TOKYO (AFP) – Rental site Airbnb said yesterday it had been forced by Japanese authorities to cancel thousands of reservations ahead of a new law regulating short-term rentals, apologising for the “extraordinary disruption.”
“This stinks — and that’s an understatement,” Airbnb said in a statement, adding it would fully refund cancelled reservations and was also creating a $10 million fund to compensate affected travellers.
The popular holiday rental site had already suspended the listings of owners who had not obtained a registration number required under the law that comes into force on June 15.
But yesterday it said Japan’s government had required it to cancel all reservations with hosts that have not yet registered, even if they were in the process of seeking a licence.
“This is understandably frustrating, especially since many hosts are close to acquiring their licence,” the statement said.
“It’s particularly disruptive for guests who have a trip to Japan planned for the weeks and months ahead.”
The company said the fund would help travellers who incur extra costs as they rebook accommodation at short notice.
