cancellation fee of $66 each and what constitutes extenuating circumstances

[Andrea285]

I had to make 2 cancellations today and I see I have been charged $66 each which I think is unfair. 

In one case I discussed with the guest that my circumstances might change and that I didnt like booking that far ahead and he reasured me that it wasnt a problem and he would understand but wanted to book anyway. that booking was for mid October.

 In the second case it is still well over a months notice , mid Sept....these are not international bookings , these are people a few hours drive away and there are other airbnb listings in my village. 

I am forced to cancell due to my elderly mothers turn of ill health and in order to care for her in her home I need to rent my house out to a short term rental for 6 month and see how it goes with her . Rental season starts Sept to get families.

[Andrea9]

@Andrea285

You should not have your calendar open that far into the future if you don't wish to accept requests past a certain point in time. That is what the calendar settings for up to 3, 6 or 12 are for.

Bookings are like contracts or sold objects, you can't just ask a client to give them back. That is why Airbnb is so strict with hosts about it.

When you have to cancel due to serious illness or other extenuating situations (of which proof will probably be required) out of your control it's always better to speak to the helpdesk about it first and not just cancelling. If you simply cancel a booking, the system cannot read your mind and will treat it with all applicable penalties.