Are airbnb reservation fees refundable for guest cancellations due to heavy snow?

[Jo-Ellen0]

We live up a steep gravel road and would not want to put guests at risk. We don't often have snow, but now moderate to heavy snow is in the forecast 5 days out. I want to apprise the guests for that night of the situation and let them decide.  Can they get their Airbnb fees refunded if they decide to cancel?

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Jo-Ellen0

They would need to submit a claim under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy. It would if some form of severe weather warning was in place. AirBnB will decide if the claim is justified and if so they receive a full refund

[Helen3]

Or @Jo-Ellen0 you could volunteer to return their booking fee (they would still be liable for the Airbnb fee).

Personally if I was in your situation, I would prefer to ask Airbnb  to cancel under Extenuating circumstances as the host, rather than put the guest of last minute cancellation making it difficult and stressful for them to find an alternative.

However there is a huge difference between moderate and severe when it comes to snow. Is there not a more detailed local forecast you can access.

[Jo-Ellen0]

Thanks, Helen.  I think I'll wait a little longer to see what happens with the forecast before contacting the guest.  However, when I read earlier about the Exenuating Circumstances policy, it sounded like Airbnb would require some sort of proof that inclement weather actually occurred. In this case, I would rather save the guest from a dangerous situation that could occur, not that did occur.

Can you point me to Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances policy?  I couldn't find it this time.

[Helen3]

Have a look on Airbnb Help Centre - all the basics around how Airbnb works are there @Jo-Ellen0