Airbnb has become one of the most popular platforms for listing your property as a short-term rental. With over 7 million active listings worldwide, it provides access to an enormous pool of potential guests.
However, with Airbnb’s popularity comes complexity. As a host, you need to familiarise yourself with their extensive policies and guidelines to avoid issues down the line. We provide a comprehensive overview of the key Airbnb host policies and terms that hosts should understand before listing their property.
The Importance of Understanding Airbnb Host Policies
As an Airbnb host, you are entering into a legal agreement with guests by accepting their booking request. This means you must comply with Airbnb’s Terms of Service, as well as all applicable laws and regulations. Failure to do so can result in account suspension or removal.
It’s therefore crucial to have a solid understanding of Airbnb rules and regulations
before listing your property. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises or disputes further down the line.
Thoroughly reviewing Airbnb host policies is also key to providing a smooth, enjoyable guest experience. When hosts clearly communicate policies to guests upfront, it sets clear expectations and minimises the chances of confusion or conflict.
So where should Airbnb hosts start when it comes to understanding the platform’s rules and regulations? Here are some of the key policies and terms you need to know:
Airbnb’s Non-Discrimination Policy
One of Airbnb’s core values is inclusion. Their comprehensive non-discrimination policy prohibits hosts from declining guests based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age.
It’s important to familiarise yourself with this policy, as violations can result in permanent removal from the Airbnb platform.
Guest Policies and House Rules
Airbnb gives hosts the ability to set guest requirements and house rules that all bookings must abide by. This includes things like:
- Minimum/maximum number of guests
- Check-in/check-out times
- Noise restrictions
- Whether pets or smoking is allowed
- Any other Airbnb property guidelines
Guests must acknowledge and agree to these rules before booking. As a host, you can then point to these agreed-upon policies if any issues arise during a guest’s stay. Having clear expectations set upfront is key to minimising disputes.
It’s important your Airbnb guest rules align with Airbnb’s non-discrimination policy. For example, you cannot set guest limits based on factors like race, sexual orientation, etc.
Airbnb Cancellation Policy
Airbnb gives hosts flexibility in setting their own cancellation policy for bookings. There are 4 main options:
- Flexible – Full refund for cancellations made 24 hours prior to check-in.
- Moderate – Full refund for cancellations made 5 days prior to check-in.
- Strict – Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before check-in for a full refund.
- Super Strict – Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of booking and at least 28 days before check-in for a full refund. If a guest cancels after that, the host is paid 100% for all nights spent, plus 30 additional nights.
The stricter the policy, the less likely guests are to cancel at the last minute. However, overly strict policies may deter bookings altogether, so it’s about finding the right balance for your property.
Be sure to clearly communicate your chosen Airbnb cancellation policy to guests before they confirm booking. Airbnb will then enforce the conditions if a cancellation occurs.
Property Listing Guidelines
To maintain high standards across its platform, Airbnb imposes guidelines for property listings. All listings must provide:
- Accurate property information
- Correct listing type (e.g. entire home, private/shared room)
- Amenities accurately communicated
- Compliance with all local registration laws
Listings should also not include any promotional links or contact information to book outside of Airbnb and any photos used must be owned by the host and not under copyright. Additionally, it’s important that hosts keep their listings fully up-to-date as Airbnb may remove or suspend listings that are grossly inaccurate or fail to meet quality standards.
The Guest Refund Policy
Sometimes, despite the best efforts of hosts, guests may have a subpar stay warranting a full or partial refund. Airbnb’s Guest Refund Policy protects both hosts and guests in such scenarios.
If a guest’s complaint is valid, Airbnb may refund the guest fully or partially out of their own pocket, without affecting the host’s payout. Common reasons include the property was
misrepresented in listing, it isn’t habitable at check in (e.g., pests or health and safety hazards), or the host cancelled the booking last-minute (outside of extenuating circumstances)
That said, Airbnb will investigate fully before determining validity. Guests simply seeking to abuse the policy will not be rewarded. For qualifying cases outside the host’s control, Airbnb’s Host Guarantee provides reimbursements in property damage, giving hosts protection when a mishap occurs.
Resolution Center for Policy Violations
Airbnb provides a Resolution Center allowing hosts and guests to report policy violations. Common issues include:
- Guests violating house rules
- Hosts cancelling outside of the Airbnb cancellation policy
- Damages to property
- Accuracy issues with listings
The Resolution Center offers Airbnb dispute resolution based on evidence. Repeated violations can result in account suspension or removal, so it’s important for both parties to be on their best behaviour, adhere to policies, and document any issues that arise.
Staying Up-to-Date on Airbnb’s Evolving Policies
One challenge when navigating Airbnb’s policies is that they frequently change and evolve. Airbnb typically notifies hosts of major Airbnb policy updates via email, but it’s wise to periodically review their Terms of Service for amendments.
Significant policy shifts can impact hosts’ eligibility, so staying current is crucial. If listings inadvertently become non-compliant due to policy changes, hosts must promptly make updates to avoid penalties.
Airbnb also provides a range of resources to help hosts understand their platform’s rules and regulations, such as its Community Center, which allows you to connect with fellow hosts, and the Airbnb Help Centre, answering common policy questions. Leveraging these resources helps hosts avoid blindspots around Airbnb’s requirements.
Partnering With a Property Management Company
While navigating Airbnb’s evolving policies, some hosts find it helpful to partner with a short-term rental management company. These experienced operators manage your Airbnb listing, maximising occupancy and revenue while ensuring full Airbnb policy compliance.
A property management company takes care of optimising your listing, setting policies, communicating with guests, and handling check-ins/checkouts. They’ll also adhere to Airbnb’s rules and regulations on your behalf, allowing you as the host to take a hands-off approach while still earning income from your property.
Mastering Airbnb Host Policies With 53 Degrees Property
Airbnb provides amazing potential for hosts to earn income from underutilised properties, but maximising success requires closely adhering to Airbnb’s extensive platform rules.
For hosts wanting a compliant listing without the hassle, partnering with a specialised property management company like 53 Degrees Property can be a wise investment. Our expertise in navigating platforms like Airbnb provides serious peace of mind.Our team loves helping hosts successfully tap into the short-term rental market. Get in touch today to explore how we can take the stress out of Airbnb management in Liverpool and across the UK.
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