instant host cancellation

[Piotr90]

Hello.

I have booked an appartment, despite initial technical difficulties I have managed to pay for appartment and confirm that everything is ok, and details of appartment "how to get in" comes shortly before arrival date. Some days later I have got a message whether I was in the area of Spain and whether I have some plans and whether I need some help. It looked very nice. I have answered that plans are not fully cristalized yet and it is my 1st time the that area of Spain. Surprise came a week later, when the host cancelled reservation, according to Airbnb service for my safety reasons. Short question message sent to host was replied that I did not provided detailed answer what I plan to do let host to take a decision to cancel. I am quite new in using Airbnb service but getting cancelled a booking shortly before arrival is a problem, one more to get managed. Second I am not used to provide in advance plans what I plan to do in my vacation, is it a normal requirement from Airbnb hosts or it is sort of exception or Belgium style ?

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

[Joelle43]

Hello @Piotr90 

No I wouldn't say this is normal host behaviour especially as you answered their first question by saying that you weren't sure of your plans as the area was new to you.   Asking for detailed information of your vacation plans by a host seems excessive and unnecessary to me.

The fact that you do not have any reviews is maybe a reason why they are being overly cautious but a host cancelling on a guest is very much frowned upon by Airbnb.  

I would suggest contacting Airbnb via their message system - go to your booking and you will see a part that has a "contact Airbnb section"  Or you can ring them too - sorry don't know the number to call from Poland but you can check the internet.

If the host has cancelled, they are normally fined and their dates blocked on their calendar unless they have evidence to show that you were planning on breaking their house rules.  Airbnb should help you to find a similar place and I'm sorry that this has happened to you.  I can assure you that not all hosts are like this!

All the best

Joëlle

[Pat271 · Accepted solution]

As @Joelle43 implied, the fact that the cancellation happened “for your safety” implies that something is wrong with the host or the listing and that Airbnb cancelled, not the host. This happens sometimes when there are fake accounts and/or properties discovered, and it’s meant to protect you. Much better that this happened than for you to get to the property and discover there’s no property.

Not saying that this is definitely what happened, but if so, it’s very rare, especially so close to the check-in date. If you really want to understand what happened, you should call Airbnb and ask. Or, you can just chalk it up to bad luck and try to find another place.

Airbnb goes to great lengths to prevent fraud from occurring and also to prevent hosts from casually cancelling bookings. It’s all for the protection of you and the host. Like I said, it’s very rare, so please don’t give up on Airbnb.