Covid cancellation a guest review

[Layli0]

So I booked a place for 5 nights for New Year’s Eve 2024 only to get real sick and test Covid positive the night before my flight. I was not within the cancellation period but the host agreed to give me 50% of my stay. You all know how much extra hosts charge during the holiday week. So this was prime rate! So I had a choice to make send half of my family on this trip or try to postpone to a different time, which we really wanted to do the later. I offered her to rebook and she wouldn’t accept that but agreed to pay me the 50% after I placed the cancellation request. So I did that and the she refused to pay me the 50% as agreed via messaging. I contacted the support team and they tried but told me their hands are tied by the policy. I have stayed at many Airbnb and never had such an untrustworthy host…. As bad as it would have been if I knew I wouldn’t get zero back, I would have sent have of my family and not waste a fully paid holiday! She has all good reviews but don’t fall for that …. 

**[Identifiable listing removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Layli0 I don't know US law but under English law a contract can be formed (or modified) verbally. However it is difficult to prove what has been said so It shows the importance of using messages when making these agreements as it is clear (sadly) that some hosts cannot be trusted. 

[Layli0]

Mike thanks, I do have written agreement and message from my host which I sent to Airbnb support. I guess I have to look at us laws and see if there is any protection outside Airbnb terms and conditions 

[Helen3]

Why don't you use your travel insurance to apply for a full refund @Layli0 

[Layli0]

unfortunately no travel insurance! 

[Helen3]

Oh dear definitely a lesson learnt for you @Layli0