Host won't refund even though they have the property rebooked

[Emily1432]

Hi 

My name is Emily, and I booked an Airbnb for my almost husband and I for our honeymoon. We booked it ages ago and was paying in installments as we are paying for our wedding on August 2nd. We had an unexpected cost from our catering meaning we were over our budget. We are paying for this wedding ourselves and therefore needed to work out how to sort it out. Unfortunately we decided to cancel the honeymoon and asked our host that although she had a strict cancellation policy if given the reason with our upcoming wedding if she would be able to give us our whole refund rather than 50%. She said no and gave 50% meaning that we got no refund at all. I am really upset as she has already filled the dates we were meant to stay and even when we asked Airbnb to ask her reconsider she still said no. I really need this money and I don't understand why she is being so unkind as she hasn't missed out on any money and instead is taking mine. Please give me any advice. I have made a complaint and said to Airbnb support I am very disappointed this is the worst experience I have had with any host. 

[Lisa723]

@Emily1432 you were presumably aware of the cancellation policy when you booked and your booking constituted agreement. It would be nice of the host to refund you to whatever extent she was able to recoup the lost income, and many would-- but she is certainly under no obligation to do so.

My advice is to in future book only properties with cancellation policies you can live with, and not rely on the kindness of strangers.

[Emiel1]

@Emily1432 

Unfortenately for you : the host has no obligation to refund anything else other then what is stated in the cancellation policy attached to the reservation. At the moment you book, you agree also with that (strict) policy. You got 50% refunded from the total booking amount (You paid 50% in advance, so the other 50% has not to be paid). The cleaning fee (if any) and local taxes paid (if any) should also be refunded. Maybe in future better not book an accommodation with "strict" cancellation policy or maybe take travel insurrance to cover unexpected issues.

[Colleen253]

@Emily1432 When you booked the Airbnb, you were signing a contract, the terms of which you were familiar with, and agreed to. The host is under no obligation to break that contract for you, or refund you more than is specified in the contract. Your personal or financial situation is no one’s business, and neither is the current calendar/booking situation of the host your business. You have no valid complaint here.