Getting around strict cancellation policy?

[Angelina11]

Hi, I'm a fairly new host and couldn't get answers from airbnb help pages so trying my luck here!

I have imposed a strict cancellation policy and my guest is due to arrive in 3 days, for a 4 day stay. If he cancels today, based on strict cancellation policy, my understanding is that he will not receive a refund at all since notice period is less than 7 days. It just occurred to me that if he changes his dates to a month or so later, then cancels, he will receive 50% refund, less airbnb fees.

Is this accurate? If so, this is one way to partially circumvent the strict cancellation policy we have as hosts, and it may be hard to secure new guests at the last minute.

Looking forward to your insights and advice, thanks.

[Geo3]

I believe any changes/alterations to an existing reservation must be accepted by the host. If you strongly believe that the changes are meant to circumvent the cancellation policy, then you should decline the change.