First thing first, let's talk about the positive aspects of this apartment.
Location is very interesting in Venice. The host is open to accomodate the arrival of the guests and the apartment is clean.
However, the host is an expert in hidden and unauthorized fees of Airbnb.
I explain: article 8.1 of the Host terms and conditions specifically provides that the host needs to include the total value of any taxes in the price listed on Airbnb. When we left, the host asked us to provide a so-called municipal tax in cash only on the table of the apartment. We paid the amount out of good-faith even if we found it a bit odd. After, we spoke with few people that are Airbnb hosts in your friends, they informed us that i was inappropriate.
When we inform the host that such condition was never specified in the listing and was a violation of article 8.1 (reproduced below) and that we were wanting our money back the host totally opposed a refund. Moreover, since he wanted to be paid in cash only, Airbnb cannot do anything to refund us at his expense with the Community Help Center.
We clearly feel that we were taken advantage of after the fact and this practice wilfully diminished the amount asked on Airbnb by the host to attract more clients. This is clearly unacceptable and I do not recommend anyone to do business with this host for his lack of contractual probity.
Article 8.1:
8.1 Host Taxes. As a host, you are responsible for determining and fulfilling your obligations under applicable laws to report, collect, remit, or include in your price any applicable VAT or other indirect taxes, occupancy taxes, tourist, income, or other taxes ("Taxes").