An Australian woman has reportedly received $7 million in a 'confidential' settlement by Airbnb, after she was raped at knife point in one of their holiday rentals, according to Russia Today.

She said she booked the rental in New York ahead of New Year's Eve in 2015 with some friends.

Upon her return to the rental alone, she was raped by a man hiding in the bathroom of the property.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Junior Lee was arrested by police an hour after the assault, when he returned back to the property and peered into the doorway.

The authorities found three pieces of incriminating evidence on Lee, including a knife, a pair of woman's earrings and a set of keys to the rental.

In exchange for Airbnb's biggest payout, the victim signed agreements to not disclose details of the settlement, or even "imply responsibility or liability," on the part of the company or the property owner.

In turn, Airbnb denied attempts to muzzle the victim, stating "survivors can speak freely about their experiences."

Airbnb has a dedicated 'crisis-management' team for similar situations, which they claim has an unlimited budget for victim support.

On the other hand, the attorney of another rape victim at another Airbnb rental said private settlements make it difficult for legal courts to decide the extent to which internet listing companies are liable for crimes committed at their properties.