UK Lockdown November 2020

[Eloise55]

Hey Everyone,

Does anyone in the UK currently have guests staying with them where the checkout date is after 5th?  What are you doing, asking them to leave Wednesday or Thursday, refunding them for the 'cancelled' days? 

Thanks for any ideas x

[Helen3]

From what happened during the last lockdown I believe guests were allowed to complete their current stays @Eloise55 

[Eloise55]

Thanks so much for replying. I read this on the Gov.UK website...

"Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed- including holidays in the UK and abroad. This includes staying in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes."

So I am guessing this time it won't be the same...I'll have a chat to the guests, they looked like responsible sensible folk so I am sure they will be heading home before Thursday!

[Ruth889]

Just wondering same thing as I didnt start airbnb till after first lockdown . We need to know who does the cancelling and are the guests fully reimbursed if they cancell ? 

[Eloise55]

As I understand it, the reimbursement depends on your cancellation policy, I don't believe it will fall under extenuating circumstances as it is post March and therefore Covid-19 is not unknown and I suppose this was always a possibility... I am going to write to my November bookings and encourage them to amend to a later date and just say of course I understand if they wish to cancel completely - therefore putting the responsibility on them to cancel (so that it's not me doing the cancelling). 

[Zoe317]

@Eloise55  that was how I read into things but just had.a.guest cancel and receive 50% refund as per the strict cancellation policy.  They gave then messaged saying air bnb have said to message me for full refund and can I mow action this? Is this what air bnb are suggesting happens or is it down to my goodwill?

[Helen350]

@Zoe317 Your guest got 50% refund as per your cancellation policy. It is entirely up to you whether you refund any more. You don't have to! The guest should have thought when they booked, that Boris might send us back into lockdown, and your guest chose to risk booking on a 'strict' policy. You are free to look at it that way, or decide you don't want to take any payment for services unrendered, so refund, but it's YOUR choice!

Don't be swayed by Airbnb's suggestion that the guest ask you for a further refund. Airbnb favour GUESTS, and Airbnb are a money making company, they want to keep guests sweet!

[Emma2274]

I thought this, but I had a guest who booked under non refundable instead of flexible out of the two options for a November stay 

I thought the covid 19 ext circs would protect me and that my cancellation policy would be upheld.

She's not happy and has contacted air bnb who have contacted me on her behalf and told me that their standard ext circs policy over rides the covid 19 policy and she should be refunded. 

Someone please explain this to me, no response from air bnb when I've challenged this. 

Emma 

[Helen350]

I would ask the guests to cancel @Ruth889 . Don't risk cancellation penalties! (3 free per year, then $100 for short notice or $50 for better notice.) Guests KNOW that government can introduce lockdown at any time... let it be on them, not you!

Whether guests are re-imbursed depends on your cancellation policy. The Airbnb Extenuating Circumstances policy (g oog le it!) says guests won't be re-imbursed unless mandated by the cancellation policy. - But Airbnb have been known to override their own policies!

Obviously if you choose to reimburse, that's your choice.

[Jean4999]

I have had moderate cancellation policy for a while now (5 days).

Most of my November guests have cancelled today - 1 hasn't yet.

Beware that if you cancel as a host you are liable to cancellation penalties and this will also reflect on your listing showing that you cancelled a guest, it will also impact on your superhost status/qualification.

Also beware of a guest sending to a request to cancel (from what I can gather you have to approve or decline this request) If you accept this you will be penalised as if you cancelled (A real GOTCHA).

For my 1 remaining November guest (2 weeks away) I will wait a few days and then gently remind them that if they cancel before the 5 days they will get a full refund.

The question does come to mind (hopefully won't come to that) that if they refuse to cancel and insist on coming anyway (breaking lockdown rules) should I cancel and then be penalised by Airbnb for following the law?

[Helen350]

Very well put @Jean4999 , good points too about loss of Superhost & 'black mark'  host cancelled sentance on our profiles!

IF your remaining Nov guest is NOT coming to work, and insists on coming, then you can insist you will not be party to their law breaking, & refuse to host them! You don't have to cancel, just explain it's against the law for them to stay; then  if they have any sense THEY will cancel at least 5 days out for a full refund! Their choice! 

[Marit-Anne0]

@Jean4999 it is still allowed to travel for work, perhaps contact your remaining guest and ask for the purpose of his/her visit.

[Darren283]

What if I'm due to checkout and leave  on Thursday. I am trying to find the answers, but o am struggling

[Marit-Anne0]

@Darren283 take a look at what @Helen3 says above. 

[Helen350]

I've just had an enquiry for a 9 day stay for a couple starting 6 Nov!!!!!! - Some people!

"Could I check we are still able to make a reservation after 5th November due to lockdown restrictions?"

I politely explained they would be breaking the law unless here for  local work - both of them!

They wouldn't answer the question as to what they were planning to do..... Just 'Alright, I understand. I have read the government guidance. I will leave the booking. Thank you.'

-Was this some crazy market research, to test hosts (No, I know Airbnb have got better things to do with their money!) -  or can some people not resist law breaking as soon as a new law is announced ?