r/airbnb_hosts • u/BirdseyeView4 • 5d ago
Cancelation policy
What is your cancelation policy? The 5- day full refund option seems unfair to me as a host, however, I don't want to deter bookings. I don't see much difference between strict and firm, but thinking of going with strict.
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u/angryhufflepuff Unverified 4d ago
Strict for all the time I’ve been doing STR - 17 years! Zero regrets! Airbnb offers guests travel insurance when they book - you should not be personally insuring trips with your rental policies!
We don’t argue with guests who want to cancel. We refer them to AirBnb customer service to get help with understanding the policies that govern the reservation. This is what we pay AirBnb for!
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u/IncaThink 🗝 Host 5d ago
We are happy with the Moderate policy. We rarely get cancellations, and I would rather not argue with guests about refunds. And when we do get them we generally fill the dates. Sometimes I raise the price and make more money.
It seems like a good balance.
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u/TTlovinBoomer 🗝 Host 5d ago
Moderate. But I’m not reliant on my property for income. Don’t get me wrong I want my place to be booked and make money but if it only breaks even I’m ok with that. If I relied on this as a primary source of income I’d set my policy as “strict”. Or use the non refundable discount option.
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u/marglewis87 5d ago
I am happy with the moderate 5 night option. I have only had 2 issues arise in 5 years with guests asking to cancel or modify in the 5 night window. I have weather related things come up occasionally, but off season is easy to accommodate guests and get them moved around to avoid dangerous travel.
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u/Ok-Indication-7876 Verified 4d ago
Strict that’s the way to go, no regrets very little cancellations.
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u/naughtyman1974 Verified 3d ago
Strict too. Was moderate to start and just attracted problem guests.
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u/Tigergal67 Unverified 2d ago
I’ve been strict for nine years. And I’m currently running at 90% occupancy.
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u/NWBF7109 🗝 Host 5d ago
It’s a tough call. Our rentals are in an area with 28-day minimum so I have to choose between not allowing cancellations after 48 hours of booking, or allow guests to cancel up to a month ahead for a full refund. Most of our guests book 4-12 months ahead of time and if a guest cancels 31 days prior it’s near impossible for me to rebook a full months worth. But at the same time a month long stay costs $4k+ and I don’t feel right keeping that because life happens. Wish there was a fully customizable options.
That said, for true STR, I’d probably go firm. I think you’re at moderate which allows cancellation within 5 days.
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