Airbnb refunds depend on which cancellation policy the host chose, not on Airbnb's rules alone

When you book an Airbnb, the host sets the cancellation policy before you pay. That policy determines whether you get money back if you cancel, and how much. Airbnb does not override the host's choice — it enforces it. If the host chose a strict policy, Airbnb will not refund you just because you change your mind. If the host chose flexible, you can cancel close to your stay and get your full payment back.

The only exception is if something goes wrong on Airbnb's side or the host breaks the rules. Then Airbnb may refund you through its Resolution Center, which handles disputes between guests and hosts.

Key Takeaways

  • The host's cancellation policy, chosen before you book, determines your refund rights — Airbnb enforces the policy but does not override it.
  • Flexible policies allow full refunds up to one day before check-in; moderate policies cut off refunds five days before; strict policies refund only if you cancel more than 30 days ahead.
  • If the listing is inaccurate, the host cancels on you, or the place is unsafe or unclean, you can file a claim in the Resolution Center and request a refund.
  • Refunds from the host go back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after the host approves or Airbnb rules in your favor.
  • Service fees and cleaning fees are usually non-refundable even if the nightly rate is refunded, depending on the host's policy.

The four cancellation policies and what each one refunds

Airbnb offers hosts four standard cancellation policies. When you search for a listing, the policy appears on the booking page so you know the refund terms before you commit.

Flexible lets you cancel up to one day before check-in and get your full nightly rate back. Service fees (Airbnb's booking fee) are not refunded. Cleaning fees are refunded if the host allows it in their policy.

Moderate refunds your full nightly rate if you cancel at least five days before check-in. After that window closes, you lose the money. Service fees and cleaning fees follow the same rules as flexible.

Strict refunds your full nightly rate only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in. If you cancel between 30 days and 7 days before, you get 50 percent back. Anything less than 7 days gets nothing. Service fees are not refunded under any circumstance.

Super Strict (offered in some regions) refunds nothing if you cancel within 60 days of check-in. You get your full nightly rate back only if you cancel 60 or more days ahead. Service fees are never refunded.

When Airbnb will refund you even if the policy says no

Airbnb's Resolution Center exists to handle situations where the host's cancellation policy does not cover what actually happened. If you cancel because the listing description was false, the host canceled on you, or the place was unsafe or unclean when you arrived, you can file a claim and request a refund regardless of the cancellation policy.

You have 48 hours after check-in to report a problem with the listing itself — cleanliness, missing amenities, safety hazards, or a mismatch between photos and reality. If you report within that window and Airbnb agrees the listing was misrepresented, you may get a full or partial refund even if you booked under a strict policy.

If the host cancels on you, Airbnb will refund your full payment and help you find another place. The host's cancellation policy does not explore to host cancellations — Airbnb treats that as the host's breach, not your choice.

How to request a refund through the Resolution Center

Open the Airbnb app or website, go to your reservation, and select "Report an Issue." Describe what went wrong — the listing was not as described, the host canceled, the place was unclean or unsafe — and explain why you believe you deserve a refund. Attach photos if you have them.

Airbnb will ask the host to respond. If the host agrees, they can approve the refund when ready. If they disagree, Airbnb's team reviews both sides and makes a decision, usually within a few days. You will see the outcome in your Resolution Center.

If Airbnb rules in your favor, the refund goes back to your original payment method. If the host approves a refund on their own, the same applies. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank.

What happens to service fees and cleaning fees

Airbnb's service fee (the booking fee you see at checkout) is almost never refunded, even if the nightly rate is. This is true whether you cancel under the host's policy or file a claim in the Resolution Center. The service fee covers Airbnb's payment processing, customer support, and platform costs.

Cleaning fees are refunded only if the host's policy allows it and you cancel within the refund window. If you cancel under a strict policy after the refund important date, the cleaning fee is gone. If you file a claim because the place was unclean when you arrived, Airbnb may refund the cleaning fee as part of the dispute resolution, but this is not automatic.

Refunds for trips canceled by the host

If the host cancels your reservation, Airbnb refunds your full payment — nightly rate, cleaning fee, and service fee. The host's cancellation policy does not protect them; Airbnb treats a host cancellation as a breach of the booking agreement.

You also receive a $50 travel credit (or the equivalent in your currency) to use toward a future booking. Airbnb sends this credit to your account automatically once the cancellation is processed.

Refunds for Airbnb's own errors or service issues

If Airbnb's system fails — you are charged twice, a payment goes through but the booking does not confirm, or the site crashes during checkout — contact Airbnb support directly through the app or website. Explain the error with screenshots if possible.

Airbnb will investigate and refund you if the error is on their side. This refund includes the service fee because the transaction itself was faulty. Processing is usually faster than a host dispute, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just change my mind?

Only if the host chose a flexible cancellation policy and you cancel at least one day before check-in. If the host chose moderate, strict, or super strict, your refund depends on how far in advance you cancel. If you are outside the refund window, you lose the money. Changing your mind does not override the policy you agreed to at booking.

What if the host approves a refund but I never receive it?

Check your bank account and spam folder — refunds take 5 to 10 business days to appear. If more than 10 days have passed, contact Airbnb support with your reservation number and ask them to check the refund status. They can confirm whether the host approved it and whether the payment was sent to your bank.

Do I lose my service fee if I cancel?

Yes, in almost all cases. The service fee is Airbnb's charge for processing the booking and is not refunded when you cancel, even under a flexible policy. The only exception is if Airbnb made an error or the host canceled on you.

Can I dispute a refund decision Airbnb made?

You can respond to Airbnb's decision in the Resolution Center if you believe they misunderstood the facts. Provide additional evidence — photos, messages with the host, or documentation of the problem — and explain why you think the decision was wrong. Airbnb will review your response, but they are not required to change their ruling.

What if the host never responds to my refund request?

Airbnb gives hosts 48 hours to respond to a claim. If they do not respond, Airbnb's team steps in and reviews the case based on the evidence you provided. You do not have to wait for the host to agree; Airbnb will make a decision and notify you.