Guest booked my place and immediately told me he might cancel because he might want something else

[Laura6462]

He requested to book my place for almost 2 months, commenting on things he liked about it. I happily approved, and immediately after I do this he writes "I might cancel it since your cancelation policy says I can for another 10 days for free in case I want something else." Long story short, I called Airbnb and they ended up canceling it on my behalf with 0 penalties. I was pretty mad that he essentially froze my calendar just so he could sleep on it and wait for something better. My place is not easy to book as it is only long term, and I thought this was incredibly rude and entitled of him to announce right after I approve it. If he canceled on the last day, that's 10 days of advertising over 2 months of my calendar I'm losing because of him.

My cancelation policy is Firm (free cancelation up to 30 days before check in), but now I'm thinking should I change it to Strict? I know it isn't renter friendly, but I don't want this to happen again. Should I keep Firm but not approve anything that's more than 30 days out? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Laura6462 I would not turn people down as this will impact your search engine position. Personally I think Strict is the way to go.

Another perspective: It is interesting that you cancelled someone for being honest whilst all the people who just remained silent on their plans didn't get cancelled...

[Laura6462]

I don't have high confidence in someone who deceives me into essentially holding his spot for free. Not someone I want in my home. If he were truly honest, he'd tell me before I hit Accept. 

[Helen3]

Have you familiarised yourself with Airbnb's long term cancellation policy.

it's a shame you cancelled when you would have been paid out for the first month had he cancelled @Laura6462 

[Laura6462]

What are you talking about? He had over a week of "free cancelation". It was over a month before check in. You can see I even was on the phone with airbnb

[Helen3]

Wow no need to be so rude @Laura6462 

Look at Airbnbs T&C for its No term cancellation policy .

[Laura6462]

I wasn't rude.. You didn't read my post at all

[Fred13]

Perhaps best to think - whatever you allow them to do, they may exercise because they have that option. Host cancellation policies have a built-in 'benefit', but always come at a 'cost'.