Host refusing to change dates - What next?

[Áine7]

Hello, 

I have booked a stay for a group for May 2021. Due to some circumstances related to covid-19 we must now reschedule our stay for later this year or into 2022. We are flexible with dates, size of the group and duration stay the same. A 50% deposit is paid. Our host has refused to accommodate our request owing to decimation of business in 2020 and will only agree to a cancellation which will mean full loss of deposit. Considering the option to ‘change’ dates is showing up on the website I am wondering why we do not have the opportunity to do so. 
Any info greatly appreciated. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Áine7 Presumably you read and agreed the cancellation policy when you booked? As a result you can only rely on your travel insurance.  

[Sarah977]

@Áine7 A date alteration isn't something a guest is entitled to- it has to be agreed to by the host.

When you book a place, you agree to the cancellation policy that is stated for that listing, it's a contract. The host has no obligation to waive that policy just because a guest's plans changed, one of the group got sick, etc. If there are govt. travel restrictions that prevent you from travelling, or from the host accommodating you, and you can produce documentation to Airbnb to prove that, it may be eligible for refund, but no one knows at this point what the restrictions might be for May.

Many hosts will offer to refund if you cancel so the calendar dates open up to new bookings and the host can rebook those dates, so you can ask the host about that. But they aren't under obligation to do so.

[Elena87]

@Áine7 

There was a loophole whereby once a host accepts a change of dates request, the period of  initial free cancellation is once again reset.

Perhaps the host is aware of this from their point of view, they may presume that if he/she accepts your proposed change, you will cancel.

Maybe it's something to try and negotiate through airbnb.