Question

Using your favorite search engine and the resources of your library, identify and evaluate risks to which Airbnb guests are exposed and the protections provided them by Airbnb. Summarize your findings in a report of about 200 words.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. For hosts, Airbnb provides a platform for them to rent their houses or property. The Airbnb are exposed to many risks associated with the deals. One of them is that the guests who are using the property might damage the property. Airbnb's popualrity has been increasing day by day. The regulations keep on changing . This creates a risk for the hosts if they are not updated about the changes in rules and regulations. Airbnb also provides the option of cancelling the bookings if they are not satisfied with the services.In this case, hosts are obligated to return the amount of their bookings, thereby creating a risk for the hosts. Airbnb sometimes has an adverse effect on the value of the property rented . If a property is being rented on a regular basis, opponents argue that it is not suitable for permanent buy. As a protection for hosts, Airbnb provides a Host guarantee program that gives protection up to $1,000,000 in case guests damage the property. Airbnb also provides a communication tool through which hosts can communicate with the guests about their concerns. Hosts are free to set their rules and expectations for their property. Airbnb provides a host insurance scheme to compensate the losses . These protections make the hosts to be confident enough to go for Airbnb.  

2. Apart from hosts, guests are also exposed to some risks while renting any property on Airbnb. The risk involved is that the properties might not be appealing in real as they were on the website. At the time of bookings, Airbnb adds a number of additional fees that can increase the cost of renting for guests. Guests also need to pay the tax included. If in some case, Guests lose their personal items , the cannot get any refund . So they need to take care of their belongings on their own. If the guests opt for a sharing room, the sharing might be with one person or ten. They can't have the exact number. These all are the risks associated with renting any property on Airbnb. To avoid these risks for guests, Airbnb provides protection for their funds. It holds the payment for 24 hours before paying to the hosts. Airbnb also provides the option for cancelling the bookings in case the guests are not satisfied. It also provides insurance for the guests in case of any losses.

3. As we know that Airbnb provides protection to both its hosts and guests, similarly Uber website also provides protection to its riders who use this service. In case a passenger is hurt or meets with an accident, Uber provides the compensation. In case a rider cancels its ride, Uber provides the refund to its consumers. In case a rider is not satisfied with the driver or ride, he/she can file a complaint on the website and the website will take actions or compensate according to the situation. If by chance, any rider forgets any of his personal belongings in the car, he/she can visit the recovery page on the uber website and follow the further steps. Thus Uber provides all the customer assistance online if in case any rider wants any assistance related to his/her concern.