Warning against hiring co-host Paul Burick

Public Notice Regarding Professional Misconduct and Co-Hosting Practices

This statement is intended as a warning to property owners considering entering into a co-hosting agreement with Paul Burick.

The purpose of this notice is to document my personal experience and the operational and financial consequences that followed our collaboration.

I engaged Paul Burick as a co-host for my property under a written agreement clearly stating that he would act strictly in a co-host capacity. Within one month of collaboration, several serious issues arose that caused operational disruption, financial loss, and loss of trust.

1. Missing Property and Financial Loss

During the period of collaboration, the following items disappeared from my property:

• A mini safe belonging to me
• A complete set of guest security keys

During the collaboration period, the only individuals who had physical access to the property were Paul Burick and Maria Fernanda Gallardo Marin:

The mini safe and the set of security keys designated for incoming guests went missing.

At no time were these items removed by me, nor were they relocated within the property. The disappearance occurred during the period when access was granted to them.

As a result, I was forced to:

• Replace the full set of security keys (cost: 4,600 MXN)

• Change all locks to protect future guests

• Urgently reorganize guest check-in procedures

While I cannot determine with certainty which individual removed the items, the disappearance happened during the timeframe when they were the only parties with access.

For security reasons and to protect my business, I had no alternative but to terminate the collaboration immediately and secure the property.

This situation put my hosting reputation and guest experience at immediate risk.

If anyone is offered a mini safe matching the one described here in connection with this individual, please note that the safe belongs to me.

2. Access to Airbnb Account and Role Manipulation

Paul Burick requested full administrative access to my Airbnb account. Despite the contract clearly defining him as a co-host, changes were made that resulted in him appearing as the primary host on the listing.

This shift effectively:

• Positioned him as the visible host receiving guest reviews
• Reduced my role as owner to secondary status
• Redirected credit for guest evaluations

Guest reviews are tied to the listing owner’s long-term reputation. The alteration of roles was never agreed upon as a permanent structural change.

3. Price Manipulation and Booking Impact

Immediately after gaining account access, listing prices were increased to approximately four times their previous level (my prices never exceed 2600 pesos per night).

This price level immediately put me out of any possible booking, probably St. Regis close by had lower prices for the considered period (property marked with a heart in the comparison to the neighbouring properties for the same period):

 

The result:

• Immediate drop in booking activity
• Calendar stagnation
• Revenue interruption

Such drastic pricing changes were implemented without strategic consultation or market justification. Whether due to lack of market understanding or another intention (eliminating competition), the outcome was financially damaging.

4. Guest Communication Concerns

After receiving access to the account, direct messages were sent to future guests already booked in my calendar.

These communications:

• Promoted external business activities
• Included excessive and unprofessional messaging style
• Were sent without my prior approval

Promoting outside businesses to booked Airbnb guests may violate Airbnb platform policies. Any communication that risks platform compliance exposes the property owner to account suspension or penalties.

5. Contract Termination and Security Measures

Due to multiple breaches of agreement, stealing the mini safe, guest keys and operational concerns, I terminated the contract with immediate effect.

Following termination, I was forced to:

• Review all account permissions
• Re-establish sole administrative control

These measures were necessary to protect my property, guest security, and business operations.

6. Business Identity Concerns

During our collaboration, Mr. Burick presented himself under the name Viva Adventures, while contractual documentation referenced Donkey Adventures.

The discrepancy between business names raises concerns regarding:

• Contractual clarity
• Tax registration alignment
• Legal entity transparency

Property owners entering into agreements should verify:

• The legal registered business name
• RFC registration (in Mexico)
• SAT compliance status
• Contract alignment with invoicing entity

Final Recommendation

Property owners considering a co-hosting partnership should:

• Avoid granting full administrative access without safeguards
• Maintain ownership visibility on listings
• Protect control over pricing strategy
• Use limited-permission access whenever possible
• Ensure contracts clearly define roles and digital control rights
• Verify legal business registration before signing

My experience resulted in financial loss, operational disruption, and reputational risk. I strongly encourage any host to conduct extensive due diligence before entering into a co-hosting agreement and I discourage any co-host activity with Viva Adventures, Donkey Adventures or whatever entity tied to Paul Burick.

Here is the copy of the contract, so the future victims can avoid the trap: