After the guests left, the owner called the police: "Look at the mess the tourists left in the apartment.

On August 22, 2026, a property owner in Zagreb called the police after returning from a vacation rental he had recently renovated. The guests, four tourists from Luxembourg who had stayed for seven days, left behind a scene of destruction that shocked the homeowner. The property, located in a residential building, was being offered to visitors for the first time during the tourist season. Upon their departure, the homeowner anticipated routine cleaning and preparation for new guests. Instead, he found his home in complete disarray. The tourists had caused extensive damage, according to local media reports. They reportedly broke a television, damaged a refrigerator and washing machine, and ripped down curtains. Personal belongings and large quantities of trash were scattered throughout the apartment. Photographs taken by the homeowner show the extent of the destruction, with items such as furniture, electronics, and household appliances either broken or missing. The images reveal a lack of respect for foreign property, highlighting the severity of the situation. Upon seeing the state of his apartment, the homeowner immediately took action. Due to the massive damage and loss of inventory, he contacted the police. Officers arrived to inspect the site and document the damages. The homeowner emphasized that the tourists had booked the property through a popular online platform known as Booking. He promptly reached out to the platform for clarification and requested appropriate measures. However, as of yet, he has received no official response or assistance. The incident raises several concerns regarding how landlords can effectively protect their assets when unknown individuals cause damage. The homeowner expressed frustration over the lack of support from the booking platform, which he believes should have been more proactive in addressing such issues. This case serves as a cautionary tale for others who rent out their properties, as they can never be certain of the behavior of their tenants. The situation has sparked discussions among locals and online communities about the responsibilities of both hosts and guests in shared living spaces. Some argue that platforms like Booking should implement stricter verification processes or provide clearer guidelines for renters. Others suggest that legal recourse might be necessary in cases of severe damage. Meanwhile, the homeowner continues to wait for a resolution, hoping for some form of compensation or acknowledgment from the platform. The incident in Zagreb underscores the challenges faced by property owners in the tourism industry. With increasing numbers of travelers using digital platforms to book accommodations, incidents like these become more frequent. The homeowner’s experience highlights the need for better safeguards and communication channels between hosts and platforms. As the investigation into the damages progresses, the outcome could set a precedent for future disputes involving rented properties. For now, the homeowner remains focused on recovering what he can and ensuring that such an event does not happen again.