Airbnb's New Cancellation Rules: What Every Host Needs to Know (October 2024 Update)

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when the FIFA World Cup match schedule is finally released and STR operators can see exactly which cities, matchups, and dates will generate the strongest travel demand and pricing power?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper breaks down the complete 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage schedule and reveals how different matchups, countries, and host cities are likely to impact short term rental demand. He explains why some cities may see modest lift while others could experience extreme ADR spikes and rapid sellouts. Jasper also walks through what early booking data is showing, why large homes are getting picked up first, and how hotel inventory plays a major role in determining rate ceilings.Whether you operate one listing or one hundred, this episode gives you a clear understanding of which cities are positioned for major revenue gains, why certain national teams trigger massive travel waves, and how visa rules, travel distance, and domestic immigrant communities influence demand. Jasper also shares why some hosts are already underpricing their listings and how to prepare for the booking surge that will play out over the coming months.You will discover:• Which cities and matchups are likely to produce the strongest ADR lift• Why countries such as Germany, Brazil, Spain, England and Argentina drive heavy international travel• How smaller markets like Kansas City, Boston, Seattle and Philadelphia may outperform larger cities• How visa requirements and travel distance affect booking timing and demand• The pricing mistake hosts make when they try to fill early instead of letting demand matureJasper also explores why major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Mexico City may experience lower price elevation due to hotel supply, why knockout rounds could trigger extreme last minute ADR spikes, and how to track competitor pricing using ADR reports and tools like PriceLabs. He discusses how group travel agencies influence hotel demand, how domestic communities from countries like Ghana or Poland affect attendance, and why summer seasonality ensures most markets will still sell out regardless of matchup size.💡 Topics Covered:• World Cup match schedule analysis and demand forecasting• Pricing strategy for STR operators during major events• Visa considerations, travel distance, and international demand patterns• Hotel inventory and its impact on STR rate ceilings• Group travel, tour operators, and booking behavior• Early booking trends, pacing, and ADR monitoring🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:airbnb, world cup 2026, fifa 2026, pricing strategy, revenue management, nightly rates, ADR growth, short term rentals, event demand, STR forecasting, hotel inventory, booking trends, market analysis, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, portfolio performance, vacation rentals, pricing optimization, STR operators, revenue opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when an STR operator maintains a 4.99 average rating across three completely different markets and earns more than 1,000 five-star reviews from guests who consistently describe their stays as exceptional?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) sits down with Beth Palmer, co-owner of Northridge Escapes, to unpack the three-part formula behind her extraordinary guest experience results. Beth reveals how communication, quality, and amenities work together to create emotional resonance for guests and why feelings, not features, ultimately drive five-star ratings.Whether you manage a handful of listings or operate in multiple regions, this episode gives you a clear understanding of what truly moves guest satisfaction, how small decisions compound into consistent excellence, and why a hospitality mindset outperforms any checklist. Beth and Kaye also discuss the operational routines, standards, and thought processes behind maintaining 4.99-level experiences at scale.You will discover:• The three elements behind more than 1,000 five-star reviews• Why emotional experience drives ratings more than amenities• How proactive communication builds trust and reduces friction• Why high quality linens, beds, and household items shape guest perception• How consistent standards make multi market operations easier to run• How to create memorable moments that guests talk about for months• Where small upgrades deliver major returns in reviews and revenueKaye and Beth also explore how to set expectations effectively, the difference between clean and set when working with cleaners, and why large homes attract multi generational travel that boosts profitability. They break down the mindset shift that removes ego from difficult guest interactions and explain how personalization and small touches increase loyalty and repeat stays.💡 Topics Covered:• Guest experience, reviews, and hospitality standards• Communication strategy and pre-arrival touchpoints• Quality selection, stocking decisions, and home setup• Emotional design and unexpected details that create wow moments• Multi market operations, consistency, and delegation• Cleaner training, room setups, and step by step checklists🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnamFollow Northridge Escapes → https://www.northridgeescapes.comFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:airbnb, five star reviews, guest experience, hospitality, short term rentals, communication strategy, quality standards, STR operations, emotional design, cleaning checklists, property management, multi market hosting, guest satisfaction, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, vacation rentals, review strategy, hospitality mindset, STR growth, rating strategy, listing optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when pricing becomes the number two priority for operators, yet ADR is flat, demand is weakening, and most teams still do not have a real revenue management routine?