Guest entered wrong dates, accepted then realised...How do we get his money back?

[Lindy0]

Hi  - a guest booked my property for a weekend, we corresponded, and he accepted my prior approval. He then realised it wasn't the long weekend date (for which I am already booked). He let me know straight away so all was fine as far as I'm concerned. He has been charged the full amount and we are trying to get his money back to him. He has gone via the resolution centre. But he's only asked for $150 back as he thinks that is what theyll keep as cancellation fee. Shouldnt he ask for the whole amount back? And how does he avoid getting charged an airbnb service fee when it was a guenuine error of dates. Airbnb automation does not seem to accomodate human error!! Thanks for your advice...

[Lisa7]

@Lindy0 He can't get the Airbnb fees back (unless someone at customer service is being generous).

Don't cancel for him out of a sweet but misguided attempt to save him fees. It will be a black mark on your calendar and you'll be hit with fees.

[Gritta0]

Hallöchen @Lisa7 and @Lindy0,

here I found a similar question:

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/New-to-Hosting/A-guest-wishes-to-change-their-date-but-have-not-canc...

About airbnb fees the guest needs to talk to airbnb directly. You as a host you can only help him by may be returning the money to him as soon you got it. But this I only would do if I had a chance for an other booking. If the booking is blocking the calender its unfair from my point not to get any money. So for you as a host you should focus on how to get the calender changed as the guest is definatly not comming this weekend and you are not free to take any other guests at the moment.

It also might be that the guest is contacting airbnb to make a change of his booking. Airbnb may do it, but (hopefully) ask you than if you are fine with not to take a cancelation fee for this booking.

Herzliche Grüße

Gritta