@Melinh0,
If either the guest or host cancels a confirmed reservation the party initiating the cancelation will experience some financial loss/detriment.
This must be borne in mind when making the decision to accept a reservation request or a pre-approval.
If as a host you cancel a reservation for the reasons you describe, then speaking for myself, that's a pretty uncool thing to do. It is likely to be perceived as rude/greedy/&/or unprofessional, & it's damaging to your reputation and the reputation of Airbnb hosts in general.
When a reservation is made there comes a point when it is reasonable to expect it to be honoured. This applies to both parties in the booking. extenuating circumstances are of course a legitimate reason for compassionate treatment and where possible a waiver of fees etc.
To avoid problems in hosting it helps if you know about as many of the guidelines as possible. Reading the FAQ's is enormously beneficial.
Here is what Airbnb have posted in the FAQ_Help section on this topic [different terms apply to instant bookings_see below]
"How do host cancellation penalties work?
Cancellations disrupt guests' plans and impact confidence in the Airbnb community. Because of this, we apply the following penalties to host cancellations.
Cancellation fees
More than 7 days before check-in: The cancellation fee will be waived for your first cancellation within a 6-month period. Then, for every additional cancellation within that 6-month period, you'll be charged $50 per cancellation.
Within 7 days of check-in: Airbnb charges a $100 fee for any reservation cancelled within 7 days of check-in.
We'll automatically deduct any applicable cancellation fees from your next payout.
Other penalties
- Automated reviews: An automated review will be posted to your listing's profile indicating that you cancelled one of your reservations. These reviews can't be removed, but you can always write a public response to clarify why you needed to cancel.
- Unavailable/blocked calendar: Your calendar will stay blocked and you won't be able to accept another reservation for the same dates of the cancelled reservation.
- Loss of eligibility for Superhost status: You won't be eligible to earn Superhost statusfor one year after your most recent cancellation.
HOW TO CANCEL A RESERVATION AS A HOST
If you need to cancel a guest’s reservation:
On your computer
- Go to Your Reservations on airbnb.com
- Find the reservation you need to cancel
- Select Change or Cancel to start the cancellation process
On the Airbnb app
- Go to Host Home section of the mobile app
- Select the reservation you need to cancel
- Tap Cancel Reservation to start the cancellation process
On mobile browser
You can’t currently cancel a reservation on Airbnb's mobile website. Use your desktop computer or download our iPhone or Android app to cancel a reservation.
Cancellation Penalties
Canceling a guest's reservation can have serious implications on their trip, so penalties will be applied unless there is an extenuating circumstance.
For Instant Book hosts only
Hosts who use Instant Book may be able to cancel up to 3 times, penalty-free, if they have concerns about a guest’s behaviour. Calendar inaccuracy, confusion about pricing or availability, and extenuating circumstances are not covered by this policy.
If you're an Instant Book host and have concerns about a guest's behavior:
- Go to Your Reservations and find the reservation you need to cancel
- Click Change or Cancel
- Select “I’m uncomfortable with the guest’s behavior”
- Provide a reason for the cancellation
Once you complete these steps, the host cancellation penalties for this reservation will be waived, and we’ll help your guest find another place to stay for their trip.
If it's within 24 hours of check-in, contact us instead.
Note: Instant Book cancellation can be used a maximum of 3 times per year. This exception only applies to Instant Book reservations, and can't be used for any other cancellation reason.
Extenuating circumstances
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, there are no exceptions to this host cancellation policy.
@Melinh0,
By your own admission Melinh, there are no extenuating circumstances which apply to the reason for your cancellation. It appears that you will therefore be unable to accept a booking via Airbnb for the weekend that you were concerned about.
This was an unfortunate way to learn, 'cause now it is not nice for you or the guest who wanted to book with you.Maybe you oculd offer to let the guest stay without any charge, that will balance your karma.....
I regret that this occurred; I hope I don't sound too harsh, and that this explanation is helpful to you and to others who are reading.
Sincere regards for more good fortune in the future.
Christine.
