A dream stay at one of California's most iconic Airbnb listings turned into a costly nightmare for influencer Sean Davis. The guest was slapped with a $10,000 fine after a mirror selfie taken inside the property allegedly violated the rental's commercial photography clause. The photo, posted on Instagram and tagged with a brand, was reshared, triggering unexpected charges. Davis claims no professional shoot took place inside the house, calling the experience "a complete nightmare." The incident has sparked debate over Airbnb's fine print and the risks of content creation in luxury rentals.
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A viral Airbnb listing in California's desert - famously known as the Invisible House - has made headlines after a guest was fined $10,000 for a bathroom selfie.
Influencer Sean Davis shared his experience on TikTok, claiming that a casual mirror selfie taken by a friend's girlfriend triggered the property's commercial photography clause. The image, posted on Instagram and tagged with a brand, was later reshared, turning it into what the hosts considered a commercial use of the space.
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"We didn't let them know we were taking some photos outside and got shook down for 10k over a selfie tagging a brand not even mine," Sean wrote in his video caption.
He clarified that no brand shoot took place inside the house, and the selfie was not part of any paid campaign. Despite this, the hosts demanded an additional $10,000, citing breach of contract.
"We didn't actually shoot any brand content in the house. We shot outside, but they had an issue with a selfie," Sean added in a follow-up post.
The influencer warned others against booking the property, saying it "looks cool, but is a complete nightmare" due to its strict rules and unexpected charges.
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About the Property: The Invisible House
Located minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, the Invisible House is a stunning 5,500-square-foot mirrored mansion that blends seamlessly into the desert landscape. Built by Hollywood producers Chris and Roberta Hanley (known for American Psycho and Spring Breakers), the home features:
- Four bedrooms
- A 100-foot solar-heated indoor pool
- Private access to a mountain peak
- Estimated value: $18 million
The property has been featured on Netflix's World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals and has hosted celebrities like Demi Lovato, Lizzo, and Diplo.
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The Bigger Question: Are Airbnb Rules Getting Too Strict?
This incident has sparked conversations around Airbnb's fine print, especially clauses related to photography and content creation. With more travellers documenting their stays for social media, the line between personal and commercial use is becoming increasingly blurred.
