Cancelled booking is blocking out calendar dates.

[Chris24846]

Hello,

Unfortunately I have had to cancel a booking as the current guests reported a leak, which I need to fix. The cancelled booking is now blocking out my calendar. When the leak is fixed, I want to try and sell the dates again. Can you please unblock the dates in my calendar?

[Helen3]

Hi @Chris24846 

presumably you cancelled penalty free under Airbnb's EC policy for hosts ? 

By cancelling the booking you've told Airbnb the dates aren't available. You can't then unblock the dates and try to resell them . 

you could promote the dates on other STR platforms /through any direct bookings you may have. 

[Chris24846]

Thanks Helen, but not quite. I had a leak reported in the flat. I cancelled the booking as I can’t be sure the leak will be fixed before the first day of their booking, so I cancelled their stay to give them time to find elsewhere,, but it might be fixed if the plumber can get the part. 

Their booking is for 4 days and Airbnb has blocked all 4 days. Seems draconian. 

[Chris24846]

Also, I was charged by Airbnb as the booking was within 7 days of the stay. I think that’s reasonable, as long as the guest gets the money to help them find somewhere to stay. 

[Joelle43]

Hello @Chris24846 

Like @Helen3 says, I think you should have contacted customer service to ask for a free cancellation according to the valid reasons section (see link below) 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/990

There is a double penalty when we cancel a reservation - all dates for the trip cannot be reopened on our calendar + penalty fine.  

Not sure at all that guests receive any extra money from Airbnb other than a full refund for their cancelled stay.

[Shelley159]

... and potentially a 3rd and 4th penalty ...

3) If the host cancels more than 1% of bookings in an assessment period, they don't qualify for Superhost 

4) The ranking algorithm is always watching. Anything that you do "wrong" in its eyes, can cause the listing to feature (on average) less prominently in searches.

This is a tough break that wasn't your fault @Chris24846 

Don't worry, it happens and you can make up for any negatives by completing a few great bookings.