A GLASGOW AirBnb host has been banned from taking bookings during COP26 – after trying to swindle an extra $2000 from an American delegate.

We told yesterday how a landlord demanded the extra cash after being concerned about “missing out on a great deal of money” by not realising the delegate’s early booking was during the conference.

It comes as short-term rental prices for during COP26 have skyrocketed, with locals looking to cash in on the massive event.

Tan Copsey - a senior director with Climate Nexus, an American firm aimed at tackling the climate crisis – reported the host to AirBnb bosses after the exchange, which left social media users stunned.

Sharing the correspondence on Twitter, Mr Copsey joked: "Having a great time with COP26 accommodation, this guy tried to add another $2000 to my booking. Lovely experience all-round."

 

READ MORE: Glasgow host hikes COP26 delegate's booking 'by $2000' after realising summit surge

In the message exchange, the landlord said: "I have been made aware that over the course of your stay the average room price has gone up 400% in my area.

"It troubles me that I have missed out on a great deal of money due to your early booking.

"I had meant to contact you earlier but was on holiday for three weeks recently and was distracted.

"I feel an additional $70 per night would be a fair adjustment in this case. If you care to look at alternative accommodations I understand.”

Trying to convince Mr Copsey to take up the new offer, he added: “The average price per night for inferior lodgings is about £400.

“The weekly discount still applies to the new rate.

“I should let you know that my property is in a super quiet neighbourhood. A five minute walk from a train station that goes directly to the COP26 venues.

“Sorry for not letting you know sooner.”

The Herald:

READ MORE: COP26 chaos as rail strike go-ahead and 3000 delegates without accommodation

Once clear the Brookyln-based delegate was not going to continue with the rental, the landlord replied: “I gave you the opportunity to agree to pay an additional fee to reflect the market price for short term lets during COP26 in Glasgow.

“As you chose not to, I am cancelling your booking.”

However, AirBnb have since confirmed to the Herald that “penalties” – thought to have been a small fine – have been taken against the host.

He has also been banned from taking on any additional bookings during the climate summit.

An spokesman said: ”We have zero tolerance for this behaviour and have taken action against the Host and blocked them from accepting other bookings during this period.

“The guest has been refunded in full and we have offered support in helping them find alternative accommodation.

“Airbnb is donating all its service fees for stays in Glasgow during COP26 to Zero Waste Scotland.”

Upwards of 30,000 people, including 120 world leaders, are expected to attend the summit at the SEC from October 31 to November 12.

READ MORE: Greta Thunberg to join Glasgow climate protest — and backs striking workers

Concerns have already been raised about the cost and availability of accommodation, and the Scottish Government urged people to open their doors to attendees as part of a Cop26 Homestay Network, a programme set up to encourage families to offer a place to stay for free or for a low price.

Hundreds of households have already signed up for the initiative.

The Scottish Government previously said: “By offering free or low-cost accommodation, hosts can help ensure those unable to cover the costs themselves, particularly those from the Global South, can attend the summit and make their voices heard.”

Yesterday, MPs were told there was an “accommodation crisis”, with as many as 3,000 people coming to Glasgow for the global climate conference not yet having anywhere to stay and emergency accommodation being sought in gym halls and community centres.

And we previously told how 20 properties on the Airbnb website and 30 on Booking.com were being advertised at more than £20,000 for the fortnight.

One two bedroom duplex apartment in Glasgow's Kelvingrove area is said to have been listed at an eye-watering rate of £8,583 per night.

A COP26 official previously said: "As hosts it is of huge importance to the UK there are a wide of fairly-priced accommodation options available.

"We have been working with our hotel provider, MCI, to make sure this is the case."