Dear Airbnb community,
Yesterday a guest insta-booked my apartment for Feb 12 and cancelled after a few hours. The reason he cancelled was that the dates which he would visit my city changed and he couldnt book with me for another date as my apartment was fully booked. After cancelling he used airbnb's feature 'ask for a refund'. My cancellation policy is 'strict'. My question is whether I am required to refund the money or face a penalty, or since my cancellation policy is strict and the guest knew beforehand, whether declining the refund request is within my rights.
Thank you for taking the time to read my question!