“Stick to Airbnb or Booking. I have the same experience as many other clients :
- No flat reviews = huge red flag
- False statements : "trusted landlord", "immediate deposit refund after checkout"
- Powerless support : the landlord does whatever he wants
- Support gives up quickly and close your case
- Support doesn't take calls (never)
- Deposit stolen by the landlord
- They allow dishonest landlords and scammers to operate freely on the platform
I rented out a flat in July-August 2022 in Cologne. I was attracted by lower prices than Airbnb and the "trusted landlord" badge.
And then problems started :
- impossible to cancel even after 1 minute
- unfriendly and messy communication from the landlord. I have been ignored when I asked basic questions
- the flat was dirty (pans, silver sets, surfaces)
- no equipment to clean (not even a sponge)
- the mattress was in terrible condition
- the 2 pillows were completely destroyed
I sent a polite email to ask if I could leave sooner because I had back pains. The landlord almost insulted me. The support asked the landlord if he could at least change the pillows or the mattress. He replied that the case was closed!
Last but not least, the "trusted landlord" is holding (probably stealing) the deposit since I left even though I returned the flat cleaner than it was when I moved in. He doesn't replies to emails anymore. The support is now telling me that they will contact the landlord in 8 weeks if I still don't have received the deposit. 8 weeks!”
“The worst experience ever. Thehomelike is useless to solve issues with the landlord. They are total powerless because you pay directly to the landlord. In my case unfortunately and after 20 days staying in the rental apartment, Homelike has NOT been able to solve any of the problems. Moreover, it is impossible to get a operator to answer your calls. It is quite infuriating. My advice, forget about this HOMELIKE renting service. The only thing they do is to manage a website. That is ALL. In the case you have a problem with the landlord, you will be on your own, and mostly on the hands of the landlord because he/she holds your deposit. Shameful.”
