New AirBnB Host Cancellation Policy - 10/9/23

[Cliff H.]

AirBnB just updated their Host Cancellation Policy to remove the $1,000/booking cap, remove the "The listing doesn’t fit the needs of the guests" as a valid reason, and tiered cancellation fees across the timeline below. 

As a basis of comparison, is anyone aware if VRBO or Booking.com have anything close to this type of host penalty in place for host-initiated cancellations?

The closest thing I could find is VRBO confirming they waive their fees if either party cancels and Booking.com confirming they only charge a fee for confirmed stays. 

 New AirBnB Cancellation Fee Structure (as of 10/9/23):

< 48 hours: 50% of total reservation

2 - 30 days: 25% of total reservation

30+ days: 10% of total reservation

Real World Example for $5k Reservation: 

$2,500: < 48 hours out host cancellation

$1,250: 2 - 30 day out host cancellation fee

$500: 30+ days out host cancellation fee 

Source: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990?src_section=374934&a...

[Michael Baum]

I was just about to post this @Cliff H.. It really doesn't impact us as we have never canceled a guest. We don't allow instant bookings so part of the new policy isn't relevant.

Still, more of how AirBNB is focusing on guests and not hosts. It would be nice if they realized that they need hosts in order to have a business. At least have a balance.