Airbnb’s New Cancellation Policies

What Hosts Need to Know (Before It Costs You!)

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Big Change Alert:

Starting January 20, 2025, Airbnb is updating its cancellation policies in 11 countries—potentially a test run before a global rollout.

Where This Applies:

🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇨🇱 Chile | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 🇹🇷 Turkey

What’s Changing?

🔹 24-Hour Free Cancellation for All

• Guests can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund (if booked at least 7 days before check-in).

• Previously: Stricter policies like Firm and Strict didn’t allow this.

🔹 New "Limited" Policy

• Full refund up to 14 days before check-in, 50% refund for cancellations 7-14 days before.

• Previously: Guests had to cancel much earlier under the existing Firm or Moderate policies.

🔹 Strict Policy Phased Out

• Not available for new listings.

• Existing hosts must opt out by Jan 20, or they’ll be switched to "Firm."

Why Airbnb Is Making This Move

Beyond guest experience, regulations are tightening in these countries: 📌 Canada: Cities like Vancouver and Montreal have stricter rental duration limits. 📌 Netherlands: Amsterdam caps unhosted stays at 30 nights/year, plus tourist tax hikes. 📌 Turkey: Hosts now need licenses and must comply with new safety & tax rules. 📌 South Africa: Cape Town debates restrictions to protect long-term housing.

Bottom line? Airbnb is adapting to government pressures while making its policies more guest-friendly—similar to Booking.com’s flexible cancellation rules.

What Hosts Should Do Now

🚨 For Hosts in Affected Countries:

✅ Adjust Pricing – Consider higher rates or offering non-refundable discounts.

✅ Communicate Clearly – Update guests on cancellation policies.

✅ Watch Trends – Monitor booking patterns for risks & opportunities.

🧐 For Hosts in Other Countries:

🔹 Stay Alert – This could roll out globally next.

🔹 Keep "Strict" (if you can) – Avoid policy changes that might remove it.

🔹 Test Flexible Options – See how refundable rates impact your bookings.

🔹 Engage with Hosts – Learn from those already affected.

Key Takeaways:

📌 More cancellations = Less booking security.

📌 Last-minute spec bookings could increase.

📌 Revenue adjustments might be needed.

📌 A global rollout seems likely. Stay prepared.

Resource: RentResponsibly