Airbnb not liable for host payout after guest cancels and refuses to pay what they owe?

[Caroline1872]

I have a moderate cancellation policy. Guest has cancelled long term booking with less than a month's notice so is liable for first month's payment. 

Airbnb have emailed me to say the attempt to charge the guest has been unsuccessful - and that I should contact the guest to request they make payment! I thought it was airbnb's responsibility to deal with the payment side and that's why we pay host fees?!

Airbnb have said if the guest doesn't pay, they are not liable for my host payout. Again, why have cancellation policies and why pay airbnb as a platform if they do not honour host payments?

Has anyone experienced this issue before and have any advice please? Thank you

[Joan2709]

@Caroline1872 

Can you clarify?

You said your long term stay cancellation policy was "moderate"? However, that is not an option for long-term stays. There are only two cancellation policies available for long term-stays (in the US anyway) - Firm & Strict. Does the UK have different long term stay cancellation policies?