Airbnb Off-Platform Fees – What Hosts Must Know in 2025

The Airbnb Off-Platform Fees policy, updated in May 2025, directly impacts how hosts handle pricing, communication, and payments. If you’re still asking whether it’s okay to request a cleaning fee in cash or to move bookings off Airbnb, the answer is now very clear: no. Airbnb’s updated fee transparency rules are designed to protect guests from hidden charges and ensure all payments are processed through the platform. In this post, we’ll cover exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to stay compliant.

What Are Airbnb Off-Platform Fees?

Off-platform fees refer to any required payments that are not processed through Airbnb’s booking system. This includes cleaning fees, pet fees, extra guest charges, or any other amount that a guest must pay to complete their stay. If you mention these fees in your listing description but require guests to pay them separately (such as in cash or via a third-party app), that is considered a violation of Airbnb’s policy.

According to Airbnb, “All mandatory fees must be disclosed and collected through the platform.” This means any cost that affects the total price of a stay must be built into the nightly rate or included using Airbnb’s designated fee fields.

What Airbnb Hosts Can No Longer Do

• Request cash or direct payments for cleaning, pets, or amenities
• Include undisclosed fees in the listing description
• Offer discounts for booking outside the platform
• Send payment links or collect money off Airbnb

These actions may result in warnings, listing suspension, or account removal. Airbnb is actively monitoring listing content and messages to detect policy violations.

What Hosts Must Do to Comply

• Use Airbnb’s built-in fee fields for cleaning, pet, and extra guest charges
• Include any other necessary costs in the nightly rate
• Communicate transparently within Airbnb’s messaging system
• Avoid linking to off-platform tools or collecting personal guest data before booking

Even local taxes, if not collected by Airbnb, must be disclosed clearly and collected as allowed. Full transparency is not only required but expected by guests.

Why This Policy Matters

Airbnb’s off-platform fee rules are meant to simplify the booking process, reduce disputes, and promote trust. By requiring all charges to be shown up front, guests can better understand the true cost of their stay. Hosts who follow these guidelines will also benefit from better search rankings and fewer cancellations.

Outbound Guidance and Airbnb Support

To read Airbnb’s official documentation, visit the Airbnb Off-Platform Policy FAQ for details on what’s allowed and restricted.

Internal Hosting Resources

Looking for more Airbnb host guidance? Visit our Airbnb Hosting Tips section for updated policy breakdowns, calendar tools, and platform updates.

Conclusion

In 2025, following Airbnb’s off-platform fee policy is essential for staying active and competitive. Hosts should ensure every fee is listed transparently and processed within Airbnb. No direct payments, no unlisted fees, and no off-platform arrangements. By respecting these rules, you’ll not only avoid penalties but also build trust with guests and improve your booking experience.

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