Thanks for this information.
I will definitely read up on the 'extenuating circumstances'. That is crazy if someone is able to cancel at the last minute & get virtually all of their money back. Surely, that is what people are supposed to take out cancellation insurance for?
I think that Airbnb are a bit short sighted regarding this cancellation policy. It is going to put a lot of potential hosts off.
I am certainly having serious doubts now about continuing with my listing.
My own T & C's for direct bookings require a low initial payment of just 50 UK pounds which is non refundable. The balance is payable 6 weeks before arrival. Once this is paid, I would only refund (in the form of a credit towards a future booking with me) if I was able to re-let. If I had to reduce the price then they would get less of a credit. I encourage my clients to take out cancellation insurance.
If I continue with my listing on Airbnb then it certainly looks as though I'll be crossing off a lot of dates, especially the forward dates & will maybe just leave the dates for the upcoming month or so.
This is such a shame as it will dilute the offerings through Airbnb. They will lose hosts.
I think that perhaps their business model is a bit flawed on this issue.