As a host I want to cancel two bookings

[Rich92]

need to cancel two bookings because others in my building ask that I don’t start my Airbnb again until July. This is very acceptable as several residents are vulnerable. Airbnb until 15/5 gave hosts that option without penalty but now I don’t think hosts have the option. Is this the case? It seems unfair that guests with bookings until end of June can cancel without penalty but hosts can’t!!

[Anonymous]

@Rich92  Yes, this grace period appears to have expired. I don't think the circumstances you describe would qualify for a penalty-free cancellation.  You could try pleading with your guests to cancel from their end - this should be possible as long as they placed the bookings before 14 March.

It might also be necessary to develop a more sustainable agreement with the others in your building, especially the more vulnerable, before considering bookings for July and beyond. Is their request more "let's wait and see," or do they feel confident that conditions will be safer for them in July?