Cancelling a reservation

[Angela2713]

Hello,

I accepted a reservation that is 3 months in advance, and now we have a private long-term tenant that wants the property (but there is still this 5 day reservation). Any way I can cancel it (since 3 months in advance) without impacting super-host or host rating?

[Brian2036]

@Angela2713 

You could contact the guest, explain very politely and sorrowfully that due to an unforeseen complication the property will not be available when they want it, and promise to approve a full refund if they cancel immediately.

[Emiel1]

@Angela2713 

As your listing is new, not having any reviews and you want to rent it privately for 3 months: there is not much to worry about earning "superhost status".....  Just cancel , accept penalties and start over after 3 months.

[Sarah977]

@Emiel1  Well, she would have "Host cancelled this reservation" as the one and only review on her profile if she did that, though. Not a great look.

Better to try to get the guest to cancel, refunding all, including the Airbnb service charge the guest won't get back.

[Colleen253]

@Angela2713 Take Sarah’s advice. Since Airbnb would slap you with a monetary penalty anyway, if you cancel, it will cost you either way. Penalty is about  50-100$ afaik.

[Angela2714]

Thanks so much! What a great community! We dont want to jeopardise the superhost possibility in the future, and the cancelation penalty on top of that! I really appreciate everyone's feedback!

[Till-and-Jutta0]

In a similar situation I just booked a hotel room for my guest.

He was happy, and left a good review.