In Airbnb’s COVID Policy, the host is the only one protected, and leaves the guests to carry all the damages. My simple request is to align with the many other transactional agreements in circumstances where neither party is to blame, by encouraging that both parties share the damages equally.
Like many others, I encountered the swift government lockdown restriction in the area this accommodation, only 5 days out from check-in. This meant that my host was not allowed accommodate guests at the property, but I (the guest) could travel many other locations. In this circumstance, it was neither parties fault, however, it’s clear that Airbnb’s policy is not intended to equally or fairly share the damages. Currently Airbnb's COVID Policy, allows the host to retain 100% of the funds, plus there is no cleaning costs or prep required for subsequent guests. Nicole also did not intended to equally or fairly share the damages.
When so many businesses in the industry have responded in an effective and cooperative manner during these times, it is pretty poor that Airbnb & Nicole has failed keep up. This article ‘holiday rentals face floods of cancellation..’ by Lucy Comack, in The Sydney Morning Herald, shows the level of response by the community and the accommodation industry, proving that guests should not except to lose 100% of their booking. Again, this shows Airbnb’s COVID Policy & Nicola is out of step with the community.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/holiday-rentals-face-flood-of-cancellations-after-northern-beaches-lockdown-20201219-p56owv.html
And so, it’s no surprise that my upcoming holiday booked is not through Airbnb, as I don’t feel it's fair the guest carries 100% of the damages.