A woman described a shocking experience when her family discovered a man hidden behind a wall in their temporary rental accommodation. Therese had organized accommodation for herself, her partner, and children through Booking.com for a family event. Despite being assured that the property was not owner-occupied, Therese sensed something was amiss upon arrival.
The landlord, who claimed he would not be staying, was found on the premises with his clothes in the washing machine. Despite the property being advertised as exclusively for the guests, Therese would have been okay with the landlord’s presence if informed. However, upon returning from the party, they noticed suspicious activities like the running washing machine and the key left in a lockbox.
Feeling uneasy, Therese asked her partner to inspect the rooms, leading to the discovery of a hidden partition-like wall in the living room. Behind it, they heard a voice, causing them to leave immediately. Confronting the landlord later, who denied any prior acquaintance, Therese expressed how traumatising the encounter was.
Describing the incident as akin to a “Netflix documentary,” Therese recounted the fear and shock they experienced, especially concerning the safety of her children. The unsettling event has left a lasting impact on her, making her hesitant about booking holiday homes in the future. Booking.com initiated an investigation into the matter, suspending the listing for further inquiry to ensure customer safety and security.
