My host sold their property. No apology, no kindness was reflected in their message to me. The message just stated that they had sold the house and had moved. I called air bnb immediately. I did not think it was my responsibility to ask for a refund in this instance. The hosts policy indicated it was somehow my loss. The property owner no longer had a place to rent. By my definitions the refund policy was a con job. I am waiting for resolution.
Last spring something similar happened. The person renting decided to rehab his space and cancelled my reservation. I had to call airbnb and resolve the bill.
I thought airbnb was a service vetting the the hosts sight to insure for all involved that there will indeed be a place to stay when you arrive at your destination. I think this is a reflection on the integrity and quality of service provided by airbnb..
In both instances I have had to scramble to find new accommodations - there are fewer available and I will be paying more.