I declined a booking but the guests have already paid out?

[Corinna4]

Some guests asked to book but I declined as the room was not available (I hadn't updated the calendar).  When I responded with a 'decline' they contacted me to say they had paid out.  Usually I am asked to accept or decline before a booking goes through.  How do they reclaim?  I didn't realise people could instantly book as I haven't agreed to that method.

[Clare0]

@Corinna4 Was this Dimitry's reservation?  I see the automated review that you cancelled his confirmed reservation which apparently you had accepted.  In this case Dimitry would have gotten an email from Airbnb asking him if he would like to apply the reservation payment towards a new booking or receive a full refund.  If Dimitry accepts the first choice, Airbnb will give him a 10% bonus for the inconvenience of having his reservation cancelled. 

You, however, will be penalized, not only with the automated cancellation review, but will be ineligible for Super Host status (and you were so close it seems!) but will be assessed other penalties as well.  You can read more here: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990/how-do-host-cancellation-penalties-work

It is critically important to keep your calendar updated!