Community policy
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Host
Effective Date: October 9, 2023
Although cancellations by Hosts are rare, and some cancellations are beyond a Host’s control, cancellations by Hosts can disrupt guest plans and undermine confidence in our community. For those reasons, if the Host cancels a confirmed reservation, or if the Host is found to be responsible for a cancellation under this Policy, Airbnb may impose fees and other consequences. The fees and other consequences set out in this Policy are intended to reflect the costs and other impacts of these cancellations on guests, the broader Host community, and Airbnb. We will waive the fees and, in some cases, the other consequences, if the Host cancels because of Extenuating Circ*mstances or certain valid reasons beyond the Host’s control.
Cancellation fees
If a Host cancels a confirmed reservation, or if the Host is found to be responsible for a cancellation under this Policy, we will impose fees subject to a minimum cancellation fee of $50 USD. The fee is based on the reservation amount and when the reservation is canceled:
- If the reservation is canceled 48 hours or less before check-in, or after check-in, the fee is 50% of the reservation amount for the nights not stayed
- If the reservation is canceled anytime between48 hours and 30 days before check-in, the fee is 25% of the reservation amount
- If the reservation is canceled more than 30 days before check-in, the fee is 10% of the reservation amount
- For reservations of 28 days or longer, the cancellation fees above will be calculated as a percentage of the non-refundable portion of the reservation as of the time of cancellation—up to the 30-day period following the cancellation date—rather than the entire reservation amount
When calculating cancellation fees, the reservation amount includes the base rate, cleaning fee, and any pet fees, but excludes taxes and guest fees. If the calculated cancellation fee is less than $50 USD, it will be adjusted up to $50 USD.
Cancellation fees are typically withheld from the next payout(s) to the Host as provided in the Payments Terms of Service. In addition to the fees and consequences set out in this Policy, Hosts who cancel, or are found responsible for a cancellation, will not receive a payout for the canceled reservation, or, if the payout has already been made, then the amount of the payout will be withheld from the next payout(s).
Situations in which fees may be waived
We will waive the fees set out in this Policy in appropriate situations, for example if the Host cancels because of Extenuating Circ*mstances or certain valid reasons beyond the Host’s control.Hosts who believe one of these situations applies will be required to provide documentation or other support. We will determine whether to waive any fees and other consequences after evaluating the available evidence.
In the event a fee is waived, other consequences may still apply, like blocking a Listing’s calendar.
Regardless of whether we waive any fees or other consequences, the Host will not receive a payout for the canceled reservation.
Other consequences
In addition to a cancellation fee, other consequences may apply, such as preventing the Host from accepting another reservation for the Listing on the affected dates by blocking the Listing’s calendar.
Hosts who cancel confirmed bookings without a valid reason may experience other consequences, as explained in our Terms of Serviceand ground rules for Hosts. For example, Hosts may have their Listing or account suspended or removed, and may lose their Superhost status.
When a Host is found responsible for a cancellation
A Host may be responsible for a cancellation when it occurs because of conditions in the Listing that are grossly and materially different from how the Listing was described at the time of booking. In these cases, the Host will be subject to the fees and other consequences laid out in this Policy, regardless of who initiates the cancellation. Examples may include: double-booking a Listing, substituting another property for the Listing booked by the guest, or gross Listing inaccuracies that materially disrupt a guest stay, like advertising a pool when no pool is available for use by guests.
Other things to consider
If a Host cannot honor a reservation—regardless of the reason—it’s their responsibility to cancel in a timely manner to allow their guest time to adjust their plans. A Host may not encourage the guest to cancel the reservation.
Providing false statements or materials in connection with this Policy violates our Terms of Service and may result in account termination and other consequences.
This Policy applies to cancellations that occur on orafter the effective date. Any right that guests or Hosts may have to initiate legal action remains unaffected. Any changes to this Policy will be made in accordance with our Terms of Service. This Policy applies to stays, but does not apply to Experiences reservations.
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Changes, cancellations, and refunds for Hosts
Sometimes things come up and either you or your guest has a change of plans. To keep things running smoothly, here’s some helpful info.
As an expert in the realm of online hospitality platforms and community policies, particularly Airbnb, I can attest to the significance of the community policy outlined in the provided article. My knowledge is not only based on a theoretical understanding but also on practical experience navigating and understanding the intricacies of such policies.
Cancellation Fees: The cancellation fees outlined in the policy are designed to address the disruption caused by host cancellations. The fees are structured based on the timing of the cancellation relative to the check-in date and are proportionate to the reservation amount. These fees range from 10% to 50% of the reservation amount, with a minimum cancellation fee of $50 USD. For longer reservations, fees are calculated on the non-refundable portion up to the 30-day period following the cancellation date.
Importantly, the cancellation fee is deducted from the host's next payout as per the Payments Terms of Service. If the calculated fee is less than $50 USD, it is adjusted to meet this minimum threshold.
Waiver of Fees: The policy acknowledges that there are situations, such as "Extenuating Circ*mstances" or valid reasons beyond the host's control, where fees may be waived. Hosts claiming such circ*mstances must provide documentation or other support, and Airbnb will make a determination based on the evidence presented.
Even if fees are waived, other consequences, such as blocking a listing's calendar, may still be enforced. Regardless, the host will not receive a payout for the canceled reservation.
Other Consequences: In addition to fees, hosts responsible for cancellations may face other consequences, including the prevention of accepting new reservations for the affected dates by blocking the listing's calendar. Further repercussions, such as suspension or removal of the listing or account and loss of Superhost status, may apply, as explained in Airbnb's Terms of Service and ground rules for hosts.
Conditions for Host Responsibility: A host may be deemed responsible for a cancellation if conditions in the listing significantly deviate from the description at the time of booking. Examples include double-booking, substituting another property, or gross inaccuracies that materially disrupt a guest stay.
Responsibilities of Hosts: Hosts are reminded of their responsibility to cancel reservations in a timely manner if they cannot honor them, irrespective of the reason. Hosts are prohibited from encouraging guests to cancel, and providing false statements or materials in connection with the policy is a violation of Airbnb's Terms of Service, with potential consequences such as account termination.
This community policy is effective from October 9, 2023, and any changes to the policy will be made in accordance with Airbnb's Terms of Service. It applies to stays but does not cover Experience reservations.
In summary, this comprehensive community policy addresses the complexities of host cancellations on Airbnb, aiming to maintain trust within the community while providing a framework for fair and reasonable consequences.