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Jasper Ribbers unpack the newest KeyData trends report and reveal why most operators think they are performing well while still missing 20 to 30 percent in revenue. They break down why pricing tools alone are not enough, how operators get stuck in reactive tasks, and why expert revenue management is creating double digit gains even in down markets.Whether you operate 5 listings or 500, this episode gives you a clear understanding of why ADR is flat, how Airbnb suspensions are changing distribution strategies, and what mid sized operators are doing to prepare for 2026. Jasper and Kaye also discuss the impact of the upcoming World Cup, the rise in OTA diversification, and why pacing control is one of the most important skills in revenue management today.You will discover:• Why ADR is flat nationally and why real ADR is declining with inflation• How operators think they are optimized while missing major revenue opportunities• Why most pricing tool usage is reactive instead of strategic• How daily, weekly, and monthly pricing routines improve decision making• Why only a small percentage of operators understand pacing and its impact• How expert revenue managers unlock 15 to 25 percent gains in flat marketsJasper and Kaye also share what they see behind the scenes with mid sized operators, why many teams are stuck solving urgent issues instead of focusing on pricing, and how Airbnb suspensions and rating pressure are accelerating OTA diversification. They explain why the 2026 World Cup could create major demand spikes, what the December 5 team draw means for operators, and how to prepare for sudden changes in your market.💡 Topics Covered:• KeyData 2026 trends, ADR analysis, and demand shifts• Pricing strategy, pacing, and revenue management routines• Airbnb suspensions, rating pressure, and OTA diversification• Direct booking trends, stay length, and conversion behavior• Mid sized operator growth opportunities and industry optimism• World Cup 2026 demand forecasting and market preparation🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnamFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:airbnb, adr, pricing strategy, revenue management, short term rentals, OTA strategy, pacing, demand trends, STR industry, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, property management, direct bookings, booking conversion, STR growth, world cup 2026, keydata report, portfolio performance, STR operators, pricing tools, vacation rentals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report Find out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when one of the largest, most celebrated short-term rental companies collapses overnight?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) break down the shocking downfall of Sonder, once valued at over $2B, operating 9,000 units across 40+ cities, and viewed as the blueprint for scaling an STR brand.They unpack what really led to Sonder’s bankruptcy, how the rental arbitrage model buckled under massive fixed costs, and why the company’s economics never worked at scale. Whether you operate 5 units or 500, this episode is a masterclass in avoiding the financial, operational, and strategic mistakes that took down one of the industry’s biggest players.You’ll discover: • Why rental arbitrage becomes dangerously fragile at scale • How fixed costs, liabilities, and rapid expansion eroded Sonder’s margins • Why chasing occupancy instead of profitability led to massive cash burn • How custom tech and PMS development slowed operations and added complexity • What operators must learn about single points of failure and platform dependency • Where the biggest opportunities now lie for STR CEOs after Sonder’s collapseEric and Kaye also reveal how the industry reacted behind the scenes, what former employees shared about internal challenges, and why this collapse is creating a sudden wave of opportunity, from talent acquisition to landlord negotiations to premium inventory hitting the market.💡 Topics Covered: • Sonder bankruptcy, short-term rental economics, and business model risk • Rental arbitrage vs. property management models • Profitability, cash flow discipline, and cost structure analysis • How operational spread destroys margin in the STR industry • Lessons for STR CEOs, founders, and operators scaling portfolios • Identifying and eliminating single points of failure in STR businesses🔗 Relevant Links: Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com Follow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/ Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/ Follow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:sonder, short-term rentals, rental arbitrage, STR risk, Airbnb business, profitability, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, real estate investing, STR operations, revenue management, portfolio scaling, hospitality economics, Airbnb host, property management, bankruptcy analysis, growth strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when your cancellation policy is working against your revenue instead of protecting it?