Here’s what Airbnb's latest update means for you. You can read the full Airbnb announcement here: Airbnb Policy Update.
Recently, Airbnb released a significant update for hosts that many in the community may have missed. These changes shift how payouts, cancellations, and upsells are handled, and it is critical for every host to understand how they affect day-to-day operations. Below is a simple breakdown.
Before we go ahead, we would like to talk about our product
Enhancing the guest experience right where it matters most: inside your property, on the TV screen.
Picture this: a guest walks into your Airbnb and is greeted by a personalized welcome message, Wi-Fi details, house rules, and a curated local guide, all beautifully displayed on the TV. No bulky printed manuals. No endless back-and-forth messages.
If you’re ready to stop repeating the same rules and tips over and over, WelcomeScreen is a simple upgrade that makes a big impact.
Discover how WelcomeScreen transforms hosting
Airbnb now reserves the right to deduct payouts even after a guest’s stay has been completed.
If a guest disputes a charge with their bank or escalates a complaint to Airbnb support, Airbnb can refund the guest and recover the full amount from the host. Proof of completion of the stay does not guarantee protection.
In practice, this means Airbnb can take funds directly from your next payout or even send outstanding balances to collections.
Another major update prohibits hosts from selling early check-ins, late checkouts, or pet fees off-platform.
These add-ons must now be processed directly through Airbnb. Offering them through third-party platforms like HostCo or in-house methods puts a listing at risk of suspension, delisting, or bans.
This move appears to be motivated by Airbnb’s need to control liability and extend their coverage. The bottom line: keep all extensions or fee-based add-ons on Airbnb to stay compliant.
Upselling unrelated services, however, is still allowed. Hosts can continue promoting local activities such as tours, rentals, and experiences.
Perhaps the most disruptive change is Airbnb’s authority to override cancellation policies up to 72 hours before check-in.
If Airbnb deems a guest’s claim valid—whether it’s due to a “major disruptive event” or another circumstance—they can cancel the reservation on the guest’s behalf. This applies even if your listing has a strict cancellation policy and even if the guest has already paid.
For vacation rental markets with long lead times, this could result in significant lost revenue, since rebooking within three days is often unrealistic.
These updates clearly lean toward protecting guests, and while they may not be welcomed by every host, they reinforce one important takeaway: do not rely solely on Airbnb for your business.
It is now more important than ever to build a direct booking strategy and establish a strong brand presence. Hosts will have to use platforms to
Airbnb continues to roll out updates that emphasize guest-first policies. While these rules may feel restrictive, hosts who adapt quickly and invest in branding, direct bookings, and enhanced guest experiences will be in a stronger position long-term.
For the full details, review the official Airbnb update here: Airbnb Policy Update.
For further understanding, check out this video - Major Update Airbnb 2025
