Issue with a settlement

[Souro5]

I had to cancel my booking due to a family member got admitted to a hospital less than 24 hrs before the travel commencement date. On discussing with the owner and airbnb support person, the conclusion was the rebook at the fall time. Now when I book for falls, owner cancelled the booking stating he can not provide any rebate . He is not agreeing even after multiple requests to align with his earlier statement. What are my options at this point to get the  money back ? Anyone has any such prior exp and how  the issue was resolved / settled ? Any lead would be helpful.

[Helen3]

as a host I wouldn't accept a last minute request 24 hours before a stay to cancel and refund a guest or let them book for a much later date, as I would then be out of pocket because of a change in your arrangements .  @Souro5 

This is why guests should have travel insurance 

i don't understand what happened with the original booking . Did you cancel? Did you put in a request to change the dates at the time? 

i don't understand your comment 'now when I book for the fall the owner cancelled the booking stating he can't provide a rebate' what booking is he cancelling? 

the best way to get your money back is to claim on your travel insurance 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Souro5 Technically I suppose the host made a contract with you so you could enforce this in court. The problem is that verbal contracts are not worth the paper they are written on! However if he has put it in writing, and there is no misunderstanding on what was offered, you could try a lawsuit if you can find their address.

[Souro5]

Thank you for your response. The initial booking was for (24th May -27th May) - this one had to be cancelled. Subsequently, the host agreed ( in airbnb chat) to have this rebooked in falls. Falls booking was for Oct 4th -Oct 6th ( booked on Aug 2nd) - the host cancelled this booking denying any rebook corresponding to the initial booking. 

[Joelle43]

Hello @Souro5 

Your credit card company may cover such an instance if you had to cancel your accommodation due to a family emergency or your travel insurance if you have one?

How long ago did you cancel this reservation?  Were you entitled to any refund or was it a non refundable booking? How many days?  If you only have a verbal agreement with this host, it's going to be difficult I fear to enforce this agreement I fear but contact customer service to see if they have any record.

[Souro5]

@Airbnb - can you please share any feedback on this . If  a visitor has a medical emergency scenario like mine ( I am ready to provide any supporting docs as needed) , what is Airbnb’s policy for refunding the visitor. It can not be just be based on the discretion of the host. Airbnb being the one of the largest platforms for visitors around the world , we consider there has to be certain responsibility from Airbnb’s side as well. Please  let me know how can I  further escalate my case to the management and settlement team within airbnb. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Souro5 I can answer this question very easily. In the situation you describe then Airbnb will apply the cancellation policy of the host which is likely to mean no refund except the cleaning fee if you cancel. Now because Airbnb looks after its guests it will also ask the host if they are willing to make an exception but this is obviously at the hosts discretion.

Now ALL of this was made clear when you booked AND you also would have been given the opportunity to buy travel insurance which you presumably declined. As such I am afraid you need to accept you gambled and lost. Sorry to be harsh but the poor host has a living to make. They may well have staff to pay and mortgages to service. Why your problem should become theirs is entirely beyond me.