How do you handle booking cancellations?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone 😊,
I hope you’re having a great week!

Booking cancellations can be one of the trickiest parts of managing a rental property. While some hosts believe that communication is key i.e. reaching out early, understanding the reason of cancellation and providing flexibility to guests; some hosts utilize features and tools like automated notifications , calendar management and cancellation policies to help reduce such stress.

Over time, every host develops their own approach , balancing fairness, flexibility, and protection.

So I am curious to hear your thoughts : What is your approach towards booking cancellations? Do you usually accommodate guest requests or prefer to abide by your booking time table.

I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Elisa 🌻

[Stephen2030]

@Elisa Hi if I am reading correctly: customers do encounter problems, particularly if they book so far in advance: It all depends upon the time of year (if its a high summer period) and the chance of me getting another booking ( how long do I haveto get one) . Its a balance.

[Elisa]

Hi @Stephen2030 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this here!

How long do you usually wait before getting another booking?

[Betty637]

Ciao Alex, io applico una politica "rigida"

[Google translation]

Hi Alex, I apply a "strict" policy

[Elisa]

Hi @Betty637 😊, 

Thank you for your comment here.

Have you always applied a strict policy, or is this something new for you?

[Betty637]

@Elisa I always applied it!

[Oksana127]

Cancellations can definitely be tricky! I usually try to balance fairness and protection: if it’s a genuine emergency, I accommodate the guest, but for other cases, I stick to my cancellation policy to avoid surprises.

Keeping the calendar updated, using automated reminders, and documenting all communication really helps reduce stress. Over time, you learn when to be flexible and when to stand firm — both matter for good hosting and great reviews!

[Elisa]

Hi @Oksana127 😊, 

It’s so nice to read from you!

What kind of cancellation policy do you have?