A GLASGOW landlord has cancelled an American delegate's rental booking after demanding an "extra $2000" for a stay during COP26.
Tan Copsey – a senior director with Climate Nexus, an American firm aimed at tackling the climate crisis – was left stunned after receiving the message from the property owner on AirBnb.
The host said he was concerned about “missing out on a great deal of money” by not realising Mr Copsey’s early booking was during the conference, therefore offering either a surcharge or cancellation.
It comes as short-term rental prices for during COP26 have skyrocketed, with locals looking to cash in on the massive event.
Having a great time with #COP26 accommodation, this guy tried to add another $2000 to my booking. Lovely experience all-round. pic.twitter.com/zCPfdwnDFG
— Tan Copsey (@tancopsey) October 24, 2021
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."
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.”
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.”
The social media post attracted widespread attention, with many calling out the landlord’s actions.
Mr Copsey later confirmed he had found somewhere else to stay, and claims to have reported the host to AirBnb.
He added: "We're going to be fine for accommodation. Thank you to all the lovely people who reached out."
Upwards of 30,000 people, including 120 world leaders, are expected to attend the summit at the SEC from October 31 to November 12.
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.
READ MORE:Yousaf says COP26 will worsen Covid but more restrictions still avoidable
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.”
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.
Two cruise ships have also arrived in Glasgow to provide accommodation during the summit.
The Latvian-flagged Romantika berthed at King George V dock at the start of the month, next to Braehead Shopping Centre in Renfrew.
A second vessel, the MS Silja Europa, arrived from Estonia a few days later.
Paavo Nõgene, chief executive of the ship owner Tallink, described the decision to bring a second ship to Scotland as a "last-minute agreement".
A COP26 official 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."
An AirBnb spokesperson 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.”
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