Canceling a reservation

[Elizabeth3327]

I preapproved a reservation without checking the dates carefully. Our current guest is checking out on April 29 and the new reservation begins on May 30-June 30. Our listing is set up for a minimum of 31 nights due to local ordinances. That means the entire month of May is a loss. If I cancel the reservation now, will that hurt me? I just made superhost status. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Elizabeth3327 

You can cancel up to 1% of bookings and retain your Superhost status. If you take only 31-night minimum bookings, you can do a maximum of 11 stays per year, so you can afford maximum one cancellation per year if you want to retain Superhost.

When you decide, keep in mind that cancellation by the host also has a negative impact on your listing's search rank and on guest favourite measures.

[Shelley159 · Accepted solution]

Sorry @Elizabeth3327, I just realised my reply above doesn't make sense! 😶

For <1% Superhost criteria you can't cancel a stay if you have just 11 per year in total ...

[Joan2709]

@Elizabeth3327 

You know your local laws the best, but in reviewing the short term rental regulations for Williamsburg, VA, they define a short term rental as being 30 days or less (not 31 days).  There is also a distinction between the term "30 days" and "30 nights". Airbnb uses the term "nights"

Shouldn't your minimum stay be 30days (not 31 days)? You would have to clarify this with the City though. You would also need enough time to clean between guests of course. 

Williamsburg Virginia Short Term Rentals

https://www.williamsburgva.gov/506/Short-Term-Rentals-Airbnb

"...Short-Term Rentals can be defined in many fashions but most share the common trait of being rental stays of less than 30 days in duration. Today companies such as Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and more offer online platforms to connect travelers with short-term rentals outside of the traditional hotel concept..."

[Elizabeth3327]

Yes, it is technically 30 days, but we gave ourselves an extra day just for good measure. Regardless, with the cleaning day, there wouldn't be enough time between guests for another person to book. Ah well. Live and learn! 

[Helen3]

You can withdraw your pre approval if you can't accept the booking @Elizabeth3327