COVID policy of Airbnb affecting hosts

[Dianne270]

Hello, 

Can someone please enlighten me on what you do given Extenuating Circumstance Policy for COVID of Airbnb? I am unable to host because of government lockdowns which are unforeseen in my country (announcements made a day before). When I cancel, Airbnb wants to charge me $50 for the cancellation decreasing further my income. I understand the guest that it is outside of their control too and they are not at fault when they have to cancel. 

It is not the fault of the guest as well and not our fault too but we are getting the consequence while Airbnb gets money. 

[Emiel1]

@Dianne270 

The guest has taken the risk by booking an accommmodation and then afterwards  being affected by rules regarding COVID. That is where travel inssurance comes in. The guest will need to cancel the reservation and the cancellation policy attached will calculate the refund (if any).

You can offer some additional refund, but are not obliged to. Another option is to let the guest reschedule the reservation to later dates ("change" option on a reservation)

Extenuating-circumstances-policy-and-the-coronavirus-covid19

[Dianne270]

Thank you! Unfortunately, in my country, travel insurance is not as common especially if you are just travelling locally. It's just difficult to explain since the guest can't come because of checkpoints and at the same time, the host cannot accommodate as well. So it's both sides. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Dianne270 If it is illegal for you to host then Airbnb should refund the guest in full and not penalise you in any way. Try messaging Airbnb and point this out to them - Be very clear that it is illegal for you to host or the guest to stay.

Good luck

[Dianne270]

Thank you! This is helpful and I will try again. I did say that we will be in trouble for the government but they were persistent that it is outside of their policy now. Was very disappointed and frustrated with this new COVID policy