Airbnb continues to seek to improve the experience on its platform and, as part of this, has changed its cancellation policy for hosts (hosts). In what they did on their blog, they mentioned that from August 2022 last minute cancellations will have a penalty of up to $1,000 .
The post mentions: “When hosts cancel guests for preventable reasons, like accidentally double booking or wanting to host friends and family in their place, guests lose confidence in booking on Airbnb and this affects both to the hosts as well as to the whole community”.
Until now, the cancellation fee has been $50 for cancellations seven days prior to check-in, and $100 for cancellations made less than seven days before check-in.
Now, if a host cancels for reasons that may be preventable, an adjusted fee will be deducted from future payments. This amount will depend on the reservation and the proximity on the date of the reservation that was canceled.
This rate will also apply if a guest cannot stay in the accommodation due to health risks or because the accommodation does not match the description on the platform; for example, if the host indicated that there were three rooms when there is only one. This type of behavior will also be classified as last minute cancellations.
The minimum fee for this type of cancellation is $50, while the maximum will be up to $1,000. The total cost of the reservation used to calculate the rate includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and any pet fees, but does not include taxes or guest fees.
How will this fee be calculated?
The same official publication of the page breaks it down as follows:
- If the reservation was canceled 30 days prior to check-in, the fee will be 10% of the total reservation fee.
- If the reservation was canceled less than 30 days prior to check-in and up to 48 hours before , the fee will be 25% of the total reservation fee.
- If the reservation was canceled 48 hours prior to check-in , the fee will be 50% of the total reservation fee.
On the other hand, they also mention that the consequences due to the cancellation policy will remain the same.
For example, if you cancel a reservation your calendar will remain locked for those dates; your account can be suspended if you cancel numerous times and in case you have a Superhost status, it can change.
When do these rates not apply?
If a host has to cancel for reasons beyond their control, they can ask the platform for help and these amounts will be considered. The situations indicated are the following:
- A valid reason outside of your control: For example, a broken pipe that needs to be fixed, a gas leak, or a serious illness that really prevents you from being a host.
- Proof that the guest plans to have a party at the accommodation or break the rules.
- Extraordinary reasons, such as an epidemic, natural disaster, or government travel restrictions.
These tests may be provided in support of the community and can range from videos and photographs to medical prescriptions.
