Hi Ayelet
Thanks for posting your worries. I have a few questions I wanted to ask you as I have a background in contracts. IF she was truly hired to come to your town for a contact job, didn't the hiring company pay for her lodging? It seems odd that they would enter into a contract job with her but require for her to pay for her own lodging. And if they hired her for the 6 week stay, and now cancelled on her early, then her "beef" is with them, not you. You two entered an agreement that she would stay for 6 weeks at an agreed price though Airbnb and you are running a business. Why should you lose out becasue the company that she contracted with has decided to cut her loose? You shouldn't.
While I do appreciate that its always good to work on negotiating with people, since I did that for years in my previous career, I always made sure my clients didnt lose out. Everyone needs to be happy with the outcome.
I have one suggestion. Let her know in writing that IF you are able to rebook the dates with another guests, then you will enter into a resolution to return whatever monies you see fit. Its not your responsibility to take a loss, its your responsiblity to protect your business. We are not here to give away our homes. We are hear to provide a comfortable place for our guests for a fee, just like a hotel would do. If you book a vacation package with Expedia, and you don't buy insurance, and you have to leave that said hotel early, you dont' get any monies back from any hotel. Paid is paid. Its that simple.
Ask yourself if you are running a business or a charity. Sometimes, its good to be both, but for the right person. What is she doing to be proactive in helping you to recover that loss should she leave and demand that you pay her? I prefer to negotiate with those who are willing to be proactive in solving the issue, not those who "demand" anything.
If you can afford to give her 1/2 back and she agress, then its a win win. If not, go with my other suggestion of asking her to give you a chance to rebook the dates that she held from other people who might have booked your place prior to her arrival. Personally, I am a host to make money to help pay the $800 medical insurance bill I get every month for my daughter and I, provide a great service and help my guests in anyway I can.
Do what makes you feel comfortable....but remember, to provide this detail in her review for other hosts to see. I don't want that person coming to stay in my home only to ask for their money back because they have to leave early because their contractor ended their deal before the time frame.
Again, why would she be responsible for paying for lodging if she was contracted to come to DC for 6 weeks? its very odd. very odd.
If you feel that me or another host have helped you, feel free to click on the "thumbs up" button at the end of any post. Thank you so much.
Aloha, Momi
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