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers breaks down the real impact of cancellation policies across VRBO and Booking.com and explains why hosts are leaving significant revenue on the table by using the wrong rules for the wrong seasons. This episode is the continuation of last week’s conversation about Airbnb policies and goes deeper into how each platform structures cancellations, how booking windows shape risk, and how small policy adjustments can dramatically improve your ADR and occupancy.Jasper unpacks why relying on a single, static policy for the entire year can be harmful, how different markets demand different rules, and why Booking.com’s flexible setup offers strategic advantages that most hosts don’t take advantage of.You’ll discover:• Why one cancellation policy for the entire year rarely makes sense• How booking windows should determine whether you go strict or flexible• The major differences between strict, firm, moderate, and relaxed VRBO policies• How Booking.com lets you build multiple policies and price them separately• Why offering both flexible and non-refundable rates boosts conversions• How choice overload can confuse guests and reduce bookings• A strategy to use flexible policies to gain early traction on new channels• When and why to align your policies across platforms• Why diversifying policies can help new listings grow faster• How cancellations affect your ability to rebook at similar ADRsJasper also explores how Airbnb will introduce dynamic cancellation policies in 2026, why blocking your summer calendar can protect you from expensive last-minute cancellations, and why Booking.com is gaining momentum in the US short-term rental market.💡 Topics Covered:• Cancellation strategies for revenue optimization• Booking windows and seasonal policy adjustments• VRBO cancellation tiers explained• Flexible vs non-refundable rate setup on Booking.com• Guest behavior and choice stress• Protecting ADR with the right refund windows• Channel diversification for STR operators• Onboarding strategies for new listings• Airbnb’s upcoming dynamic policies for 2026🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:Short-term rentals, vacation rentals, cancellation policies, revenue management, booking windows, Booking.com strategies, VRBO cancellations, Airbnb update, STR host tips, non-refundable rates, flexible policies, ADR growth, occupancy strategy, channel diversification, dynamic pricing, STR profitability, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Jasper Ribbers, hospitality strategy, maximizing revenue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What does a high-performing direct-booking setup look like when you’re tired of relying on OTAs and a weak booking engine?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) interviews Eli Pritykin, founder of Hudson Creative Studio and creator of HomeRunner, to dive into why most short-term rental operators are stuck building on “rented land” and how to reclaim control with a website that converts.They discuss the shift from listing-manager mindset to e-commerce mindset, reveal the three key elements of a website that drives direct bookings, and explore how structured data and AI search are changing discovery for properties.You’ll discover: • Why many booking engines fall short and trap you on someone else’s platform • How trust and user experience matter in the first 2–4 seconds of your site visit • What it means to build your brand as a “curated box of chocolates” so guests choose you instinctively • How friction in your booking flow silently destroys revenue • Why WordPress and HomeRunner offer real ownership, flexibility and scalability for direct bookings • How schema, structured data and emerging AI engines (AEO/GEO) will impact hosting in the near future💡 Topics Covered: • Direct booking strategy for short-term rentals • Trust psychology in user experience and conversion • Brand building vs commodity operations in STR • Booking flow optimization and UX design • Data strategy, schema markup and AI search in hospitality • WordPress websites vs PMS-built solutions🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Hudson Creative Studio → https://www.hudsoncreativestudio.comExplore HomeRunner → https://www.homerunner.ioFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:direct bookings, short-term rentals, STR website, branding, user experience, trust signals, conversion optimization, booking engine, WordPress, HomeRunner, structured data, schema, AI search, AEO, GEO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Get Your Free Revenue Management Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this Rev Up Monday episode, Jasper dives deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of revenue management: cancellation policies. Learn why your strict cancellation policy might be costing you thousands in lost bookings and discover the optimal policy for your specific market and property type.Key Topics Covered:The Hidden Cost of Strict PoliciesWhy strict cancellation policies discourage early bookingsHow policies impact your booking window and revenueThe psychology behind guest booking decisions (44% of guests prioritize free cancellation)Breaking Down Every Airbnb PolicySuper Strict 30/60 (avoid)Firm: 30-day cancellation windowLimited: 14-day cancellation window (NEW)Moderate: 5-day cancellation windowFlexible: 24-hour cancellation windowMarket-Specific StrategiesShort booking window markets (like Miami): Go flexibleSeasonal markets (ski/beach): Consider firm for peak seasonStable mid-tier cities: Moderate or limited works bestLarge homes vs. small units: Different policies for different property sizesAdvanced TacticsUsing flexible policies to recover from bad reviewsTemporary policy changes to boost momentumThe "last man standing" strategy for 100% occupancy marketsBalancing protection vs. booking velocityAction Items:Check your current cancellation policy immediatelyReview your market's booking window patternsConsider loosening your policy if bookings are slowTest different policies for different property