I listed my primary residence on Airbnb for Christmas and New Year as I was away for the holiday season. I closed all the dates after it. Someone who has access to my account opened dates in April and set up a relatively low price without my consent. I received the notification that I got a new reservation in April as a complete shock. The price is so low that I got this surprising booking only a couple of hours after the dates were open.

The guests booked 5 nights and I cannot just leave my home to welcome them - it is impossible to find a good substitute for that price in my area and I do have things to do at home. I contacted Airbnb support and they offered to cancel it with penalties (block dates and £80 fine).

Is there any way that I can persuade them to cancel it penalty-free? If I contact the guest instead, what will happen if they choose "cancel it for the host's reason" - will I still have dates blocked and a mandatory fine?

Update: I talked to the guest and she canceled it.