**Unexpected $300 charge without authorisation
**Unexpected $300 charge without notice, no supporting evidence and terrible communication**
I stayed at a property in Darlinghurst, Sydney, from 16–18 October 2026, managed by Jinksy Limited through the platform Stayz/Bookabatch.
While the accommodation was tidy and conveniently located, my experience with the property management has been extremely disappointing.
Approximately five minutes before checkout, the toilet became blocked during normal use. We had only flushed toilet paper, and because it happened so close to checkout, we had no realistic opportunity to resolve it ourselves. We notified the property manager immediately after checkout.
To my surprise, an additional $300 was charged to my card without any prior notification or opportunity to discuss the issue. My booking confirmation clearly stated a $250 refundable deposit, not $300.
When I contacted the hosts/Jinksy, I was told the charge related to a plumber being engaged and the property being unavailable for bookings. However, no evidence has been provided establishing that we caused the blockage or that it resulted from anything other than normal use.
I specifically requested proof that a plumber had been engaged, along with the plumber's report to establish the cause of the blockage and whether any damage had actually occurred. My message was read but has been left unanswered. I find it completely unreasonable to charge a guest hundreds of dollars without providing any supporting documentation or even responding to reasonable requests for evidence. Further, I found it concerning and bordering on scamming they can take any amount they choose from your card without authorisation or communication. Due to this I have cancelled my card as I was concerned they may take more money without authorisation as they pleased.
I also contacted Stayz's customer support, which was equally disappointing. I was advised that Jinksy is a third-party property management company using the Stayz platform and that Stayz has limited control or oversight over how Jinksy handles payments and additional charges, as these are managed internally by Jinksy.
However, Stayz customer support did tell me it violates their internal policies for third party hosts, if they take additional changers for damages without at least communicating it first and it can only be to the maximum amount agreed upon booking. Yet, despite this Stayz said the best they could do is email the host Jinsky on my behalf.
This raises serious concerns about accountability. Guests book through a recognised accommodation platform expecting some level of protection and support, yet when something goes wrong, it appears neither party is willing to take responsibility for resolving the issue.
My biggest concern is the complete lack of transparency and communication. Guests should not have to discover unexpected charges on their bank statements and then chase property managers for explanations and evidence. A blocked toilet through reasonable use does not automatically mean a guest caused damage or should be financially responsible.
I have also raised concerns about the discrepancy between the advertised $250 deposit and the $300 charged, as well as the failure to notify me beforehand. Neither concern has been satisfactorily addressed.
I would not recommend anyone to book accommodation managed by Jinksy Limited through Stayz or Bookabatch. Based on my experience they will charge you extra fees and not be held accountable by the platform and then ghost you themselves.
The lack of communication, transparency and accountability throughout this experience has been unacceptable and I will be contacting the NSW Fair Trading Commission with my complaint Jinsky Limited and Stayz both contravened Australian Consumer Law with their misleading and deceptive conduct.