Chiming in late here, but would appreciate feedback from the community. Guest books almost exactly 2 months before arrival. Short stay (just a few nights) but advises today...two days before arrival...that they would like to shorten the trip by 1 night. They did not send a personal note to us; rather they went through Airbnb options to change or alter a reservation. As such, Airbnb has asked us to 'accept' this request (meaning we lose the income of one night) or 'decline' (meaning the guest still pays). We are always very open to working with our guests, and have never stuck it to anyone if there are situations beyond their control, or they simply need to make a change to dates within a reasonable timeframe.
To shorten a stay last minute-as this one proposes-and without any reason, is a first for us.
The problem now is not so much the lost night itself, understanding the chances of us re-booking the night with another party is virtually nil, but we are on the hook for a scheduled clean...on a holiday weekend no less, so we can't get it re-scheduled in order to attempt a last minute recoup. The net result is we lose the rental for one night at minimum, cleaning fee on top at worst.
Imagine having guests arrive at your home if you have stuck to your policy guns...not too welcoming. Imagine letting people decide any old time they like to adjust their travel plans, which could financially impact you. I have let the guest know this, in gentler & simpler terms, but as language is a potential barrier we could come across as pretty rigid hosts. I have heard nothing back from them.
Should we just suck it up and take a hit? That is my principal thought to resolution. But why would Airbnb even allow this when our parameters for cancellation are already set...even though I understand this is not an outright cancellation. They still collect their booking fee, take their bit of skin from hosts as well, yet the burden is left to the host to appear 'good guy' or 'bad guy'.
Any recommendations as to how others have handled this would be great.