The United States government recently introduced a Price Transparency Policy aimed at curbing deceptive pricing practices in the short-term rental industry. This regulation requires third-party platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com to display the full price of a listing including all mandatory fees upfront, rather than surprising users with extra charges at checkout.

Purpose of the Regulation

The policy was designed to:

• Prevent “drip pricing,” where hidden fees are added late in the booking process.
• Help consumers compare prices more accurately.
• Ensure transparency and build trust in online marketplaces.

The rule is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and aligns with broader efforts to regulate digital platforms more effectively.

How Airbnb Responded

Airbnb has publicly supported the Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy on May 10, 2025, and began rolling out “total price display” options in the U.S. and other markets even before the rule’s official implementation to increase trust, transparency, and guest satisfaction in the booking experience. Under this new system:

• Guests can toggle a “total price view” that shows the full cost upfront.
• The nightly rate shown includes cleaning fees, service charges, and other mandatory costs (excluding taxes).

However, while the new update appears to offer more clarity and control, many hosts are still left with unanswered questions, especially around optional charges, upsells, and guest behavior.

In this blog post, we break down what the policy says, highlight the grey areas hosts are concerned about, and explain what you can do to stay compliant without losing bookings or putting your account at risk.

What Is Airbnb’s Off-Platform Fee Policy?

Airbnb now strictly prohibits collecting any fees related to a reservation outside of the Airbnb platform, unless you are a select software-connected host with special approval.

This includes:

• Early check-in or late check-out fees.
• Optional amenities like pool heating or linen rentals.
• Third-party services such as airport pickups or babysitting.
• Add-ons like stocked fridges, EV charging, or breakfasts.

Airbnb requires that all extra costs must be processed through the platform, typically using the Resolution Center. Additionally, all fees whether required or optional must be clearly disclosed in rentals listing description.

Airbnb’s exact words: “Hosts are not permitted to collect any fees related to Airbnb reservations outside of our platform, unless expressly authorized by us.”

View Airbnb’s policy here →

What Hosts Are Confused About

While the rule sounds simple, hosts around the world have raised concerns about how it works in practice. Here are the key grey areas surfaced in Airbnb’s community forum:

1. Are Optional Extras Like Pool Heating Allowed?

Yes, but only if:

• You mention the fee clearly in your listing
• You send a request via the Resolution Center
• The guest agrees to the charge

If the guest declines, you cannot charge them outside the platform or insist on payment.

2. What About Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?

These fall under the same rules. You can charge for them, but:

• They must be clearly disclosed in advance
• All payments must be processed through Airbnb

Many hosts worry that guests could refuse to pay after booking—or worse, complain to Airbnb, potentially triggering penalties.

3. Can Hosts Offer Services Like Airport Pickups or Fridge Stocking?

Only if these services are:

• Disclosed up front
• Charged through Airbnb
• Not arranged or paid for off-platform

Even upsells through third-party tools can be a violation unless Airbnb has granted specific approval.

Real Feedback from Hosts Around the World

🇫🇷 France

A host raised concerns about linen rentals and optional cleaning fees, which are common in European markets. In France, for example, it’s typical to offer guests the option to bring their own linens or pay extra. Airbnb’s policy now requires those optional charges to go through the platform.

🇮🇳 India

Several hosts in India shared that many guests:

• Ask to pay outside Airbnb to avoid service fees
• Request to visit the property before booking
• Threaten bad reviews if extras like early check-in aren’t free

This puts hosts in a difficult position while trying to follow policy while managing unrealistic guest expectations.

🇳🇿 New Zealand & 🇬🇧 UK

Hosts in New Zealand and U.K emphasized:

• The importance of screening guests carefully
• The need to set expectations clearly in listings
• Turning down bookings that don’t align with house rules

How to Stay Compliant

Here’s what you can do to protect your account and stay within Airbnb’s guidelines:

1. List All Possible Charges Up Front

If you offer optional extras like early check-in, pool heating, or EV charging. Make sure they’re clearly mentioned in your listing description.

2. Use Airbnb’s Resolution Center

Never accept cash or bank transfers. All extra payments must go through Airbnb. The Resolution Center creates a digital paper trail and ensures the guest approves the charge.

3. Avoid Grey-Area Workarounds

Even if it’s “just a quick airport pickup,” don’t accept off-platform payments unless Airbnb has given written permission.

4. Document Communication

If a guest pressures you for off-platform arrangements or threatens negative reviews, report it. Keep all communication within the Airbnb messaging system for protection.

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Violating Airbnb’s off-platform policy can lead to:

• Warnings or strikes on your account
• Removal from search rankings
• Temporary or permanent suspension from the platform

Guests are also encouraged to report any unauthorized fee requests, so even small policy violations can create bigger problems.

Conclusion

Airbnb’s updated policy is part of a broader push for price transparency and secure transactions. While the goal is understandable, the lack of clarity around optional fees and upsells is leaving many hosts in a grey zone.

The safest move? Be transparent, list everything up front, and use Airbnb’s systems for all payments.

Need Help Navigating Airbnb Policy Changes?

At Lodge Compliance, we help hosts and property managers stay ahead of STR regulations, platform rules, and tax obligations. From listing reviews to policy interpretation and compliance strategy, we’ve got your back.

Got questions about this policy? Reach out to the Lodge Compliance team.

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