Can a Host cancel a reservation without adverse consequences?

Because cancellations disrupt guests' plans and affect confidence in the Airbnb community, we offer our guests rebooking and refund protections, and in return, expect Hosts to fulfil all confirmed reservations. If a Host cannot fulfil a reservation because of an extenuating circumstance or similar conditions beyond their control, it is their responsibility (and not the guest’s) to cancel in a timely manner to allow their guest time to adjust their plans.

If the check-in time is within 24 hours, the option to cancel online for these reasons won't be available – you'll need to contact us.

You can never cancel for any reason that violates Airbnb’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

Extenuating circumstances

Hosts can cancel reservations without adverse consequences where they can establish that extenuating circumstances or similar conditions beyond their control prevent completion of the reservation. In determining whether the consequences should be waived for a Host, we may consider relevant factors including how timely the Host cancelled the reservation after becoming aware they could not host.

Unauthorised parties

Hosts can cancel reservations without adverse consequences where they reasonably believe based on evidence – and we confirm based on a review of evidence, such as message threads or previous reviews that mention parties – that the guest intends to hold an unauthorised party or event at the listing, or otherwise violate our party and events policy.

Instant Book reservations

Hosts can cancel Instant Book reservations without penalty under certain circumstances. Some examples include:

• The guest makes it clear they are likely to break one of the Host’s house rules, such as bringing a pet or smoking
• The listing does not fit the needs of the guest
• The guest has several unfavourable reviews or a lack of profile information that concerns the Host

You’ll be able to cancel Instant Book reservations online penalty-free 3 times in one year for these reasons – after that, you’ll have to contact us to make the cancellation without penalty. Otherwise, Host cancellation penalties will apply.

If you cancel a large number of your Instant Book reservations, you may be required to turn off Instant Book.