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Michigan Airbnb 'Sweetheart Hideaway' Faces Discrimination Claims Over Accessibility

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. es-discrimination-claims-over-accessibility.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 at 11:57 GMT by Detroit Free Press

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The Sweetheart Hideaway: A Michigan Airbnb Sparks Controversy Over Accessibility and Discrimination Claims

A seemingly idyllic vacation rental home in St. Joseph, Michigan, dubbed the "Sweetheart Hideaway," has become embroiled in a heated controversy after a disabled couple, Michael and Melissa Kettner, alleged they were discriminated against and misled about the property's accessibility. The situation highlights growing concerns surrounding Airbnb’s responsibility for ensuring accurate listings and protecting guests with disabilities, while also exposing tensions within small communities grappling with the rise of short-term rentals.

The Sweetheart Hideaway, owned by David and Rebecca Schrock, is marketed as a romantic getaway featuring stunning lake views and luxurious amenities. However, the Kettners, who use wheelchairs due to multiple sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy respectively, discovered upon arrival that the advertised accessibility features were severely lacking. They had specifically chosen the property based on its listing description which claimed it was wheelchair accessible with a ramp leading to the front door, wide doorways, and an accessible bathroom. What they found instead was a steep, uneven path leading to the house, narrow doorways obstructing wheelchair passage, and a bathroom that was far from compliant with accessibility standards.

The Kettners’ experience wasn't merely about inconvenience; it represented a significant barrier to their enjoyment of the vacation and a profound sense of betrayal. They were forced to remain largely confined to their vehicle for the duration of their stay, unable to fully explore the property or enjoy its advertised amenities. They documented their struggles with photos and videos, which they shared on social media, quickly drawing attention to the discrepancy between the listing’s promises and the reality of the situation.

The Schrocks initially defended their listing, arguing that while they hadn't explicitly marketed it as fully ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act), they believed the property was “accessible” enough for some individuals with mobility challenges. They claimed a previous guest in a wheelchair had successfully navigated the path. This justification, however, failed to address the fundamental issue: misleading advertising and a failure to accurately represent the property's accessibility features. The Kettners’ experience underscored that "accessibility" is subjective and requires specific, detailed descriptions for individuals with varying disabilities to make informed decisions.

The Detroit Free Press article details the subsequent fallout. The Berrien County Health Department was contacted after neighbors reported concerns about the situation. While the department's primary focus is on health and safety regulations related to short-term rentals (like proper sanitation and fire safety), the incident has reignited a broader debate about accountability within the Airbnb platform. The article also notes that St. Joseph, like many Michigan communities, is grappling with the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and neighborhood character. The influx of vacationers can drive up rental costs for long-term residents and disrupt established community dynamics.

Airbnb has responded to the situation by removing the "wheelchair accessible" designation from the Sweetheart Hideaway listing and issuing a formal apology to the Kettners. They have also stated they are reviewing their accessibility verification process, although details of this review remain vague. This incident highlights a recurring problem: Airbnb’s reliance on hosts to self-certify accessibility features often leads to inaccurate or misleading listings. While Airbnb provides guidelines for accessible properties, enforcement is weak and guests frequently find themselves in situations similar to the Kettners’.

The legal implications are also significant. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, and while short-term rentals aren't explicitly covered by the ADA, misrepresenting accessibility features could potentially constitute a violation of fair housing laws if it’s deemed an attempt to exclude individuals with disabilities. The Kettners have consulted with an attorney and are exploring their legal options.

Beyond the immediate controversy surrounding the Sweetheart Hideaway, this case serves as a crucial reminder for both Airbnb users and hosts. Guests with disabilities need to be extremely cautious when booking accessible properties, scrutinizing listings carefully and contacting hosts directly to confirm details. Hosts, in turn, have a responsibility to accurately represent their properties and avoid making misleading claims about accessibility. Airbnb itself needs to implement more robust verification processes and stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure the integrity of its platform and protect vulnerable guests. The incident has spurred renewed calls for greater regulation of short-term rentals and increased accountability for platforms like Airbnb in ensuring equitable access for all travelers, regardless of their abilities. Ultimately, the Sweetheart Hideaway saga underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of accessibility and a commitment to inclusivity within the burgeoning vacation rental industry.

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