I am so unhappy with recent imposition of a penalty that I wish to leave airbnb as a host.

[Jill193]

I am so unhappy with recent imposition of a penalty.

I had to cancel guest request minutes after they made an instant booking. The guest was totally understanding as the room was booked minutes before their booking. I had chosen the instant booking option previously and had thought that I had subsequently cancelled it. This was all a genuine mistake. I have not caused any upset with potential guests so why am I being penalised? I now wish to cancel being an airbnb host. How do I do this ??

[Helen3]

Hi @Jill193

It sounds like you are listing with multiple letting companies and haven't sync'd your calendar for a 'double booking to happen'. You need to go through quite a laborous process to remove Instant Book. If you are sure you have done this, then Airbnb can see this and will lift the penalty if it's a technical glitch.

You are being penalised becauase Airbnb takes host cancellations seriously because of the impact you have on guests by cancelling their bookings. Personally I am glad this is in place.

You can of course contact Airbnb and see if they will be flexible in the circumstances you have outlined, if it turns out that you in fact hadn't turned IB off.

If you don't want to do that. Have a look at their Help Centre and search  for deactivating or cancelling your list and it tells you the steps you need to take.