Does the host have to give a reason for declining?

[Erica313]

Recently booked an Airbnb over the weekend and received an instant confirmation, email confirmation and credit card charged for the deposit.  A day later I get an message from the host stating the property had recently been sold and asked that I initiate the cancellation. I responded asking her to do the cancellation if the property wasn’t available. She got very and then stated I didn’t qualify to rent her home. Are there certain qualifications required for a renter?  How would she know if she didn’t ask me any questions? 

[Emiel1]

@Erica313 

The host needs to cancel, as she can not accommodate you (property sold) . No further communication neccesary. If it is not done within 24 hours (ask her to do that), contact Airbnb:

Contact Airbnb - Community Guide [Updated]

[Erica313]

I asked her to do this and she refused. I’m assuming it may impact her superhost status. I will contact Airbnb directly as my card has already been charged for the deposit 

[Emilia42]

@Erica313, It will impact her superhost status. She will lose it and the dates will be blocked on her calendar so she won't be able to take any future bookings.

Please report back once you get this sorted out with Airbnb. I would be curious to know how they handle this. Good luck!

[Erica313]

A refund was finally initiated today. I filed a complaint asking Airbnb to investigate discriminatory practices. I was told after thorough review she has been banned and also charged a penalty fee. Thanks for your assistance. 

[Christine615]

Yep - if the property were sold, she could have called Airbnb and issued you a full refund. But if the property was not sold and she said you don't qualify to rent with her - then something sounds sketchy about it.

Hosts ARE allowed to cancel a guest who does instant book if they don't feel comfortable. That includes not having an accurate photo (I can't see a face in yours), or a guest that doesn't have reviews.

But they aren't allowed to treat you the way you've been treated. Either the house was sold or it wasn't. And if it was sold - unless the person is moving in the next day - transfer to the new owner takes time. That's an extenuating circumstance and it would mean her listing was coming down anyway.

But in this case it appears she liked. And now she's gone. Good riddance!