Airbnb reservation. Host neglecting

[Charles1727]

We have a reservation that we’re supposed to go to today. I have contacted the host days before this. I initially asked her to change the dates of our arrival because our 2 year old is sick for the first time ever and now my wife. She said she could only move it a day and has a firm policy. I understand wanting to hold to things but not being flexible with a child isn’t really kind. My father in law was over the other night and mentioned a website to check on sexual predators in neighborhoods. We checked on the house we’re scheduled at and discovered multiple in less than a mile and one right down the road. This concerned me greatly because I have two little girls and one has a bad experience with a predator. I told Airbnb and the host is acting like we’re lying. I have never been made to feel like financially I have to choose to go somewhere dangerous because someone won’t refund me. My main job in life is to protect my family and bringing them into a situation like this isn’t my plan. I don’t know what to do.  

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Charles1727 so to paraphrase your post: We booked an Airbnb. Due to family sickness we tried to change the dates and, because the host would not allow this, we are now looking for reasons to cancel that have nothing to do with the host.

How on earth would the host recover from such a late cancellation?  The simple answer is that they wouldn't and would have had to stand the loss for what is your problem. You could have taken out travel insurance but presumably didn't. 

I pity the poor host who accepted your booking in the first place.

[Helen3]

If your child is so sick that you can't travel then you claim on your travel insurance. You don't expect the host to cover the cost of you cancelling or moving your booking. @Charles1727 

If you wanted a host to be flexible then you should have booked with a host offering a flexible cancellation policy.

Unless you are such irresponsible parents that you let your toddler go out by itself your child is not going to be at risk of sexual predators, any more than they would be where you live.  Are you intending to let your young children be alone by themselves. If not, there is no risk. It feels like you are using this as an excuse to try and getting out of paying for your booking. 

[Lorna170]

@Charles1727  The time to have done your "homework" regarding predators was before you booked, especially in light of what you stated.  IMO you are trolling for reasons to obtain a refund because your host could not accommodate your change requests.  

For the next time that you book:

Select a host that has a flexible cancellation policy.

Research the listing location for predators before you book.

Use a credit card with travel insurance or purchase travel insurance.

[Alex1485]

Over the years, unfortunately, we’ve had a handful of guests cancel last minute due to illness.

Now we offer these guests the opportunity to stay at a later date, at a very discounted rate during our off season…this way no one is sick, and our guests can still have a great experience.  Perhaps you could ask the host for this accommodation?  

Please re-read your hosts reviews, that way as a parent, you can feel secure in knowing your host offers an environment suited for a safe and enjoyable holiday.