Covid lockdown UK

[Anna11021]

Hi, I have just accepted a booking from tomorrow for 40days at my static caravan. Can I ask, what would happen if we went into an official lockdown again. The site I believe would close and force everyone to leave -  do I have to refund the remaining booking or would I incur any costs?

[Huma0]

@Anna11021 

There is no way of knowing what will happen. However, from what I remember from 2020, guests who were already booked (or certainly guests already staying) were not required to leave.

At some point during the first lockdown, Airbnb blocked UK host's calendars, but as far as I can remember, it was only for homestays, not complete units. I already had someone staying and it did not affect his booking. I had another guest who was just about to book and was unable to.

Other UK hosts can correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I remember from spring 2020, which already seems like a lifetime go!

[Anna11021]

Many thanks. Unfortunately the site at which our caravan is situated have confirmed if we do go into lockdown, all caravans would need to be vacated. Fingers crossed this will not happen!

[Huma0]

@Anna11021 

On the other hand, the guests may choose to leave early. If a guest cancels a long term booking (i.e. one that is 28 days or more) they still have to pay for one month's accommodation fees from the cancellation date + all Airbnb fees. You can choose to refund them extra, but that's up to you. The Airbnb fees are out of your control though.

If the guests asks for a date change, rather than cancelling, then you will not be paid for any of the nights after they leave.

Airbnb's current extenuating circumstances state that bookings made after mid March 2020 are not eligible for refunds due to COVID related issues such as government restrictions (so that includes lock downs). However, guests will be fully refunded if the cancellation is due to either the guest or host contracting COVID.

[Anna11021]

Many thanks for this. Its really helpful

[Anonymous]

@Anna11021 if a new restriction comes about that requires accommodation providers to close down and send the guests home, you would have to refund the unused nights.

If the accommodation itself can stay occupied but inclusive amenities (e.g. a shared pool or gym) were no longer available to guests, there is a chance that Airbnb would consider that a refundable Travel Issue. In that scenario, you'd want to get in front of things and offer the guests the choice between a date change to move up their checkout or a reduced rate to complete the stay.

A more typical lockdown scenario would be that the guests are allowed to stay in place, but local dining and entertainment shuts down, making the stay less desirable. No refund would be due there. An even more probable situation is that there's no lockdown, but someone in the guest group tests positive for Covid during the stay. Then, not only can they cancel for a refund - Airbnb will also temporarily suspend the listing. 

[Anna11021]

Hi, it seems everyone is unsure however I have read the extenuating circumstances and it does appear that you wouldn't have to provide a refund.

Can I ask where you found that we would have to offer a full refund? 

Many thanks for your help

Anna

[Huma0]

@Anna11021 

The current Airbnb extenuating circumstances policy does not cover cancellations due to changes in government restrictions, travel advisories, cancelled flights and trains etc.

However, if the guest or host tests positive for COVID, then the EC policy DOES apply:

See: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/2701/extenuating-circumstances-policy-and-the-coronavirus-covi...

"Reservations for stays and Airbnb Experiences made after 14 March 2020 will not be covered under our extenuating circumstances policy, except where the guest or host is currently sick with COVID-19."

While it says "sick with COVID-19", which is a rather strange way to word it in my opinion (how does one define sick?), I believe what it actually means is that the person tests positive for COVID. The other day, I was speaking to an Airbnb rep and he confirmed this. He also said that evidence of a positive test is required.

However, as others have mentioned, that's just Airbnb policy. If you are unable to offer the accommodation due to the government closing down holiday lets or, as you mentioned, the caravan site closing down, I would think you would be required to refund the guests. That's a very different situation to them changing their minds about the trip due to COVID and wanting to cancel when the accommodation is technically available to them.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Anna11021 The EC policy and, in fact, any companies policies are totally irrelevant if they are in conflict with, in your case, English law.

English law is very clear - If you cannot host legally then you must return the guest's money. Less clear is whether or not Airbnb can also fine you for cancelling a booking.