Just days before my trip to Bali, Indonesia, an unexpected email from Airbnb arrived: my vacation home host had sold the property.
The message conveyed the unfortunate news of my reservation’s cancellation, assuring me of a refund. However, I didn’t seek reimbursement; I needed a place to stay during my trip. Airbnb promised to find an alternative rental and cover any additional expenses, albeit with certain limitations.
The issue of hosts selling vacation rentals, leaving guests in the lurch, is increasingly prevalent, according to industry insiders. While there are no precise figures on how many rentals with active bookings are up for sale, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are witnessing more hosts listing properties while awaiting sale, leading to disruptions for travelers.
My experience with the Indonesia rental wasn’t an isolated incident. I had encountered a similar situation years prior when a condo I booked in Oahu, Hawaii, was sold just a week before my arrival.
Many vacation rental owners are investors who buy and sell properties strategically, leading to unforeseen cancellations for guests. However, cancellations can have repercussions for sellers, such as facing penalties from rental platforms like Vrbo.
Vacation rental platforms typically offer full refunds or alternative accommodations when a booked property is sold. Still, travelers should be aware of their rights and explore options for recourse, especially if they booked directly with an owner or through a property management company.
In cases where hosts sell vacation rentals, guests may find themselves in a predicament. Some hosts may even request guests to cancel bookings to avoid penalties, leaving travelers to scramble for alternative accommodations.
Both Airbnb and Vrbo assisted me when faced with cancellations, providing alternative options and covering any additional expenses. However, the handling of the situation differed between the platforms, with Vrbo offering swift assistance compared to Airbnb’s more negotiable approach.
This issue isn’t hypothetical; hot housing markets like Orlando and Tampa, Florida, pose potential risks for vacation renters. Many travelers are unaware of their rights in such situations, assuming they must accept a refund or navigate alternative arrangements independently.
To mitigate the risk of cancellations, communication with hosts, thorough review reading, and proactive research can help travelers make informed decisions when booking vacation rentals. Additionally, technological solutions to alert travelers of properties listed for sale may offer added protection in the future.
