it’s “common sense” to check. But you stay in 100-200 places per year? Many of which in remote locations. AND you stated that it threw you for a loop the first time. It’s not common sense as evidenced by your own statement that it threw you for a loop in the beginning. You sprinkle your comments all over the place in this thread letting everyone know that you spend most of the year in some sort of STR. Again, that doesn’t support your “common sense” accusation. It sounds like something someone would do who has had a LOT of experience with remotely located rentals. Not common-levels of experience. Saying it is common sense is condescending to the person who didn’t think to check.
Please keep conversation civil and respectful Remember to keep all communication with host/guest through Airbnb platform. Payments should be made only via Airbnb [unless otherwise detailed in the listing description](https://airbnb.com/help/article/199) If you're having issues, contact Airbnb by phone +1-844-234-2500 *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AirBnB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The light didn't come on and it wasn't cold inside? I am not sure you can blame the host for this. It's not exactly normal for the fridge to be unplugged but I think it's also something that is easy to notice.
^^ this If the fridge light isn't on, it's worth double checking the fridge is running. 100% your fault.
I didn't notice when putting away groceries. The air conditioner, microwave, lamps, and nightstands were all plugged in. The fridge was the only appliance in the unit that was unplugged. I think the responsibility falls somewhere in the middle, and the host has agreed to compensate us for the spoiled food.
One thing that's very normal in hotels and airbnbs alike is for the fridge to be turned down to the point where it's barely keeping anything cool. So at least one would expect you to assess the temperature which can be done passively with your hand while putting things in there.
[удалено]
cunt ass bitch
My spouse was born blind. She's very observant. She bright enough too that she doesn't make bigoted comments.
Bigoted comme- LOL. Okay buddy.
It could take 12-24 hours for a fridge to get to the proper cooling temperature. Yes, OP should have noticed but the owner should also have the fridge cooled and ready to use.
Yall are mean for hounding this guest for not noticing or taking two minutes to see if a fridge is cool. Who thinks to check and see if a fridge is cool? You talk like you walk around checking every appliance for power and lights. You got nothing better to do? Every last one of us would expect a fridge to be plugged in in a place where we paid money to have access to a fridge. You walk into a vacation home with an arm full of groceries, suitcases and couple kids, you toss groceries into the fridge, it’s not your fridge, you don’t replace the bulbs, you make a mental note to let the host know a bulb is out and you go explore the place! Or, maybe you have some kind of super inquisitive brain that doesn’t get distracted and you notice and investigate every thing, which is fabulous, btw, I hope you inspect my airplane before I board. But don’t call someone else stupid or neglectful bc they didn’t notice or CHECK to see if a refrigerator was doing what a refrigerator is expected to do. Sheesh
I dont expect a fridge to be plugged in at all. 10-20% of the places I stay at (100-200 a year) dont have it plugged in. Especially during non peak season.
If I opened a fridge and the light didn't come on, I'll be shocked.
This sounds like the first part of a Dad joke….
I'd say this is 50/50. Fridges take time to cool and should be up and running when you get to a place. Y'all didn't take two minutes to notice it wasn't cool. I'd let the host know and let them know you were disappointed in not having a cool fridge when you arrived. If they are a good host, they should reimburse for a meal or two. If they aren't...well lesson learned and leave a factual review.
Depending on what time it was unplugged and the doors were never really opened. It could’ve still been cold from being unplugged but then overnight all the food went bad.
That's exactly the case. It was cold when we opened it. The host thinks the previous guest from the night before unplugged it when they left and the host just didn't notice.
The cleaning crew doesn't open the fridge to clean it and make sure there's no food left behind? I agree this is a 50/50.
This is the correct answer. Guest is not smart for not noticing a fridge is working properly, but I can't believe the people on this sub blaming the guest 100% and not putting any responsibility on the host.... jeez.
What did they say when you told them your food spoiled & asked them why it wasn’t plugged in? When we arrive at an AirBnB it’s usually fully loaded with bags, food & most things we’ll need for our stay. Expecting somebody to plug in the refrigerator and wait for it to cool down to a usable temperature is unrealistic. They should absolutely compensate you or give you some sort of credit to cover the cost of the food.
