When booking accommodation on Airbnb, it is essential to understand the platform's refund policy. What happens if the host cancels or something goes wrong during your stay? In this article, our agency concierge at Le François explains in detail the conditions and deadlines for receiving a refund on Airbnb.
Conditions for accessing Airbnb reimbursement
Before diving into the details, it is important to know the conditions for accessing reimbursement on Airbnb. You are entitled to a refund in the following situations:
- Cancellation by Host: If your reservation is canceled by the host, you will automatically receive a full refund.
- Booking issue: If an incident occurs during your stay, you can request a refund. Reservation issues include:
- The host does not provide access to the accommodation.
- The accommodation does not comply with health and safety standards.
- The accommodation is different from what was advertised.
It is important to note that the cancellation conditions of your reservation may also influence your refund. Be sure to check these conditions when making your reservation.
Refund policy based on cancellation conditions
The refund policy on Airbnb varies depending on the cancellation policy chosen by the host. We will now look at the different refund policies based on these conditions.
Flexible cancellation conditions
If your host has opted for flexible cancellation policies, here's what you need to know about refunds:
Complete refund
If you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the arrival time stated on the advert, you will receive a full refund.
Partial refund
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the arrival date, the first night and Airbnb service fee will not be refunded.
Prorated refund
If you decide to leave before the scheduled departure date, you will receive a pro-rated refund for the nights you did not stay in the accommodation.
Moderate cancellation conditions
If your host's cancellation policy is moderate, here's how the refund works:
Complete refund
If you cancel your reservation at least 5 days before arrival, you will receive a full refund.
Partial refund
If you cancel less than 5 days before the arrival date, the first night and Airbnb service fee will not be refunded.
Prorated refund
If you decide to leave your accommodation earlier than planned, you will receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining nights.
Strict cancellation conditions
If your host has chosen strict cancellation policies, here's how the refund works:
Complete refund
If you cancel your reservation at least 14 days before arrival, you will receive a full refund.
Partial refund
If you cancel your reservation 7 days before the start date of the stay, you will receive a refund equivalent to half the price of the night.
After this period, no refund will be made.
Reimbursement for long-term rentals
If you have booked accommodation for a period of 28 nights or more, here is how the refund works:
To receive a full refund, you must cancel your reservation within 48 hours of confirming your reservation.
It is important to read the specific conditions of your reservation carefully, as they may vary depending on the host and the length of stay.
How to request a refund on Airbnb
If you encounter a problem during your stay and want to request a refund on Airbnb, here's how to do it:
- Contact the host: First, try to resolve the issue directly with your host. Most of the time, they will be willing to find an amicable solution.
- Contact Airbnb: If you can't resolve the issue with your host, contact Airbnb customer service. You can contact them via the platform or by phone.
- Provide evidence: When contacting Airbnb, be sure to provide relevant evidence to support your refund request. This may include photos, videos or testimonials.
Airbnb will review your request and determine if you are eligible for a refund. They will take into account the seriousness of the problem, its impact on your stay and the evidence provided.
Consequences for hosts
In the event of a host cancellation or problem with a reservation, hosts may be subject to financial consequences. They may not receive payment or have their payment reduced by the amount refunded to the traveler.
In most cases, Airbnb will attempt to confirm concerns reported by the guest with the host. Hosts also have the ability to dispute guest complaints by contacting Airbnb.
Other information to consider
The Airbnb refund policy applies to all reservations made after a certain date (please check the official Airbnb website for the exact effective date). It takes precedence over the cancellation conditions specific to each reservation.
Before requesting a refund, it is recommended to inform the host of the problem and try to resolve it directly with them. Airbnb encourages communication between guests and hosts to find amicable solutions.
Please note that this policy does not apply to bookings for experiences on Airbnb.
In conclusion, the refund policy on Airbnb is designed to protect both guests and hosts. It is important to understand the conditions and deadlines for receiving a refund, as well as the steps to take if something goes wrong. By following these guidelines, you can fully enjoy your Airbnb experience with peace of mind.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on Airbnb's refund policies at the time of writing. Please check the official Airbnb website for the most up-to-date information.
