Has an Airbnb host ever asked you to cancel a reservation?

Answer 1

Yes, some Airbnb hosts do ask guests to cancel reservations, and it does happen—but it’s important to handle it carefully.

Why a host might ask you to cancel

Common reasons include:

A double booking or calendar mistake

Property maintenance or damage

Local regulation or compliance issues

The host realizing they can’t accommodate your stay

What you should know (very important)

If the host is At Fault, the host should cancel—not you.

When a host cancels, Airbnb can:

Issue a full refund

Help you rebook another place

Sometimes offer travel credit

If you cancel instead:

You may lose part of your money depending on the cancellation policy

It can affect your eligibility for Airbnb support or rebooking help

What to do if a host asks you to cancel

Ask the host (politely) to cancel on their end if they cannot host you.

Keep all communication on Airbnb messages (important for proof).

If the host insists, contact Airbnb Support and explain the situation.

Do not cancel under pressure, especially if you’ll lose money.

Answer 2

Yes, some Airbnb hosts may ask guests to cancel a reservation, but it is against Airbnb's policies for hosts to do so without a valid reason. If a host asks you to cancel, you should contact Airbnb for assistance.