Disaster!! Tree fell on house!

[Kate867]

So, we have a lovely 450 year old cottage in the Kent Countryside which we let out on Airbnb.  It is quite popular with most weekends let out and we have maintained a five star rating.  Although we love some 400 miles away we have a regular cleaner and a good neighbour keeps an eye on things.   Today, the neighbour called... a huge Dutch Elm (one of the few left in this country) literally just fell over on top of the cottage (no wind... nothing) It impacted on one end of the cottage and although it did not actually fall through the roof and no structural damage is obvious we were advised that the cottage is not necessarily safe, so we advised the guests (who never even heard the tree falling and were told by the neighbour) that in their best interests it would be better to vacate.   They were actually really nice about it and had been enjoying their stay so I have offered a FOC visit in the future.  What I need to know is how I go about dealing with this and refunding them?  Will I get penalised by Airbnb for cancelling their stay and do Airbnb carry any burden at all for unforeseen events under their insurance? 

[Helen3]

Of course you won't be penalised cancel under the EC policy - see Help Centre for details. @Kate867 

Once you have cancelled the booking through Airbnb you can refund through their Resolution Centre. But why would you if you are offering them a stay FOC in the future?

[Kate867]

Thanks Helen, The tree thing was not their fault and they drove some way to get to the cottage.  I am happy to give them FOC off peak to make up for it, they were really nice peeps and I just feel so bad that their break was cut short