Airbnb Cancellation poilicy

I’m wondering if there is any guidance on this for those of us on API connection. 

I believe that we stay on our current policy but need to let people know one way or another.

I'm also keen for some clarification on this (currently on a super strict 30 day cancellation policy).

Hi James,

I see that you heard about Airbnb's upcoming changes concerning Super Strict cancellation policies. They announced by email only to those who currently have one of these policies. You may not find anything about it by searching Airbnb support documents.

Here is what they sent:

Switching to a Firm cancellation policy

On September 15, listings with a Super Strict cancellation policy for shorter stays will automatically switch to a Firm policy.

We’re making this change because we’ve seen hosts benefit from giving guests flexibility. Offering a more flexible cancellation policy can improve your earnings and ratings.

Switching to Firm can make a difference

Greater earnings potential

Over 650,000 hosts recently switched from a Strict to Firm cancellation policy and saw an 8% increase in earnings on average.*

Higher quality ratings

More than 25% of listings with a Firm cancellation policy are Guest Favorites, compared to 11% of those with a Super Strict policy.**

If you prefer to switch to a Strict policy instead of Firm, you have 90 days to .

Airbnb, Inc.

888 Brannan St.

San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

*Based on internal Airbnb data comparing hosts worldwide who switched from a Strict cancellation policy to a Firm cancellation policy with hosts who kept a Strict cancellation policy between October and December 2025.

**Based on internal Airbnb data of hosts worldwide who kept a Super Strict cancellation policy between January and March 2026.

Frequently asked Questions:

• Q: The most common question we get is "can we 'opt in' to keeping our super strict policy." 
• A: The answer appears to be 'No.' They still offer a 'Strict' Policy that you can choose in Airbnb, this policy should then sync with OwnerRez. They are allowing you until September 15th to switch to this 'strict' policy instead of being 'auto-switched' to Firm.

• Q: Who can we talk to at Airbnb to get them to change their minds?   
• A: Some of their execs have published emails: brian.chesky@airbnb.com, joe.gebbia@airbnb.com, tara.bunch@airbnb.com

• Q: Which is a better choice moving forward, Firm or Strict?
• A: Depends on who you ask. Airbnb is telling you with statistics that Firm is better for you because guests like a free cancellation period. Strict guarantees you at least a partial payout after a 24-hour grace period.

The screenshot that you show there is the place to make your selection.  You can't keep a super strict policy. You'll have to choose between Strict and Firm.  And you do so  by clicking that button. If you click it, nothing will happen now.  They will change your policy in September.  OwnerRez is still working to figure out how to update our records when that change happens.