Calendar availability. penalty fee

[Victoria327]

Hi Everyone,

While listing my space I had selected dates that were available, but this morning I got a message someone had instantly book out of these dates. Went back to my calendar and saw all dates from today were available. I have to cancel, and probably will get a penalty. It's annoying cause it's the first time I've listed my space.
Does anyone know if I can get out of a penalty fee? And also, do I have to go into the calendat daily to block out new dates that become available?

Thanks!

[Emiel1]

Hi,

There is an option to set all dates unavailable by default (so you have to make them available manually). This works well if you rent out your space only on limited number of dates. The option can be found in "booking-window" (see at: availability - reservations preferences).

If you are a new host: call Airbnb and explain, maybe they are willing to retract the penalty.

Contact Airbnb: A Community Help Guide [UPDATED] - Airbnb Community

Hope this helps,Emiel