The power's out at our place—should I cancel on our guest?

[Heidi142]

There was a severe storm here yesterday and the power is out at our home. Puget Sound Energy doesn't currently have an estimate for when power will be restored, but they haven't even begun work clearing the tree that's downed across our road (one house up from us), which is trapping power lines. Their website says they hope to have all customers restored over the weekend, but our guests are scheduled to arrive Saturday (tomorrow). It looks unlikely that we'll have power restored by then. (And I will need at least a few hours after power is restored to clean the space.) I don't want to cancel if we don't have to, but am not sure what to do in this circumstance. Please advise! 

[Pete28]

@Heidi142

If one night I would cancel via Airbnb. How do you provide heat, lights, hot water ?

if multiple nights they could do hotel until power returns.

i wouldn't want guests with candles, and they may want to stay for free if no power or get Airbnb to refund them. Not worth it.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Heidi142

I agree with @Pete28 100%. Even if they agree to stay with you anyway, they could stay and then ask and get a refund.  I've seen cases when Airbnb refunded guests in full just because they were 2 hours without WIFI !

Don't let them stay, contact Airbnb , this is extenuationg circumstance. But before you call ABB try to get some proof of the accident , at least a photo of the tree or something

[Pete28]

No power equals candles, huge fire risk. I almost set fire to my own home with a night light candle once. We are just not used to them anymore in places like bedrooms. Way too much hazard.

[Mark116]

I would message them and tell them what happened.  Tell them the power might not be back on, and that you are happy to have airbnb cancel and give them a refund, or if they want to risk it, that's okay.  I would give the guests the option.

[Susan151]

I would start by contacting your guests. Give them an idea of how much of the area is without power [is this regional or just your street] and let them decide how they wish to proceed. I would also include simple information such as what systems in your home need powerin order to operate.

You never know when you contact AirBNB what you will get after all. It is far more likely that the outcome will be comfortable for both you and your guests if you discuss the situation together as reasonable adults.

Stay warm!