Are we able to host bookings in our property in England during lockdown?

[Craig588]

Hello all,

Airbnb have blocked out our property (a Shepherds Hut in England) and made bookings unavailable for our property for the period of the current lockdown.   However, on searching other properties near us, I notice that there are lots of properties still available and open for bookings.   My question is: why are these properties available and allowed to take bookings and ours is blocked out and made unavailable by Airbnb (and even if we wanted to, we can't change this and make it available)?

Further, we have received a request from a key worker to book a short stay during the lockdown, which I believe is lawful and permissible, but we cannot accommodate this booking as Airbnb has blocked out our calendar. I have contacted Airbnb, with difficulty, but to no avail at present as I just receive a template response directing me to the UK government pages, but not responding to my points about key workers (who are allowed to travel and stay at places during lockdown) and about why other bookings are available and open for booking.

We are suffering due to the Covid Crisis and lockdowns and are keen to maximise our revenue, where lawful and permissible, but are also keen to respect Covid restrictions.  If hosting of bookings is not allowed at all in the UK during lockdown, I am interested to know why so many other properties are being advertised as available and taking bookings and Airbnb is allowing this.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Duncan6 If you call Airbnb support and explain to them that the stay would cause the guest and you to be breaking the law they should agree to a neutral cancellation with no penalty to you. If they don't agree then ring off and try later with a different representative. UK daytime will hopefully get you a support worker in Ireland who seem to know the law best.

[Duncan6]

Thanks. I have now tried once and they say they think guest is ok & trip is within current regs.
I may try again later based on what you have said.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Duncan6 It only takes one person to attend a job interview. I agree - try again with support  especially as it is over the Easter weekend!

[Helen3]

Hello @Duncan6 

you should always ask for written evidence a guest meets the exemption so in this case a copy of the interview letter.

Also the booking should just be for one - but you mention they which implies more than one.

always check guest reviews on booking.

as their reason for travel no longer meets the Covid legislation exceptions- contact Airbnb and ask them to cancel  

[Josh190]

@Duncan6 I would be getting on the phone to Airbnb pretty sharpish and making a strong case against this guest. I’ve had something similar previously and managed to argue my way into a cancellation without penalty!

[Duncan6]

Thanks. Will do.