Hi, just seeking some advice. A couple of months ago I finalised a HE. The HE had a minimum number of nights, which is absolutely fine - we do the same. The number of nights I requested was one less than their minimum number so I mentioned that in the original conversation. The exchange was approved and finalised.
Yesterday I got an email requesting additional points as they had just noticed that the exchange was for one less night than their minimum and could I book an extra night. I replied that I was unable to do that as we were moving to other accommodation.
I then get a second email insisting that I should give them the additional guest points for an extra nights accommodation noting that there was a required minimum number of nights and implied that I had done something wrong. They noted that they have done this themselves many times before when they’ve been guests, and said that they wanted the additional guest points. It felt very bullying.
They finally agreed that we could stay without the additional points but by then I was feeling very uneasy about the upcoming exchange.
My question is are they allowed to ask for additional guest points once the exchange has been finalised? In my first conversation with them I mentioned how many nights we could stay. The emails felt quite aggressive (though I doubt that they were really meant that way), but I feel uncomfortable about staying there now. I’m worried that they might give me a bad review or cancel on me at the last moment. I have since requested that they cancel the stay and they have refused.
Update; They have now said that if we want to cancel then we need to do it as they want their points. They also said that they have now opened those dates for bookings (presumably on airBnB).
I have put in a request for assistance from HE but have had no response so far. This is all starting to become a bit of a drama and at complete odds to all the lovely exchanges we have previously had.
Hello traveltheworld, I am sorry this is happening to you! I can understand it feels unsettling.
To answer your question: no, the host is not allow to ask for more points after the stay has been finalised.
They are right that if they cancel, you’d get back the points.
There are some things that can be learned for a future situation:
if you request a numbers of nights that shorter than hosts like, always ask if they noticed and are okay with it before you finalise (having said that, I personally feel you should not ask for less nights than what they state they want als minimum number of nights. Some members indeed offer to give another night in points, even if they don’t stay that night. On the one hand, this doesn’t feel right, for the amount set is not random. However, on the other hand, if this works for guests and hosts, why not?)
always talk all important things through before finalising (maybe you did,also putting this for possible other readers)
if you’re not feeling right about staying somewhere, I think I would contact support. From their side, it’s right that you also made a commitment in giving those points to them. But they can’t force you to give more points
It’s a difficult situation. They are definately doing something wrong and I hope you will get your points back, but I’d advice you to not ask for less nights then the hosts want next time …
To answer your question about if you are overracting: I don’t think you are. These things would stres me out too.
Hi @traveltheworld,
If I were in your shoes, I would have done it this way; one of Homeexchange’s latest features is the possibility to edit a confirmed swap without needing to contact support; if you need to change anything – for example, the number of nights and/or the number of people – both members can make this change.
Following their comment, I would have suggested changing the number of nights by adding one extra night (even though I won’t actually be using it); this way, I would have given the remaining guest points whilst still meeting the minimum number of nights required.
I’m sorry that you have had this experience. Just to confirm, once an exchange has been finalised then a host should not ask for more GuestPoints that already agreed upon. The finalised exchange basically serves as a contract between you.
You did the correct thing by contacting support. I have checked your account and I can see that support have now cancelled this exchange for you and you have your points back. I wish you the happiest of exchanges for your new trip you have planned!