Big changes are coming to Airbnb's terms of service—and hosts need to take action. In this bonus episode, we break down Airbnb’s updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy, which officially goes into effect May 10, 2025.

From mandatory fees and upsells to off-platform communication, security deposits, and software compliance, we walk through the biggest updates, what they mean for your short-term rental business, and how to stay compliant without panic.

You’ll learn:

• What must be listed in your Airbnb description now (and why)
• How to handle upsells the right way under the new policy
• Whether you can still use services like Hostfully, StayFi, or other API tools
• The gray areas (and why you should be cautious)
• Our personal take on why this might be a good thing for hosts in the long run

This episode is not legal advice—we’re sharing what we know and what we’re hearing across the industry. Be sure to do your own research, talk to your tech partners, and reach out to Airbnb directly for your specific circumstances.

Resources:

• Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy Update
• How to Create a Direct Booking Site for Your Airbnb Business | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Mentioned in this episode:

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!