Analysis: The New Airbnb Host Cancellation Policy
Summary
Airbnb is significantly increasing penalties for host cancellations, with fees ranging from $50 to $1,000 based on the timing and reason for cancellation. Hosts should be aware of these changes, especially regarding accidental double bookings, access code issues, and inaccurate listing descriptions, as these can trigger penalties.
Key Insights
- •Airbnb is increasing penalties on hosts who cancel on guests for “avoidable reasons.” Penalties increase up to 10 times: the previous fee was up to $100, now it is a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $1,000.
- •A guest cancellation after check in for “egregious circumstances” counts as a host cancellation, and can also trigger the host cancellation penalty.
Action Items
- ✓Increase documentation around remote inspections to build a strong defense against “egregious circumstances”.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
- ✓Review all checklist templates to include all major triggers for both full refunds and cancellation penalties.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
- ✓Review properties for risk areas and consider preventive maintenance schedules.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →Properly: Get Setup With Properly to Start Using Remote Inspection
Watch Out For
- ⚠Accidental double bookings, problems with access codes/keys, and inaccurate listing descriptions can trigger cancellation penalties.
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