Cancellation policy for hosts

[Raihana1]

Hi there, I’m writing to see if other hosts have had any issues with the host cancelation policy. There appears to be very little leeway for hosts to cancel a booking. I recently had a bad experience where I accepted a booking but after 1-2 days of communicating with guests, I was not comfortable going ahead. It didn’t seem like my place was the right fit for them. The booking was still 5 months away so plenty of time for guests to book. I even gave them links to other places nearby and canceled.

But I was charged $300 fine by Airbnb. I think this was unfair.

Shouldn’t hosts also have the same cancellation policy as we provide to guests? At the least we should be allowed to cancel 4 months ahead without any penalty and any extenuating circumstance. What do other hosts think? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Raihana1 As a host and a guest I don't think giving hosts more cancellation rights is a good idea. Guests need to have confidence their booking will be honoured whether it is made a week or a year in advance.

[Helen3]

I agree with @Mike-And-Jane0  @Raihana1  it would be highly unfair if hosts could just cancel penalty free at will. It could lead to all sorts of discrimination by hosts and distrust by guests.

Why did you feel uncomfortable with the booking after talking to the guests. In what way was your place not a good fit?

Obviously if they indicated they were going to break your house rules you could have asked Airbnb to cancel penalty free. 

It's not unfair for you to be charged a fine for cancelling if it's clear what Airbnb's cancellation policies are for hosts (policies are clear) and they warn you before you cancel that you will be liable for cancellation charges (they do).

[Fred13]

There is an understandable reason for this policy on Airbnb's part. If hosts were allowed to cancel 'penalty free', some will undoubtedly abuse this option and simply cancel a reservation because they now want a higher price, for example. Imagine that fiasco.

As is, guests can't do that also.

[Robin1347]

I booked an Airbnb in July of 2023 for June of 2024.  The host was Wine Country Management. I paid $9000 as a deposit.  The trip was for a cousins reunion for 14 of us.  Post booking and post cancellation policy my Mom became very ill and was in an out of the hospital. As a family we decided to cancel the trip since we didn't know what would happen and when and if she might pass away.  We attempted to cancel in October 2023 under Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy. After multiple tries between Airbnb and Wine Country Management, both saying it was each others policy and decision. We were denied.  What possibly could they consider extenuating circumstances? I felt giving both of them 10 months to rebook our stay was ample time. I tried Wine Country Management one last time with no response.  In late November I looked at the property we were going to book and they had booked a portion of our stay.  I tried again to at least get those days back but was again denied. I am not sure what host could feel good about doing something like this to a family with a critically ill member. 

[Helen3]

Hello @Robin1347 

I am sorry the host and Airbnb weren't clear with you. (although Airbnbs EC policy for guests is clearly outlined on its website).

1. Airbnb's EC policy does not cover guest illness so you wouldn't be covered under that (you are offered the option to take out travel insurance when you book). 

If you look at the EC policy you can see what is covered for example if there is social unrest resulting in a government travel ban.

2. It is up to the host if they choose to provide you with more of a refund under the cancellation policy you booked under.  How much notice you give is not relevant. What is relevant is the cancellation policy you booked under. Having said that many hosts kindly agree to refund guests in these circumstance if they get a replacement booking. Did you discuss this option with your host?

Sorry to hear your mother has been unwell. Slightly confused by your post. Why didn't you claim the cost of your booking on your travel insurance?

[Helen3]

Duplicate.