I want to change the cancellation policy from flexible to longterm but it doesn't seem to be working

[Ta0]

I posted pretty quickly and before putting up pictures, a guy really wants the room - i think my price was set too low. 

I haven't approved him yet but he has officially requested the room. 

I just posted pictures and added a deposit and cleaning fee and I'm trying to raise the price a little bit - didn't see all that info before - the deposit and cleaning fee are showing up in the listing but the price seems to be the same and I am unable to 

change the cancellation from flexible. If someone cancels one day before arrival I am really going to be screwed. 

Is it not changing because there is a request in?

Can someone help? Thanks!

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Ta0,

Is this a reservation inquiry or request?  In any event, you can message the guest and explain that you were in the middle of editring your listing and that you will be declining the request but that they could put in another request/inquiry after you make the changes.  Long term is automatically applied if the reservation is 28 days or more.

Dave

[Ta0]

Hello, 

Thanks for responding. It's a request. I have the option to do it for a day a week or a month but he chose a month. when i look at my listing it says flexible. I'm going to cancel the request and let him know what Im doing. Does $200 seem like an ok deposit? Does Airbnb collect that or do i collect it separately?

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Ta0,

I think $200 is an alright deposit but I have not taken a look at your listing.  Airbnb does not charge the guest for the deposit but they do have the guest agree to the security deposit.  If you had to make a request, Airbnb would charge the guest so yes, Airbnb collects it if needed.

I would decline and then quickly change your policy to at least "moderate".  I am not sure what you mean by "I have the option to do it for a day a week or a month but he chose a month".

Also, are you sure you want to allow long term rentals and are you sure you want to give people a 35% discount on long term rentals?  Check out this article on long term rentals on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.ca/help/article/805/what-are-some-things-i-should-consider-before-hosting-long-te...

The nice thing about short term rentals is if you have a bad guest, you are not stuck with them.  Also, when starting out, you want reviews to get more listings and possibly get Superhost status.  This makes it harder with long term rentals.

Dave

[Ta0]

Hi - I don't understand your first paragraph about the deposit. It seems as though you are saying no they don't collect the deposit and then you say yes they will collect the deposit if requested. Lol

As for the long term stay, I'm going to be gone for a month and I have roommates so I'd like as few people in there as possible so my roommates don't have to change the sheets and have to keep dealing with different people .  I guess I'd make more money if I had people for shorter visits but I'm trying not to aggravate my roommates with more work - who knows, if this guy who requested it doesn't return maybe I will rent it out for a shorter period.

I finally figured out how to change the terms - I needed to scroll down to see it. This website is not very easy to use!! 

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Ta0,

At the time of booking, the guest is charged the entire amount plus the Airbnb fee but Airbnb does not charge their credit card for the security deposit.  If you make a claim within 48 hours of the guest checking out and if Airbnb approves your claim or if the guest agrees, their credit card will be charged.

Dave