Airbnb giving refunds outside extenuating circumstances period

[Lezlee0]

I've been hearing Airbnb is granting a refund to guests canceling outside the March 14-April 14 extenuating policy regardless of our policy.  If we decline the request for a refund they are still able to appeal to Airbnb anyway and get a refund.    Has anyone else heard of this?  We look like jerks to say "no" to the refund then have the money taken away anyway regardless of our policy.  I have a request for a May 31st cancelation now and am wondering how to respond.   The message from Airbnb states we can accept or deny the request but I don't trust it as it really being our decision.  

[Anonymous]

@Lezlee0 Airbnb recently extended the eligibility window to May 31, so the guest will ultimately get their refund anyway. But that does not mean you have to agree to the request. 

[Lezlee0]

Thanks @Anonymous.  That tells me that if I don’t agree the guest will get their refund anyway even if I decline the request.   It’s just a matter of time before they reclaim it from my account.