WWYD - Family booked your AirBNB and backed out without paying

[Anonymous]

WWYD? We run our AirBNB as a business. Never had a friend or family stay outside of when we visit. They asked us to book and we hesitated because we didn't want to charge family but it was for spring break where we make money. They said, no problem and happy to pay. So we gave them a discounted rate, check in instructions, how to pay us.

They backed out day before check in, didn't pay and haven't offered to pay. Obviously they'll never be offered a discounted rate again. Obviously won't be blocking the calendar without payment. But WWYD? Totally disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Let it go. Nothing you can do.

[Anonymous]

I can’t believe you charged family members. What is with you people? Are you the same poster who lended her friend money? Same principle applies, gift it or don’t give it at all.

[Anonymous]

There is nothing wrong with telling friends and family that the house isn't available during the busy season. Since they are family, let them know you lost a lot of money because of their thoughtless behavior. There's no reason to spare feelings here.

[Anonymous]

Lesson learned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe you charged family members. What is with you people? Are you the same poster who lended her friend money? Same principle applies, gift it or don’t give it at all.

Agree 100%. Op, you could've said "no". If your place is so rentable, why wasn't it booked when your family asked to stay?

[Anonymous]

Another voice here that is shocked you charged family in the first place, even at a discounted rate. You should have just said spring break is blocked on the calendar because it’s high season and offered up a different period of time instead, for free.

Either way, I’d express disappointment with the last minute cancellation but I wouldn’t ask for more money or anything like that.

[Anonymous]

I feel like this is your karma for charging family. You could have said no to them staying there over Spring Break, but you didn't.

[Anonymous]

Folks are being tough here. I actually think you were being nice by agreeing to let them use it for a discount when you could have gotten full price. And they get to be somewhere they clearly wanted to go and pay less. Here, they asked YOU - it’s not like you reached out to them and say there’s availability and they can rent for a discount. I dont think you should ask them for the money but if I were them I would have offered to pay anyway.

[Anonymous]

As someone with a rental property, I would charge too in high season. All these “only give it for free” people are nuts. I would have given them the choice of a free slot in the fall or pay for spring break. So don’t feel bad about this. They are the jerks.

[Anonymous]

This is how you make your living.

Let it go.

Don't rent to them again. Simply tell them it is unavailable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone with a rental property, I would charge too in high season. All these “only give it for free” people are nuts. I would have given them the choice of a free slot in the fall or pay for spring break. So don’t feel bad about this. They are the jerks.

I think everyone is saying to block off high season.

[Anonymous]

I can’t believe the people who are saying you should do it for free, WTH?!

How about they give their family members that amount of money for a week, because that’s what happens when you let someone stay rent free.

[Anonymous]

Have the other commenters had their coffee yet? I can’t believe you’re saying you don’t charge family. SMH

Op, I would say this is a very hard lesson learned for you. Maybe if you advertise, you can still salvage your Airbnb and get somebody to stay for a few days. Is this at a beach or any highly desirable locations?

[Anonymous]

Why did they cancel?