Austin Woman Moves Into Texas Airbnb For 2 Months. Then She Notices A Locked Door To The Garage: ‘I’m Living In A Horror Movie’

When Airbnb guests book a property, they often expect to have the entire space to themselves. In fact, the extra space and amenities may be part of the reason why they choose an Airbnb over a hotel.

However, many guests arrive to find that’s not the case. For one TikTok creator, Shira McManus (@shiramcmanus1983), the setup actually made her think of a horror movie.

In her video, which has garnered over 36,600 views, she reveals the unsettling feature of her temporary rental property.

What Did She Find Inside The Airbnb?

McManus explains that she and her family were staying at an Airbnb in Austin, Texas, for two months while their kitchen was being remodeled. The rental was only about two miles from their home, she says.

But there was something about the home that unsettled her.

“There’s a door, and it’s locked, and it goes to the garage,” McManus says.

She says she asked the host if they could use the garage to park their bikes.

“We have 2 kids, and we ride our bikes a lot everywhere,” she remembers telling the host. “Can we put them in the garage?”

According to McManus, the host said no. “There’s just a bunch of stuff in there,” the host allegedly told her. “And so you can’t get in there.”

That explanation, she says, made her think of a horror movie. “I don’t know if any of you have seen the movie Barbarian,” she says. “But the premise is a girl staying at an Airbnb in Detroit in a bad area…”

She doesn’t continue with the movie recap, suggesting that viewers watch it themselves.

For context, Barbarian is the 2022 feature directorial debut of comedian and director Zach Cregger. The horror film received both critical acclaim and audience support.

“My point is, I want to start taking bets on what we think is in the garage,” she tells viewers, “Like, is someone hiding in there? Are they going to come out in the middle of the night and kill us? Thoughts?”

Do Airbnbs Often Have Locked Spaces?

In the comments  section, some viewers thought there was cause for concern.

“Yeah that’s why I don’t do Airbnb,” one person said.

Another joked, “THEY LIVE IN THERE.”

Most, however, assured her that this is routine for Airbnb hosts.

“It’s actually pretty normal to have the garage or one closet locked, it’s where they keep their personal things when they’re renting out the house, but I understand your worry,” one user wrote.

Another commenter said they do the same with their own Airbnb.

“My Airbnb has my stuff for when I go stay there, to include my spare vehicles, motorcycle, fridge with my food, and a cleaning closet for the cleaner,” they explained.

Are Hosts Allowed To Keep Areas Locked?

A locked garage, room, or closet is not automatically against Airbnb’s rules.

In fact, in Airbnb’s guide on preparing a home for guests, the company says hosts do not necessarily have to remove every personal item from the property. “If you have jewelry, passports, or similar belongings, you can keep them in a locked room, closet, or safe,” Airbnb states.

Where this could become an issue is if the host misrepresented what guests would be able to access inside the home.

So if a listing promises access to a garage, bedroom, closet, or other amenity, but that space is locked when the guest arrives, that could potentially violate Airbnb rules. A guest may be entitled to compensation or additional accommodation if this is the case.

Airbnb and McManus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

@shiramcmanus1983 #horrormovie #airbnb #scarymovie #horrorstory ♬ original sound – Shira 🍒 All Things Wellness