Hosting and cancellations

[Terry608]

Hi

I am really confused by the advise I have received from Airbnb. Could someone clarify. We are in Scotland where a week ago government restrictions were brought in to make it illegal for households to mix indoors.

So we have a booking due next week which was made before the current guidelines and involves members from two households so clearly should not be allowed. We contacted guest and suggested they cancelled however they didn't want to as they chose to book a non refundable option during a pandemic!! 

Anyway Airbnb says we should cancel it if we are not happy which would mean the guests gets a full refund, we loose the booking earnings plus get charged a cancellation fee, get a negative rating on our profile and would loose our superhost as a result!! They say there is no way around this. Seem very against the host...

So can we just let guest visit and know full well they are breaking the law. 

Advise please... Airbnb don't seem to see a problem with their policy

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Terry608 Whilst other hosts don't agree (and I am sure will wade in) I think Airbnb are wrong and should actually allow a penalty free cancellation on both sides. The change in the law means the contract is frustrated through no fault of either party.

To learn why I believe this search the internet for frustrated contracts and Edward VIII.