Cancellation of booking by host

[Karen4339]

Hi I have taken a booking in 3 weeks time for a room in my home. It is for one night. My daughter and I have been looking at dates to go to the theatre and she has booked the wrong date ie the day when I have a guest. Obviously the theatre ticket is very expensive so I have to now go on this date and as the Airbnb room is in my home, I do not let guests stay unless I am there. How do I cancel this booking, will I incur any fees or penalties even though it is in 3 weeks time and will this jeopardise my listing in any way? Many thanks Karen

[Joan2709]

@Karen4339 

I strongly suggest you figure out something in order to avoid canceling this booking. The theater ticket is so not worth the negative impact on your listings if you cancel. Have your daughter go with a friend and you go another time? Sell the tickets and go another time? Have another family member or friend stay at the property instead of you?

1. Yes, there are penalty fines Airbnb will deduct from your next payout depending on how far out you cancel

2. Yes, your listing status will be affected (loss of Superhost status/Guest Favorite)

3. Your calendar will be blocked for the night cancelled (you wanted this anyway)

4. Your listing will receive a "Listing Issues" strike (not sure when that is removed by Airbnb)

5. Search results rank negatively affected

Host Cancellation Policy

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990

Ground Rules for Hosts

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2895

Do NOT contact the guest in any way and encourage them to cancel. You will be penalized by Airbnb for doing so. 

[Karen4339]

Thank you for your comments Joan. 

Unfortunately I am going to have to go ahead with this cancellation as the tickets are £300 and my daughter doesn't want to go with anyone else. I do not have anyone who could stay at the property instead of me.

[Joan2709]

@Karen4339 

I understand. The impact on your listings will be much more than the cost of the tickets I'm afraid, but that is of course your decision.