In an ideal situation, there would be no reason for Airbnb hosts to give a refund to visiting guests. However, unexpected situations crop up all the time, and plans change for all sorts of reasons.
For an Airbnb host, guests asking for refunds will always be a part of the Airbnb experience. As long as the host and the guest are being transparent, getting a refund from Airbnb is a simple process.
Are You Entitled to a Refund from Your Airbnb Host?
Guests are entitled to a refund from Airbnb hosts. This rule however has a lot of qualifications. There are different policies and situations guiding this according to the Airbnb refund policy.
Airbnb offers a comprehensive refund and rebooking policy that caters to both the rental owner and the guests.
How To Get a Refund from Your Airbnb Host
Airbnb’s refund policy varies depending on the circumstances of the cancellation or issue. The refund policy caters to guests before, during, and after their stay.
Before Your Stay
There are times when visitors have no choice but to cancel. Perhaps something unexpected comes up and you would be unable to proceed with your trip. Airbnb has a cancellation policy to keep things organized.
If an Airbnb host is refusing to provide a refund you’re entitled to as a guest, there are some ways you could go about resolving this issue. You can request a refund or cancel your reservation.
Airbnb can help you initiate a request with your Host.
First, review Airbnb’s cancellation policy to determine if you are eligible for a refund. Ensure that your case is entitled to be reviewed under the Guest Refund Policy.
If you meet the criteria, provide this information to the host or Airbnb to support your case.
Cancellation Policy
Airbnb hosts can choose from a range of cancellation policies. Each has its different requirements and penalties applicable.
Flexible: Full refund if the cancellation is made at least 24 hours before check-in time.
Moderate: Full refund if the cancellation is made at least 5 days before check-in time.
Strict: 50% partial refund if the cancellation is made at least 7 days before check-in time.
Super Strict: No refund if the cancellation is made less than 30 days before check-in.
Non-refundable Option: Some hosts add a no-money-back guarantee to their listings.
It is important to review the specific cancellation policy for each listing before booking. You should also communicate with the host directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Scenarios like Natural disasters, government-mandated travel restrictions, emergencies and epidemics, military hostilities, and all count as unforeseen events.
Guests are eligible for a full refund where situations beyond their control necessitate canceling a reservation.
However, cancellation under this policy is restricted to the events described in the Airbnb extenuating circumstances list.
During Your Stay
Let’s say you arrive at a listing and find it to be significantly different from what was advertised. Or maybe you discover safety or health issues.
In such a case, you can contact Airbnb within hours of check-in to request a refund. As opposed to the former 24-hour limit, Airbnb has modified its rebooking and refund policy as of April 29, 2022.
Now, guests have 72 hours to report a covered travel concern following its discovery.
Travel concerns eligible for a refund include:
Inability to access the listing.
The space is a safety hazard or is untidy upon your arrival.
Essential facilities are missing or not working.
The premises isn’t as it was described in the listing description.
NOTE
Of course, you must offer requisite evidence of the issue. Take photos or videos to verify your claims.
If you encounter a problem during your stay, here’s what to do.
Contact Your Host
Airbnb recommends contacting your host first to directly and politely explain the situation. This increases the likelihood of them rectifying the problem right away.
Most times, such a misunderstanding can be clarified through communication between the parties. It is advisable to message your Host from your inbox to discuss a solution.
Airbnb recommends discussing any refund amounts through your Airbnb message thread. It is better to approach the refund process calmly and professionally. This is the only guarantee of a successful resolution.
If your host sends you a refund, you’ll be notified right away. The refund will be processed within 48 hours.
However, if you and your host are unable to come to an agreement, there’s an option to ask Airbnb for help.
Contact Airbnb
Airbnb help center states that your Host is expected to respond within an hour. Where the host is unresponsive or unreasonably declines to give a refund, you can reach out to Airbnb to intervene.
They can be contacted directly via any of their resolution centers or customer service channels. Their website, mobile app, or by phone.
Requests for a refund of any amount before or after your trip can be handled through their resolution Center.
Before explaining the situation to customer service, ensure you include the relevant details of your case and proof. These proofs could be pictures, screenshots, or anything that can support your claim.
Legal Action
This is the final resort if all the previous steps prove abortive. A guest may want to consider seeking legal action when a host unreasonably refuses to issue a refund.
At times, hosts, and guests find it difficult to come to an agreement or a compromise. Again, if you and the host aren’t able to come to an agreement, Airbnb can help mediate the claim.
After Your Stay
Most people would rather not deal with the hassle of making a complaint during their vacation. If you’re in this category, Airbnb allows for the submission of a claim through the Airbnb guest refund policy.
If you had a negative experience at an Airbnb home, you can recover a fraction or all of the money. You can request to be financially reimbursed for incidents related to your Airbnb trip.
Visitors are expected to submit a claim through Airbnb’s resolution center within 60 days of checkout.
If you and the host are unable to reach a compromise for a refund, you can open a dispute. Do this by filing a complaint with Airbnb’s dispute center.
Your case would be transferred to a team that would look into your case and offers a resolution.
What If Your Host Cancel Your Reservation?
If your host cancels your reservation, Airbnb may offer you a refund. Otherwise, they may help you find an alternative, better accommodation.
Furthermore, the host may be subject to penalties, such as fees or restrictions on future bookings.
What If You Want a Refund Because You Don’t Like Your Airbnb?
Your personal opinions about the listed unit are valid. However, opinions are not a credible reason to get a refund on your Airbnb reservation.
Guests can only get a refund where the listing is materially different from the host’s description or from the pictures advertised. There isn’t an option to get a refund just because you don’t like the rental.
Otherwise, you can express your opinion in a review after your stay. This way, you can inform the host and others about your displeasure.
