Trying to amend long term reservation

[Anne341]

Hi there

Just looking for some help. In November, I made a reservation for 8 Jan to 28 Feb. I moved in on 8 Jan as planned, but for both the host and I, some circumstances have changed and I'm looking to shorten my booking.

I'm now trying to change the booking via Air BnB to move out on 12 Feb instead of 28 Feb (30 days' notice from today). However, instead of calculating a refund for me as a result of the change - which I assume should be $54 (the amount I'm paying per night) x 16 nights (the number of nights I'm shortening the booking), Air BnB is calculating that I need to pay another $750+ if I stay for 16 nights less.

Does anyone know why this is happening and whether the host or I can do anything to change it so it shows my getting a refund?

Thanks in advance!

[Steve143]

Hello @Anne341,

If the host is agreeable, one way to get a refund is to just leave without canceling and have the host send you a refund through the resolution centre. As a host I've used this to refund some guests who left a day early.

You'd have to chat with the host andhave their agreement.

If the reason for your change is on Airbnb's extenuating circumstances list you may be eligable for a refund.

How do I file an extenuating circumstances claim?

Airbnb's long term cancellation policy is automatically applied to bookings of 28 days or more.

Cancellation_policies long-term

From this it looks like you are liable, in Airbnb's eyes, for the remaining 16 days even if you cancel.

Can a guest alter or cancel a long-term reservation?

Long term reservations work by Airbnb charging you for the first month when you book and then charging you per month for each month or part after you check in.

That $750 may be what they calculate you are liable for to fulfill the conditions of the long term cancellation policy, which seems to say that you're liable for alll of the stay.

How do I pay for my long-term reservation?

Steve.

[Dee33]

In addition to above, it's possible you are losing the host's monthly discount and are being charged at a daily rate for the days you did stay.

[John-and-Heather0]

"Shortening" your stay is the same as "cancelling" so check the host's cancellation policy. If it is strict, you may have penalties or not be able to receive a refund.  Normally you have to cancel before you check in.

Talk to your host; they may offer a partial refund through resolution center if they are able to rebook your dates.