Host wants to charge me more

[Mary64]

Hi, I have booked accomodation in Rio just before the olypics starts. We are paying around 150 a night for a small apartment. which is pricey enough so we thought she had already adjusted her price for the olympics. She then messaged us saying the price would be 3000 per night, which is around 700 euro. There is only two of us and we simply cannot afford this price. We would be willing to negotiate but she will not respond to any of my messages. I have messaged her numerous times as we dont know if our accomodation is secure. HOwever we have already been charged as it was instant book. What should we do?

[Clare0]

@Mary64  That is one incredibly stupid host!  Especially if she doesn't want to negotiate with you.   Here's the deal, if you have a confirmed reservation and have already paid for it, you don't have to do anything.   The host may cancel the reservation, but if she does, she will not be able to re-book the dates you had reserved.  So instead of getting your payment, she'll get zero.

Airbnb has severe penalties for hosts who cancel confirmed reservations.   The dates of the reservation are blocked and cannot be re-booked, there is an automatic review on her listing saying she cancelled your reservation (a kiss of death for guests looking to make a reservation with her) and there is a financial penalty.  She's probably just figuring that out now. 

I would contact Airbnb and let them know that this host is asking for more money so they can make a note of it(have the reservation code handy since they'll ask for it). This is especially importants since she had Instant Book turned on in her listing.  After May 19 when the new Terms of Service go into effect, it will be a violation to dishonor a confirm reservation because the host wants more money.  I assume this could lead to the host's listing being removed from Airbnb. 

Other than contacting Airbnb, there's nothing for you to do.  Hope this helps!

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

@Mary64 If you get an alterantion that you don't agree with, you can decline it. Both you and the host agreed to a contracted price, and you are entitled to stay at the price agreed upon. Contact Airbnb if you experience any issues.

[Iris4]

@Mary64 I agree with everything Clare and Ed & Hugh said, and I can add this is an absurdly abusive price (and I live in Rio, Copacabana). Things here are not cheap, for sure, we hosts have to pay very high taxes, but I do believe nothing would justify this price. If you have any more problems with the host contact Airbnb.

[Scott-and-Sherryn0]

Get in touch with airbnb imediately , in the end I doubt you are going to get to stay there for that price(do you really want to?) Start looking for other accomodation now, as I expect if they are not responding to you they are re-letting on another site right now. Let airbnb sort it.