New Japanese Law **UPDATE**

[DisneyDaffodil]

I completely understand how you feel and although this law change is unique to Japan so not likely to affect all Airbnb bookings, it definitely wasn't handled well by Airbnb. In your position, I would be very wary of booking with them again too.

I do hope your new accommodation works out to be suitable and better than you are expecting. I hope you can now just enjoy your holiday and relax a little 😊

[DisneyDaffodil]

Just to add, my son's fiancee has had email from Airbnb for their trip in January. It says that their host is at the moment unlicensed, so unless the host gets license, their booking will be cancelled. The email states they can cancel now and have $100 Airbnb voucher and full refund. Or they can wait and Airbnb will confirm or cancel booking 10 days before and give full refund PLUS voucher for full value of booking for use within 12 months.

My son and his fiancee are going to wait but are booking a fully refundable hotel too (slightly more expensive than the Airbnb but it does look very nice). This way they are sure of having somewhere suitable to stay but may also have a very acceptable voucher to use the following year.

So, for them, this will work out either way. It seems harsh for people like Rac20 who are going so soon after the law came in though as there hadn't been enough time to make alternative arrangements at a reasonable price.

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by DisneyDaffodil

Just to add, my son's fiancee has had email from Airbnb for their trip in January. It says that their host is at the moment unlicensed, so unless the host gets license, their booking will be cancelled. The email states they can cancel now and have $100 Airbnb voucher and full refund. Or they can wait and Airbnb will confirm or cancel booking 10 days before and give full refund PLUS voucher for full value of booking for use within 12 months.

My son and his fiancee are going to wait but are booking a fully refundable hotel too (slightly more expensive than the Airbnb but it does look very nice). This way they are sure of having somewhere suitable to stay but may also have a very acceptable voucher to use the following year.

So, for them, this will work out either way. It seems harsh for people like Rac20 who are going so soon after the law came in though as there hadn't been enough time to make alternative arrangements at a reasonable price.

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That’s good that they’ve contacted them so soon and your son has been able to find alternative accommodation. I contacted Airbnb as soon as I found out which is probably over a month ago now and they told me everything was ok. Wish I’d have followed my gut instinct and cancelled at the time. Would have probably found something more suitable.

DH is very happy at the minute as we hadn’t planned on going away next year. He’s busy looking at houses in various parts of Europe to spend our voucher on! ☺️ Silver linings and all that..

[DisneyDaffodil]

In fact, a follow on email stated that they could take the full refund and voucher offer now. So, they have cancelled and have been given 2 vouchers, one for the full price of the booking to use on another booking and a separate $100 one, plus their refunded payment.
They have found a registered Airbnb they like available for their dates but more expensive than their original one which they are planning to book using the voucher to make up the extra, plus some voucher leftover for a future break somewhere. I'm just pleased they got it sorted in plenty of time before the trip

[Melbatb]

My boss is going to Japan at the end of August for a month. His host is still not licenced. A bit of a mess all round.

I am glad you are drawing a line under it - the main thing now is to have a fabulous trip!

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by Melbatb

My boss is going to Japan at the end of August for a month. His host is still not licenced. A bit of a mess all round.

I am glad you are drawing a line under it - the main thing now is to have a fabulous trip!

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Oh dear. I really feel for your boss. Have they cancelled his accommodation yet? Registration had to be completed by 15th June with the government. I would have thought registration details would have come through by now if the host had done so. Fingers crossed they can find something else.

[Melbatb]

Originally Posted by Rac20

Oh dear. I really feel for your boss. Have they cancelled his accommodation yet? Registration had to be completed by 15th June with the government. I would have thought registration details would have come through by now if the host had done so. Fingers crossed they can find something else.

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As of Friday it hasn’t been cancelled. His host has 10 properties and has said that he has applied but there is a backlog! I told him about your situation so he is keeping a close eye on it!

It seems strange timing by the Japanese government in view of the Rugby World Cup next year and the Olympics the year after

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by Melbatb

As of Friday it hasn’t been cancelled. His host has 10 properties and has said that he has applied but there is a backlog! I told him about your situation so he is keeping a close eye on it!

It seems strange timing by the Japanese government in view of the Rugby World Cup next year and the Olympics the year after

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I have read that it’s taking a long time for the government to sort out applications. Think the government could have handled the situation better and given hosts a lot more warning. Most certainly properties already booked before the new rules came in to force should have been exempt.

[Melbatb]

I couldn’t agree more!