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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Email from property owner - room cancelled for refugees

380 replies

DuvetHugger · 04/04/2022 16:03

I booked holiday accommodation last year for this coming June in Scotland. They allow pets so this was the main pull for us. We have booked tickets for a big gig taking place there and are travelling from south of the UK.

I just received this email from them:

"We have applied to use the barn for Ukranian refugees. if it's not a problem for you can you please cancel free of charge"

I replied saying we have booked some activities etc and is she sure the place wont be available at that time, we booked 8 months ago and her response was:

"No you need to book something else sorry".

AIBU in thinking this is rude?? Obviously, I have nothing against them housing refugees but I am a bit taken aback.

AIBU to be pissed off or AIBU for my first world problems when there are families to house?

Surely she would see a diary of full bookings and think "I am not yet in a position to use the barn to house others, but will stop taking bookings now to enable myself to do so at a later date"?

OP posts:
lollipoprainbow · 04/04/2022 20:16

@Thebestwaytoscareatory nice one !!

GabriellaMontez · 04/04/2022 20:17

Dodgy af

Joystir59 · 04/04/2022 20:18

The host is being very unreasonable and if it's Airbnb you should refuse to cancel. The host will have to cancel and will incur a financial penalty for doing so.

MadeForThis · 04/04/2022 20:18

I would send an email stating you have no intention of cancelling and if she can no longer provide accommodation then she needs to arrange alternative accommodation.

godmum56 · 04/04/2022 20:20

@Sapphirejane

How many rooms is the barn OP? I wonder how many refugees families are they intending to fit in the barn.
they will still only get one payment.
Brainwave89 · 04/04/2022 20:22

I am suspicious of the host. It would have been possible to avoid the core holiday period and then let refugees use the property. I would ask them to confirm they are cancelling your booking (so all your rights are preserved) and them when on holiday, I would check that the people in the barn are genuinely Ukrainian. Also have a look if the cottage is still being shown as available in June when the peak of the Easter season is over.

Zonder · 04/04/2022 20:24

I don't understand her message. How can she not have your money?

LidlMiddleLover · 04/04/2022 20:27

Very cheeky and probably just want to get more money Don’t cancel and report to agency

lollipoprainbow · 04/04/2022 20:28

@WhyOfCourse missing the point

LegMeChicken · 04/04/2022 20:29

Even if you didn't book with her, she knows where bookings come from and so can cancel with them. Not get you to do it?
Somewhat admire the cheek. I'd be too guilty to get away with this

Catlady2021 · 04/04/2022 20:32

If this lady is only getting £350 a month to take in refugees- I very much doubt that for one minute. She’s a business woman. She’s obviously getting more money somehow by blowing you out.

Limer · 04/04/2022 20:44

The property owner's clearly had a better offer. Last year the excuse would have been, "my elderly mother's recovering from Covid and needs a holiday". This year it's Ukrainian refugees.

Don't cancel. Make her do it.

AnxiousHeffalump · 04/04/2022 20:49

The owner is a CF of the first degree.

PingPages · 04/04/2022 20:59

I would also speak to the booking agent..

AllOfUsAreDead · 04/04/2022 21:01

Funny how a month ago, people were saying those with second homes or holiday homes should give them up for refugees. Now that it inconveniences them, it's rude and cheeky...

Very strange..

Questiontellme · 04/04/2022 21:02

Where in Scotland?

SoftwareDev · 04/04/2022 21:03

Given that the owner is clearly pulling a fast one (still accepting bookings!) I'd be tempted to have some fun with this.

I'd reply along the lines of.....

"I'm delighted to hear that you are helping refugees.

Please get in touch with the booking agents to explain as I do not wish to be charged cancellation fees. Are you able to recommend other suitable premises nearby?

I have some activities booked so will definitely be staying in the area. I will drop by your cottage with a lovely gift hamper to welcome your Ukrainian guests to the country. It will be a great opportunity for me to practise my Ukrainian - I used to work/study there for a few years.".

BoredZelda · 04/04/2022 21:06

Always the risk you take when booking these kinds of properties.

TheOccupier · 04/04/2022 21:09

@DuvetHugger

The good side of me is saying that your holiday is definitely trumped by the needs of people fleeing a war zone who need accommodation now not after the summer

I 100% agree, it's just not sitting right with me. I think it is more likely she has found out she can get higher payers elsewhere ha

I reckon you're right. Don't cancel.
EsmeSusanOgg · 04/04/2022 21:10

It may/ may not be legitimate. Regardless, she needs to be the one to cancel. Flag that she has tried to get you to cancel with the platform you booked through.

Usingit · 04/04/2022 21:13

@AllOfUsAreDead

Funny how a month ago, people were saying those with second homes or holiday homes should give them up for refugees. Now that it inconveniences them, it's rude and cheeky...

Very strange..

Yes the empty ones not the ones already booked, some people have second homes that they don't book out
LifeIsHardAlways · 04/04/2022 21:21

People are being raped, tortured and executed.

Yeah the booking being cancelled is annoying, but if that’s all you have to worry about in life then you’re very lucky!

goodbyestranger · 04/04/2022 21:22

She's lying.

What a disgrace to use the Ukrainian situation to make a fast buck.

Please cause trouble for her.

Ellmau · 04/04/2022 21:27

She is still taking bookings (I just checked)

Is it possible at all that she's given notice to DFC but they haven't yet taken her property off their website? Just a possibility. (I don't suppose you could link to the specific property?)

I think you need to use the DFC complaints process to see if you can get some resolution/an acceptable alternative.

balalake · 04/04/2022 21:31

I would be tempted to say that you are prepared to share the accommodation with said refugees, if they have arrived by then. You will bring a Ukranian flag with you to express your support.

Local trading standards should be copied in as well, perhaps also let the local newspaper and BBC Scotland know.

Have a plan B thought through and looked for, of course.