Cancellation Policies and refund....

[Phanita0]

Dear Community 

I have a customer that channel there booking 6 days before they where suppose to check inn due to the wether forecast .

The wether forecast was that it was suppose to rain where my place is , but now it looks like the wether forecast that they looked at was wrong and there is not coming the rain as it was forecasted! It might be overclouded ….

I have a Strict: 50% refund up until 1 week prior to arrival, except fees on my reservation , But the customer in now asking me for a refund for there booking. 

I know that I can refuse the request of refund or offer them something , but I feel that since I can’t control the wether situation. This is not my fault.

I also know that I can have a good hart and give them some back.

Can I get some advise for you here??

Thank you 

[Helen-And-Mario0]

Let them know the strict policy is to be respected and understood when both parties entered the agreement, but you can offer to refund the night they cancelled if your place get rebooked. That's fair for both parties.

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

You have a cancellation policy in place for a reason - it costs you money to hold a reservation for someone.  If the guest wants to apply for a  Extunating Circumstances Cancellation Exception, they can.  The decision to refund money for weather is up to Airbnb, not you.  Explain that to your guests and point them to how they need to apply for this exception.  You are fully entitled to your 50% if the weather isn't extreme enough to warrant a cancellation because, like you said, you cannot control the weather.  (BTW, a few showers are probably not going to be accepted as an exception).  

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/what-is-airbnb-s-extenuating-circumstances-policy