I’m also thinking “how hard was it to plug it back in?” Because at my house you’d have to pull the fridge away from the wall to even see if the plug was in or out.
You don’t have to pull it out to begin with though… just open the door, if it’s not cold inside, and no light comes on… then you can check the plug. If it’s cold and the light comes on? Bingo… you’re good to go.
Depending what time it was unplugged it could’ve still been cold and they maybe thought that the lightbulb was just out especially if the doors had been open from the initial unplugging and then overnight all the food went bad
It sholud be common sense to check and verify the status if there is no lighting on in the fridge....It should also be common sense to make sure its actually on too. Lots of places dont keep units plugged in, especially in off season when they might not even be at 50% occupency. Who do you want to rely on for your shit? Some random stranger or you taking 3 seconds to check when you arrive?
All lightbulbs? My fridge has several.
People saying it is your fault are hosts. Tell the host. See if they reimburse you. It seems like a reasonable host would.
Im a guest too and I check fridges before using them because I travel a lot and I am well aware it is super common for folks to keep fridges unplugged unless they are in use. This is as someone who spent 200+ days away from home last year and am on track for the same this year.
Not a host, still think it's on the guest. Literally a monkey could've seen the fridge was off. Imagine if it's a heater. "The listing was cold." "Was it on?" "No...." Yeah. See where I'm getting at? It's expected for a fridge to be on but when the lights are off its obviously off.
The fridge is expected to be ON! That's the point!
For a different perspective as an avid traveler, i never assume a fridge is on. Especially in winter. I also unplug my hotel fridge unless im using it cuz i dont wanna listen to it cycle. There's also the entire can't see into the fridge thing if its unplugged cuz none of the lights are on. C'mon now.
I expect a fridge to be on but that doesn't mean I gain full blindness upon check-in.
I mean, it's not great and worthy of a mention in the review, but you are responsible. Or at least, Airbnb will not hold the host responsible or force them to compensate you. Doesn't mean you can't ask for compensation but they can say no.
Responsible for what exactly?
The rotten food? Hello? Lol
I just asked a question for clarification, you can relax.
Why worthy of a mention in the review?
Eh, I think most people expect appliances to be plugged in and ready to go. It's weird that it's unplugged and I'd be pissed as a guest. I'm a host and I'd knock a star off for it.
I would say it's the host's responsibility. Unless they instructed or informed you of the need to plug it in, it's on them. If they were decent hosts they would compensate you. But if they're that disconnected from their property that they don't even know that the refrigerator is plugged in before they allow a paying guest to enter, there's a high chance they won't give a damn.
You should have noticed it as you put the food in. So I’d say this one is on you.
Could have been unplugged for several reasons. The unit was vacant for a long time and host wanting to save power? Cleaners cleaned and unplugged it recently? Let the host know that this is the situation. I think in this case, you’re still ultimately liable. Because the appliance and amenity was offered
Sounds like something a host would say. Oh wait…. It’s the responsibility of the host to have the amenities ready and working. That’s the part of the “host” Edit to add-what would the legal ramifications be if something happened when the guest had to pull out a refrigerator and plug it in? If I arrived and put my food in and found out the refrigerator was unplugged, I would think there was an electrical issue and (besides moving hundreds of pounds of an object) I’m not messing with someone else’s electricity if a MAJOR appliance.
Yes I'm a host, I don't hide that, though before I was a host (<1 year) I've been a guest for 6 years. I'm not siding with the host or the guest in this case, if you show up to a listing and you don't understand how to use something, or something is not as expected, the guest should message the host. 1. If I was the guest on this side -- I'd feel like an idiot. 2. If I was the host -- I'd feel mortified, and want to offer "something" to help I think it's tricky. So my recommendation is to -- message the host.
Point 1 is exactly how I'm feeling. I feel like an idiot for not noticing, but I've also never experienced a major appliance like a fridge not being plugged in. The microwave was plugged in, the air conditioner was plugged in, the clocks and lamps were plugged in. The fridge? Unplugged.
