Guest booked for 10pax and now informs that there will be 28pax

[Templer0]

I've a guest who has booked with me for one night, and at the time of booking, listed 10 guests.

They will be staying this weekend, and now in the mid-week, they have messaged me via text that there will be 28 guests coming.

I am not comfortable with hosting them and would like to cancel, but would also like to avoid the Host Penalties. 

What should I do and how do I go about cancelling their reservation?

Thanks!

[Andrea9]

@Templer0

Don't cancel - too highly penalized.

You need to put your foot down. Your house, your rules.

Tell them  through the ABB message page that they may in no case exceed the maximum 15 guests as is stated on the listing, and that the other 13 will have to find another place to stay.

I hope that their message was on the booking message page so that there's a record of it for ABB. Also tell them that you are happy to contact Airbnb to find other lodgings for these guests. Keep ABB phone no. on speed dial in case you need to contact them when they arrive.

See how they react. Do not negociate.

And I personally would also do an ID check (write down pasport nos.) upon arrival.

There is nothing stated in your house rules saying that only booked and registered persons are allowed on your property or the booking may be cancelled. For that reason they might sneak in the others later. Think of how you would handle that.   

Many of the Community posts are about more guests coming than are allowed. You might want to peruse them for tips.

Good luck.

[Helen3]

If only 10 guests have booked then only 10 can stay. Your guests can't suddenly decide 28 are coming. Sounds like they are planning a party.

In your situation I would contact BNB and ask them to cancel the booking and find the guests somewhere. You can have no confidence that even if they agree to 10 that more wont stay or that they will try to have a party.

Call them now. Contact numbers on here - use the search function

Going forward amend guest rules - only booked guests can enter your premises/stay in your home.