Long stays - cancellation policy

[Juliette451]

Hiya, I have a client who would like a 3 month let and is wondering about the cancellation policy. I've never had a let longer than a week and I'm unsure what the cancellation policy should be. They want to book now for mid Sept to mid Dec, which is a peak time for us. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, Jules

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Juliette451,

Basically no matter what you have for a cancellation policy set for 27 nights or less, any reservation that is 28 nights or more will override that policy.  So if someone books for 3 months, they would pay monthly and if they want to cancel after checking in, the following month would be non-refundable by the system but you could still provide it if you wanted to.

Here is a great Airbnb help article regarding long-term cancellations.
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1361

[Juliette451]

Thanks very much. It seems risky and it's a peak time for us. I appreciate your reply.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Juliette451 

There are two different cancellation policy options for stays 28+ days. They are found under your cancellation policy in the listing editor. As @Dave-and-Deb0 point out, these policies are different than what you set for short term stays. I would double-check what you have set there:

Lots of things to take into consideration when contemplating long-term stays on Airbnb. Here is a Guide for Monthly Stays that has some tips:

Monthly Stays on Airbnb - Guide

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/20665...

[Juliette451]

Thanks very much. I'm now a bit reluctant to accept this booking after reading your very informative article on longterm stays. It could also be a scam as they've booked for 3 months for a 15% discount and asked about the cancellation policy. They are students from abroad doing an exchange here. I will ask my friends at the university if there is an exchange for these dates. Much appreciated 

[Alex]

Hello @Juliette451, 

I'm so happy so many hosts came to reply to you! Were you able to answer your question and understand the cancelation policy? 🙂

[Juliette451]

@Alex Yes, thank you. Although I'm not sure what would happen if I took the booking and they cancelled 45 days before arrival? Would I receive a payout for the 1st 30 days? 

[Frances3408]

@Juliette451. I'd consider asking for more, at least a deposit of another 4 weeks (like a bond). It means going against Airbnb long term booking rules which is why I do direct for anything over 30 days. I am also a landlord so it helps to know the local rental laws on what you can ask for.

Offer them one month and tell them they can re book if available. Also consider they themselves may be planning to illegally sublet for a profit.

Hope for the best but plan for the worst. 🙂

[Juliette451]

@Frances3408 Thank you. I've asked them to provide with confirmation of their exchange program and their attendance and asked for a contact at the local university who I can contact. They are getting this info for me. 

[Frances3408]

@Juliette451. Yes, I have my contact info with the local training hospital that does Internships as part of many Sydney universities final practical.