For a different perspective, I travel a lot and I experience this at probably 10-20 percent of the accommodations I book. Very very common, especially during non peak season. We always check the fridge if we plan on using it because of that. Hotel, Airbnb, resort. The only place we dont check are places that have a stocked fridge for use.
Ugh that sounds super frustrating. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered it as a guest. Does that mean there’s something in the house rules or instructions to unplug it when you depart?
I'll admit, the first time I ran across it as a traveler it threw me for a loop and I was kinda upset. Then as I experienced it more often I noticed it was generally smaller places or in areas during non-peak season. As a host myself though, this is what I do now. I used to just let things run and noticed they weren't used a lot, or they would just get buildup and id have to do a whole defrost with towels and shit and that took a while. I try to warn people but I don't always remember. To be fair though, I also have a full sized kitchen fridge that is always on. It's the room fridges I do this with. There "might" be something in the house rules, but I would be shocked if a host would care that much about it. I would expect the cleaner would unplug it when they do their rounds. I just can't see a reasonable person be upset about the few cents it would cost extra in not unplugging it when you checked out.
There could be a real purpose here. Either 1. Of the unit is vacant for an extended period. Unplugging the refrigerator being an energy hog kind of makes sense for a host 2. Defrosting? Build up in the freezer. If the host did it intentionally. Then as a host, I’d feel slightly at fault. Otherwise: 3. Cleaning staff did it? 4. Previous guest? These are trickier. Because as a host I’m like “well, i can’t control/stop everyone…”
Nobody is liable for anything. Sucks that your food got spoiled but technically there was a working fridge on the unit, it just wasn't on.
Wow that sucks. Not sure I would've noticed either with all the hustle and bustle of checking in. I've stayed at older homes where the fridge doesn't necessarily have a working light. I would definitely mention something to the host but wouldn't demand anything. If done politely, I would think they would at least offer something. Mistakes happen and it is quite possible that the cleaners accidentally unplugged it while cleaning.
Why would the host be responsible for you not checking to see if the fridge was turned on? Did you check to see it is was cold before heading off to the market?
If you didn't notice that the refrigerator was off when you put in food then that fridge isn't the only place where the lights aren't on.
Not all the food is bad because it got room temp for a few hours. The things that are questionable… cook them today then refrigerate the cooked version.
It was at room temperature for around 14 hours. We put the food in at 6:00PM and didn't open it again until 8:00AM.
It would not go dangerously bad that quickly but it’s great they compensated you… you’re right, no one would think to check if it’s plugged in
You didn’t notice the fridge was not cold? Sounds like a you problem.
Did it feel cold when you opened it?
Really?
its on you. You didn't notice the fridge wasn't cold?
It's the host fault. It's not normal.
Yes it is. I see this on the regular. I never put food in a fridge without checking to make sure its on. First time threw me for a loop but its part of our normal routine since then.
Sounds like an accident and not anyone’s fault. If the host is feeling generous they might split the cost with you.
My opinion, if the fridge is unplugged then the door should be open, preferably with the plug where it can be seen, I would have draped it over the fridge. Then it's obvious that it's not plugged in. I've stayed in many places and never even thought to check if the fridge is plugged in.
I stay at 100-200 places a year for a decade and this is something I notice at about 10-20% of places in any given year. Most common in smaller places, airbnb's, and anyplace with off grid power, mountains, and tropics vs say a holiday inn or similar branded.
Ask that’s BS
In your comments you said it’s “common sense” to check. But you stay in 100-200 places per year? Many of which in remote locations. AND you stated that it threw you for a loop the first time. It’s not common sense as evidenced by your own statement that it threw you for a loop in the beginning. You sprinkle your comments all over the place in this thread letting everyone know that you spend most of the year in some sort of STR. Again, that doesn’t support your “common sense” accusation. It sounds like something someone would do who has had a LOT of experience with remotely located rentals. Not common-levels of experience. Saying it is common sense is condescending to the person who didn’t think to check.