Booking a place to stay for vacation should be simple. Check in, relax, and enjoy a weekend getaway. But for one Wisconsin Airbnb guest, a holiday stay quickly escalated into a nightmare that left her questioning whether the system is rigged against travelers. Or if she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
TikTok user Jennie (@jennielynn290) recounted the ordeal after a Thanksgiving stay with her family. According to Jennie, a bidet in the bathroom was left loose on the floor, likely by the cleaning staff. When her niece used the shower, a soaked towel was laid down to soak up water on the bathroom floor.
Jennie explained she shifted the wet towel near the loose bidet. Unaware that this action pressed a button and activated the device. Water sprayed into a wall crack, eventually flooding the basement below.
Wisconsin Woman Questions: Who’s Really at Fault?
The aftermath? The host demanded over $3,500 in damages. Jennie maintains she’s being unfairly blamed for what she describes as a setup waiting to happen, with a bidet precariously left on the floor. Commenters online were divided.
Some argued that any guest should be careful, while others questioned the sanity of Airbnb rentals where a simple wet towel can trigger such a catastrophe. Cheap plastic fixtures, unusual layouts, and unclear maintenance responsibilities all contribute to situations like this. The debate raises a broader concern. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether the problem stems from the guest’s actions or the property’s hazards.
This incident highlights a pattern. Both renters and hosts can create chaos. Guests may act carelessly, but poorly maintained or quirky properties can easily turn minor accidents into major disputes. The blurred lines of responsibility in short-term rentals mean small mishaps can suddenly become enormous financial liabilities.
“Why would you put towels on the floor?” one commenter asks.
“I would think you’re at fault because you left running water on the floor which caused property damage,” another adds.
“These owners are cutthroat,” another chimes in.
Ways to Resolve Outside Court
While Jennie’s story hasn’t reached a final resolution, some strategies could help avoid legal battles. Documentation is key. Photos of the property’s state before and after the stay, along with a clear timeline, can support a guest’s case.
Open dialogue with the host, or mediation through Airbnb’s Resolution Center, may prevent escalation. Sometimes, offering a partial settlement or professional repair estimate can satisfy both parties without formal legal action.
What should have been a simple holiday stay turned into a suspiciously costly ordeal for the Wisconsin woman. Whether the blame lies with the guest, the host, or just an unfortunate setup, this story serves as a cautionary tale. In the world of short-term rentals, minor oversights can spiral into major headaches, and vigilance is the best protection.
Preston Thomas 
Hunter Spears 