sizes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Get Your Free Revenue Management Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this episode, Kaye and Eric celebrate Freewyld Foundry's first profitable quarter and reveal their unique approach to sharing success with their team. They discuss the three options for handling company profits and explain why they chose a profit-sharing bonus plan that incentivizes excellence while fostering a culture of ownership.Key Topics Covered:The Profit MilestoneAchieving the first profitable quarter after years of reinvestmentThe difference between revenue and actual profitWhy most entrepreneurs never see profit despite high revenueThree Options for ProfitReinvesting back into the businessOwners taking dividendsSharing with the team (the path Freewyld chose)The Bonus Plan StructureBased on tenure, performance KPIs, and seniority levelDesigned to attract and retain top revenue management talentFuture vision: allowing team members to invest bonuses into Freewyld real estate projectsBuilding Culture Through RitualsStarting every meeting with professional and personal winsImplementing "unreasonable hospitality" for B2B clientsCreating company-specific language (like "MIFA" - Make It F***ing Awesome)Communication & LeadershipLeading without ego in challenging conversationsApproaching problems as "us versus the problem"Over-communicating appreciation and celebrating client winsNotable Quotes:"We never really understand what profit is. We see top line revenue and we invest it, constantly keep growing the business.""By bringing the team members into the profit pool, it gives them a sense of ownership to what we're doing.""Culture is made up of rituals, emotional highlights, and how you communicate to each other."Connect with the Hosts:LinkedIn: Eric D. MoellerFollow Freewyld Foundry for more revenue management insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want our team to run your pricing through World Cup ’26? Get a free revenue audit: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report The 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19, 2026) will send up to 6 million visitors across host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you operate in or near a host market, a smart strategy could turn June/July into a year’s worth of revenue.What we coverKey dates that move the market (including the group-stage draw on December 5, 2025)Host cities to watch (Vancouver, Seattle, SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, plus Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey)Why fan zones and downtown corridors matter as much as stadiumsPricing philosophy when comps are thin (bias high, protect inventory, monitor pacing)Travel spillover to nearby destinations (Grand Canyon, Vegas, national parks, regional drives)Cultural touches that convert (e.g., bikes + orange swag for Dutch supporters)How to monitor market signals daily without losing your mindAction stepsRaise your June–July 2026 base rates now (2–10× your norm, depending on proximity + property quality).Block or minimum-stay protect high-demand nights until after the draw.Calendar alert: December 5, 2025 — release of group-stage draw → expect a booking rush within hours.Map your micro-locations: stadium, downtown, fan zones (municipal announcements), transit, watch-party districts.Daily scan post-draw: track competitor pricing, pick-ups, and event calendars; adjust pacing thresholds.Differentiate listings for specific fan bases (amenities, décor accents, transit guides, supporter-area tips).Widen your net: push content/SEO for “near [host city]” itineraries; capture spillover demand.Links & resourcesMatch info & schedule: fifa.comFree revenue audit (for $1M+ portfolios / ~15+ listings): freewyldfoundry.com/reportWork with usWant our team to run your pricing through World Cup ’26? Apply for a free revenue audit: freewyldfoundry.com/report Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What does real leadership look like when your STR company is growing faster than you can keep up?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) take you behind the scenes of what it takes to lead, scale, and sustain a high-growth short-term rental business, without losing your sanity or your team.They share how to evolve from attack mode to strategic leadership, how to build a strong culture of A-player talent, and what it really means to lead with humility and curiosity in a remote-first hospitality company.You’ll discover:• Why “pressure is a privilege” for fast-growing STR leaders• How to stop micromanaging and start empowering your team• The real difference between managing and leading• How to identify and elevate A-players in your organization• What it takes to build culture inside a remote STR team• How to have hard conversations without ego or conflictEric and Kaye also unpack the leadership shift from control to clarity, the role of overcommunication in scaling, and why defining culture early is the key to sustainable growth in hospitality.💡 Topics Covered:• Leadership in the short-term rental and hospitality industry• Building culture and alignment in remote STR teams• Servant leadership and the “humble and hungry” mindset• From operator to strategic CEO in STR growth• Leading through pressure, uncertainty, and rapid scaling🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Follow Freewyld → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:leadership, Airbnb, short-term rentals, team culture, property management, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, STR growth, scaling teams, servant leadership, conscious leadership, leadership mindset, vacation rentals, hospitality business, Airbnb host, remote leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.