airbnb cancelling my reservations

[J199]

I am a host in NYC and have been for a few years, and out of the blue Airbnb demanded a utility bill, giving my only a few hours to submit, which was impossible because i am traveling and they cancelled my reservation $1000. Now they are threatening to cancel all my reservations, without any reimbursement. Is this typical?

[Ana1136]

@J199 I have never heard Airbnb to ask about any bill, why would they need it? Also, this is a community forum and we can't help with any cancelation, you will need to contact Airbnb directly. https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide-UPDATED/td-p/413245

[Mark116]

@J199  As a pure guess, I would guess that airbnb is trying to validate whether or not your listing is legal in New York City, and/or that you are the owner/host of the listing.  I can't think of any other reason why a utlility bill would be requested other than to prove who is living at the address and/or paying the bills there as the owner.

[J199]

My concern is why with such demands and consequences? Literally they gave me a few hours to respond. I am traveling and cannot provide and couldn't respond immediately and they cancelled the reservation. I have been hosting actively. Maybe it was to do the recent subpoena from the govt requiring airbnb to hand over data. seems weird and super unacceptable to communicate with such urgency with no  explanation.