Airbnb to Contribute $250M to Hosts Affected by COVID 19

[Avery Carl]

Wanted to share this with you guys as Airbnb is finally giving the hosts a break on the extenuating circumstances policy enacted this month in relation to COVID 19. In a nutshell, they are giving hosts 25% of what we would have received under our own normal cancellation policies, retroactive to when they first announced the changes to the extenuating circumstances policy a few weeks back. More details below.

The world’s awareness of the coronavirus (COVID-19) changed dramatically when the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
We’ve worked hard to find solutions that will lessen the impact on our community. On Monday, we announced several key initiatives and policies, including $250 million USD to help accommodation hosts impacted by COVID-19-related cancellations. Here's how it works:
For a reservation to be eligible under our extenuating circumstances policy, it must have been for accommodations and booked on or before March 14 with a check-in between March 14 and May 31, 2020. If a reservation is covered:
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•Guests will be able to cancel for a full refund for COVID-19-related circumstances.
•Airbnb will pay 25% of what you would’ve received for a cancellation based on your cancellation policy. For example, if you would normally receive $400 USD through your cancellation policy, we'll pay you 25% of that—or $100 USD.
•We'll send an email with more details in early April to hosts who are getting a payout. Future payments from the fund will be made on a monthly basis to hosts with qualifying cancellations.
•This policy will also apply retroactively, including any cancellations you may have had since March 14.
For reservations booked on or before March 14 with a check-in after May 31, we recognize there may still be uncertainty. In the coming weeks, we’ll be asking hosts and guests to revisit these reservations and choose to either cancel or re-commit to the reservation.
Finally, for any reservations booked after March 14, your cancellation policy will be in effect as usual and COVID-19-related extenuating circumstances will not apply.
You may be wondering about the importance of March 14. In response to the WHO declaring the disease a global pandemic, that’s the date we announced coverage under our extenuating circumstances policy for situations related to COVID-19.
We know a lot of people are facing serious hardships right now, and we’re working around the clock to help you. Our $250 million USD support will come entirely from Airbnb at no cost to the guest, and we hope you’ll accept it as a show of commitment to our hosts.
You can learn more about the policy in detail here 

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/250m-to-support-hosts-impacted-by-cancellations-165

Answers to common questions:

Is Airbnb accepting fees on cancellations?
Airbnb is waiving all host and guest fees on COVID-19 cancellations under our extenuating circumstances policy. We’re either refunding our fees or providing a travel credit in an amount that includes our fees.
I’ve heard Airbnb is offering travel credit instead of refunds to guests. Is that true?
When guests cancel due to COVID-19-related circumstances, we’re giving them the option to take either a cash refund or a travel credit that can be used for a stay at a later date. This is our way of encouraging guests to book with Airbnb hosts in the future.
Why aren’t you providing guests with credit toward a future booking specifically for one of my listings?
We considered this, but there are several scenarios where it might not work for you or your guests. For instance, a guest may not be able to book when you can host or may not be returning to your area. This credit provides added flexibility for both of you.
Does this extenuating circumstances policy apply to all reservations?
This policy doesn’t apply to Airbnb Luxe, Luxury Retreats, or domestic bookings in mainland China, which all have their own policies.
What happens for reservations that were canceled before this March 30 announcement?
As long as the criteria above apply, and the guest cancels under our extenuating circumstances policy, we’ll pay 25% of the amount you would’ve received for a normal guest cancellation.
If I received a cancellation for a reservation booked on or before March 14 with a check-in after May 31, will it be eligible for the 25% offer?
No, but we plan to provide the guest the opportunity to cancel or re-commit to the reservation. We know that nothing is more frustrating than getting a last-minute cancellation. We feel it’s better to be transparent in the near-term so that you have the opportunity to seek out another booking or make other plans for your property.
Why can't I receive my 25% payout immediately after a cancellation?
You may actually qualify for multiple payouts. We can better manage and account for the payouts we’ll be sending to our hosts by sending them on a monthly basis instead of in a single batch.
What if a reservation was canceled under Airbnb’s extenuating circumstances policy before global coverage was announced on March 14?
You may be eligible to receive payouts for cancellations under our extenuating circumstances policy if you had a reservation:
•In Italy, or with a guest from Italy, booked by February 29, with a check-in between February 29 and May 31, and canceled between February 29 and March 13, 2020
•In South Korea, or with a guest from South Korea, booked by February 25, with a check-in between February 25 and March 23, and canceled between February 28 and March 13, 2020
•Outside of mainland China with a guest from mainland China, booked by February 1, with a check-in between February 1 and March 13, canceled between January 28 and March 13, 2020
•In the United States, booked by March 13, with a check-in between March 13 and March 14, and canceled between March 13 and March 14, 2020
•In the Schengen Area with a U.S. guest, booked by March 13, with a check-in between March 13 and March 14, canceled between March 13 and March 14, 2020
•In India with a guest from outside India, booked by March 10, with a check-in between March 12 and March 14, and canceled between March 10 and March 14, 2020
•In Israel with a guest from outside Israel, booked by March 10, with a check-in between March 12 and March 14, and canceled between March 10 and March 14.