High season rate

[Andrea4277]

I booked a client before I realized they were booking for the dates of a very high demand week in our area. How can I

a- cancel their booking after confirming.

b- inform them the rates are different that week (had changed it in the calendar after the fact not really noticing)

c- I actually just learned I need a permit in my community so I need to apply for that and go through an inspection. That could be my excuse.

[Helen3]

Wow it does sounds like you have jumped in without doing your research on how STRs and Airbnb in particular works @Andrea4277 

You need to call Airbnb if you want to cancel without penalty and see if they will be flexible.

[Sharon1014]

@Andrea4277  First timer huh?  You really need to rethink what you are doing.  It looks like you actually live in this property yourself given all the personal effects, dishes in the sink, shoes in the kitchen, iPad on the table and photos around.  Are you planning to be away for a time so think subletting it as is will work for you?  Think again.  Are you ready to see all your possessions being loaded into the back of a truck while you are away?  Or your house and belongings trashed?

Your bed 2 - This is not an acceptable standard of accommodation for adults.  The chances of getting a permit for this are around nil. 

The short answer to your question however is... you can't cancel a reservation without incurring a penalty fee yourself (deducted from your next booking, if you get one).    Good luck.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Andrea4277 

I think its important just to suck it up, honour the booking and get a good review. There are many anti-host policies on Airbnb but equally hosts have to take responsibility for their listings and pricing.

Sorry.

[Sarah977]

@Andrea4277  It is the host's responsibility to keep their pricing up-to-date. It isn't the guest's business that you "forgot" to up your pricing for a certain date. Let the booking stand and consider it a learning experience. We've all had them.

I do agree with @Sharon1014 that cramming a bed in with no space around it to walk, and blocking the door and the closet isn't okay and likely contravenes fire regulations.

[Lisa723]

@Andrea4277 in addition to good advice already given, note that Airbnb will block any dates you cancel from being rebooked, in addition to other penalties.