New cancellation policy

[Cave0]

I happened to notice today that a new option has been added to the list of cancellation policies available to hosts.  I am not aware that there was any communication from Airbnb regarding this, however, the most disturbing part is that the help attached to this option applies to a different policy instead.  Seems Airbnb has only done half a job and can't be bothered to provide any information about the workings of the new option. 

However, not to be deterred, we are used to working in the dark when it comes to Airbnb, I have to ask, is this new cancellation option subject to the Extenuating Circumstances Policy along with the others?  I suspect the answer is yes, in which case, we are now being asked to offer 10% discounts for accepting non-refundable reservations which can be cancelled and refunded in full if granny dies, the flight is cancelled or someone digs up the road.

This is nothing but a ploy to generate more revenue for Airbnb at the expense of the host.  If it were truly of benefit to the host to operate this policy then non refundable would mean just that whereas at the moment it means non refundable until Airbnb decides otherwise.  So, for the host the situation is simply take your normal rate and cancellation policy that can be cancelled on a whim by Airbnb, or, offer a 10% under the new policy that can be cancelled by Airbnb on a whim.

Perhaps someone can tell me I got it all wrong here and that we have a true non refundable policy which means our livelihoods are safe from events which should be covered by guests insurance.

[Martina714]

"we are used to working in the dark when it comes to Airbnb".

welcome onboard and grab your gears!