How do I set a custom cancellation policy for one guest?

[Craig71]

I have a guest requesting to book in July , but they want to be able to cancel up until May (60 days prior) . I am probably ok with that but the system seems to only allow me to choose between strict , very strict etc. - is there a way to customize it? 

[Karen-and-Brian0]

Hi @Craig71 If you have a look at what each of the cancellation policies entail, you'll see that all allow full refunds for cancellations 60 days prior, so there is no need to change for this guest at all. See cancellation policies HERE. Please note that Super Strict 30 days and 60 days are by invitation only and apply to special circumstances.

In all cases, Airbnb fees are not refundable. Hope that helps - Karen

[Craig71]

Karen,

Thanks so much for the reply. I clicked the link you sent and read the cancellation policies and cannot find the part where it says it allows for a full refund if cancelled 60 days prior (excl airbnb fees) . I am listed at "strict" and it says 50% refund , if I switch to moderate then they can cancell up to a week ahead which  I don't want. 

Can you direct me to the 60 days prior wording ?  THat would save both me and the guest. 

THank you!!!

[Karen-and-Brian0]

Hi @Craig71 Looks like I was asleep at the switch with my earlier reply - I'm sorry! Of course you are right. Has the guest booked already? If not, you can change your cancellation policy to moderate, get them to book so that is the policy which will show on their reservation, then go back to Strict again for all subsequent bookings. Someone may have already suggested this to you. 

If they've already booked, you will be able to refund them should they have to cancel, but you likely won't want to do that until after the dates for the booking have started & you recieve the pay-out from Airbnb. They may not be agreeable to waiting that long.

If they've already booked, I'd call Airbnb and ask if they can change your policy just for that booking. It's worth a try. Sorry I dropped the ball earlier! Karen

[Clare0]

@Craig71 Here's Airbnb's policy on the Super Strict cancellation policies: 

"Below are the criteria where Airbnb will invite a host to use the Strict Cancellation Policy:

Marquee property, usually with a high rate (e.g. $10,000/night)
Property is subject to serious seasonality.
Good track record with both guests and Airbnb."

[Inspired-By-The-Caribbea0]

Hi Karen, I work with many owners and I list their homes. The portfolio is all privately owned holiday villas/condos where a 60 day super strict cancellation policy is required. How do I go about setting this up?

[David126]

You would need to contact ABB and see if any of them are eligible.

[Clare0]

@Craig71 This is a tough one! Unfortunately there isn't a way to cutomize a cancellation policy for one guest.  However, given that Airbnb enforces whatever cancellation policy is set on a listing at the time a reservation is made, you could switch your policy from Strict to Moderate when you know when the reservation will be made, then switch it back to Strict after the reservation is confirmed.  This has some pitfalls, however, that might not suit you.  The Moderate policy allows a guest to get a full refund up to 5 days prior to the start of the reservation.  That works great for the guest, but not for you.  

How long is the reservation for?  If it is for more than 28 days, the Long Term Stay policy goes into effect regardless of what you have set on your listing.  Here's how that works: 

https://www.airbnb.com/home/cancellation_policies#long-term

Not sure I'm much help here...perhaps another host has a better idea!

Both you and the guest need to realize that any way the deal is done, Airbnb's service fee is not refundable.