Airbnb cracks down on off-platform payments and guest registrations

US: Airbnb has announced a significant update to its Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy, set to take effect on 10 May 2025. The new rules prohibit hosts from collecting any fees outside of Airbnb’s payment system and restrict the use of third-party guest registration processes.​

Under the updated policy, all mandatory fees—including cleaning, pet, and resort fees—must be disclosed and included within Airbnb’s pricing fields at the time of booking. Hosts are no longer permitted to request or collect payments through external methods such as direct transfers, cash, or third-party apps. Additionally, requiring guests to register on external websites or install third-party applications to access a listing is now prohibited.​

Airbnb states that these changes aim to enhance transparency and streamline the booking process for guests. However, the policy shift has raised concerns among hosts and property managers, who fear it may limit their ability to offer add-on services and manage operations effectively.​

Violations of the new policy may result in penalties, including account suspension or removal from the platform. Hosts are advised to review their listings and ensure compliance ahead of the enforcement date.​

Key Takeaways:

• Airbnb’s updated policy prohibits off-platform fee collection and third-party guest registration, requiring all charges and processes to be handled within the platform.

• Hosts must disclose all mandatory fees at the time of booking, integrating them into Airbnb’s pricing fields to ensure transparency and compliance.