Cancelling a guest's instant booking

[Jackie2]

can anyone help have had an instant booking ..we have a self contained cottage that is listed for two only has one double bed.but someone has booked it and is bringing 3 year old.it is only suitable for a couple how can i get around this problem ie cancelling without my hosting staus being affected

[Clare0]

I wouldn't cancel since you have nothing in your listing saying you don't accept babies.  Chalk it up to a learning experience. Here's what you need to do: 

1.) If you don't want babies, children under a certain age, etc. you need to say this either in your description or House Rules. 

2.) You need more specific House Rules on your listing.  Look at other listings and see what other hosts write and add those that apply to you. 

3. ) You need to establish a security deposit in the event anything is ruined or damaged by a guest.  Believe it, it happens. 

Again, don't ruin your track record by cancelling. These guests might not be a problem at all!

[Joanie0]

If your listing specifies only 2 people are acceptable and they booked for 3, then you should be able to cancel without penalty.

[Carrie1]

Agree with Joanie that, if they booked for two, and are bringing a third, the cancellation is on them. I would NOT just cancel. I would first email them & tell them you have a two person limit, therefore, you can not allow the three of them to enter your property. They should cancel. If they don't, call Airbnb and let them cancel on your behalf.