Strict cancellation policy over ruled

[Yvonne26]

Today despite “my choice” of strict cancellation policy and my guests “decision” to accept that agreement Airbnb over ruled that agreement to 100% compensate guests and 100% apply losses to hosts.

My strict cancellation policy was my contract with my guest and you. Along the way I lost bookings because some guests (have the right to do) did not accept my policy. Now oh well my policy is ‘out the window”. These policies are made to cover unforeseen events and reasons and each guest chooses their level of risk when accepting or not accepting a policy.  This is my legal agreement with my guest - facilitated by Airbnb.

I agree the Corona Virus are extenuating circumstances. But they are for both sides of the agreement. If as Airbnb says we ALL must pull together as a community then why are Airbnb over riding my policy to compensate the traveller 100% (Despite knowing the risk of a strict cancellation policy) and putting the losses fully on me (as a small business). 

Individual hosts cannot afford to carry 100% of this financial burden. Airbnb was built in the back of loyal home owners over the past years. Many people have invested livelihoods in Airbnb and for that they have benefited. A traveller would loose the cost of 50% of their booking cost (in my case) however hosts risk loosing all their multiple bookings, that is a far higher financial risk. This risk is Carried forward to my cleaning staff (relying on this income).

The decisions to negotiate with understanding on both sides should be left between host and guest. It should not have unilaterally been put on hosts with no discussion, warning or compensation.

I understand there is (presently) a time limit put on this new cancellation policy however we as hosts have no guarantee that Airbnb will not extend it.  I take issue with this...I made legal contracts based on the clause of “strict cancellation” policy agreement between ALL parties.

At the least this “all hands on deck” spirit must include sacrifice on both parties. At minimum 50/50. Not deemed by Airbnb to place all cost on only one party.

Yvonne Mandel

[Jane1049]

The comparison would be train or airline tickets: 

1. Non-refundable - cheapest
2. Exchangeable - moderate
3. Fully refundable - expensive

Fully refundable is more expensive to stop the company failing should all passengers cancel.

Non-refundable is where someone booking takes a risk and travel insurance.

Alternatives are to move the booking to an alternate date.

If guests don’t want to choose another set of dates, because this happened due to the Coronavirus situation and government directives, you should be able to claim on  travel insurance .

Most home hosts are not rich people,  original Airbnb wasnt businesses it was a way of couch surfing and hosting in spare rooms. 

Many hosts could now lose there homes due to the removal of the ‘BUFFER of STRICT that bought some TIME to soft alternatives.

TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN 1st port of call. 

If businesses who  offer varied scales of risk to facilitate budget options offered refund on the budget price THEN it’s NOT MAD ROCKET SCIENCE that the business will one day collapse!! 

[Jane1049]

In addition these are not ‘personal’ extenuating circumstances. This is a global extenuating circumstance.

[Julie3376]

I hear you Yvonne, I'm in full agreement.  Last year, Airbnb's gross revenue was $4,308,726,681.  The whole thing stinks!

[Gemma30]

I totally agree. I am outraged. I think we need to fight for what's legally ours. 

I don't see how Airbnb could be possibly have any legal right to override/interfere a strict policy a confirmed contract between hosts and guests. 

As you say, as hosts with Strict Cancellation, we have been left by AIrbnb in the worst possible situation: we are the most vulnerable side here, loosing our lifeline, the income we depend on.

I don't think we should just sit here complaining about it.
It's completely unacceptable from a legal and ethic point of view. 
Airbnb need to fix this.

Has anybody had neutral/ external legal advice?