@Duncan35 It has always been like that here.
First time you do not pay a fine but all other penalties apply unless you can prove within 48 hours that you have extenuating circumstances.
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990/i-m-a-host--what-penalties-apply-if-i-need-to-cancel-a-reser...
I am losing my Superhost for a year but I was not fined – first time. I was unable to produce documentation for extenuating circumstances within Airbnb time frame, week-end, contractor dragging feet etc. I had gone to the trouble of searching for a few hours to find the guest other place with same price and amenities, location etc. but that made no difference whatsoever. Dilemma: Wait until I received the documentation needed to claim extenuating circumstances, which would have given the guest far less than 55 days to find somewhere else ? Or as another host suggested (after I had canceled) write to guest, explain the circumstances and ask them to cancel, full refund and send them whatever Airbnb keeps so they do not lose out.