Airbnb's Off-Platform Policy (2025)

Find out how Airbnb's Off-Platform Policy impacts your Autohost integration.

On April 10, 2025, Airbnb released an updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy. This policy introduces new restrictions that may impact hosts and property managers. Many of these changes do not affect Autohost users, as our system is designed to comply with data privacy laws. Below, we outline key points of the policy that may be relevant to Autohost users.

Security Deposits

• Payment for any reservation fee off of Airbnb's Platform:

  The policy emphasizes that any reservation-related payments, including security deposits should not be collected outside of Airbnb. However, exceptions exist for software-connected hosts (hosts using property management software) if the fees & security deposit are disclosed upfront prior to booking. Autohost users utilizing Payment Validations, Security Deposits or Damage Waiver must disclose this in their listing. Autohost users always have the option to manage their guest portal flow by booking source, therefore, if they'd like to disable credit card validation, security deposits, or damage waiver for their Airbnb guests entirely, they may choose to do so, while maintaining this feature for any or all other OTA's.

Contact and Identity Information 

• Communication on Airbnb: All guest communications prior to booking must remain on Airbnb. After booking, operators should not use contact information to move communication off-platform unless requested by guest. 
• ID Verification: The policy allows for ID and contact information collection for legal or compliance reasons. Operators must include details in their listing descriptions if additional steps are required, including ID collection & verification. 
• Custom Screens: Users should review any additional information collected through custom screens to ensure it is necessary for the stay and does not negatively impact the guest experience.
• Marketing and Data Use: Operators are liable for how they use collected information. It is crucial to review internal policies to ensure compliance with Airbnb's policy, particularly regarding marketing communications and contact lists.

Data Privacy and Security

• Compliance with Data Privacy Laws: Operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable data privacy laws. Autohost provides a secure platform for collecting, verifying, and encrypting guest information, reducing exposure and liability. Avoid unsafe methods like email for ID collection and ensure a data deletion policy is in place.

Requiring Guests to Utilize Links or Apps for Physical Entry

• Requesting or requiring guests to redirect to a website or install or a register to an app is not permitted. Important exceptions include digital key or concierge apps if they are optional to the guest, meaning they still have entry information available to them in the Airbnb platform directly or through automated communications. The other exception is if required redirect to another website or app is for legal or compliance reasons. If so, hosts must add this information to the guest facing listing noting the additional steps & reason why.

Additional Policy Changes

The updated policy also includes changes that do not directly impact the Autohost guest journey:

• Strict Rules on Moving Reservations Off Airbnb: Reservations must remain on the Airbnb platform.
• Fees and Additional Charges: All fees and charges must be disclosed and processed through Airbnb.
• Reservation Modifications: Changes to reservation dates must occur on the platform.
• Feedback and Reviews: Feedback and reviews should not be solicited off-platform.
• Accessing Listings: Avoid using other websites or apps to provide physical access to listings.

Conclusion

Autohost users are largely unaffected by Airbnb's updated policy due to our system's adherence to data privacy laws. While our practices are aligned with industry standards, it's important to review Airbnb's policy and ensure your practices meet their requirements. For more information, please refer to Airbnb's Offsite Payment and Fee Transparency Policy.

For further assistance, visit our Autohost and Airbnb integration guide.