Airbnb recently announced it had surpassed an astonishing 7 million active listings globally on its platform. In a league of its own among Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), alongside heavyweights like Vrbo and Booking.com, Airbnb has earned its reputation for user-friendliness, a diverse range of listed properties, and an unmatched international presence. Therefore, it’s no wonder you might consider listing your property on the world’s most recognized booking platform.
However, before you dive into the world of hosting, knowing the ins and outs of Airbnb service fees is crucial for your hosting journey. They’re not necessarily hurdles, but the more you know about them, the better you can plan ahead.
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Disclaimer: Lodgify is an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. This post, including any claims or statements within, is solely from Lodgify and is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Airbnb in any way.
What are Airbnb host fees?
Quite simply, Airbnb host fees are the charges that hosts incur for using Airbnb’s platform to list and rent out their properties. With every booking, these fees are subtracted from the host’s earnings.
Now, the intriguing part lies in the diversity of Airbnb host fees, as they can sway according to the unique nuances of each booking and the host’s individual preferences. And if you’re thinking of achieving Airbnb Luxe or Airbnb Plus, be prepared to pay a little differently.
What percentage does Airbnb take?
Well, before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to be aware that geography plays a substantial role in the Airbnb host fee equation, too. And if, like many savvy hosts, your property is connected to channel managers such as Lodgify, be ready to make some adjustments, as the split-fee model doesn’t always apply to these listings (as we’ll explain below).
As if that’s not enough, Airbnb also factors in your cancellation policy when crunching the numbers for your host service fee. If you maintain a strict cancellation policy, expect your fee to run approximately 2% higher than for those with more flexible policies.
Why is it important to understand fees on Airbnb?
As an owner or manager, grasping the various costs associated with showcasing your property on Airbnb is essential. This knowledge provides a clear financial perspective for your vacation rental business. By accounting for expenses like Airbnb commission, you can create a robust budget and gain a better understanding of your financial bottom line.
This financial insight enables you to set competitive rates that cover your costs effectively, helping you to become efficient and profitable.
How much does it cost to list on Airbnb?
Listing your property on Airbnb is entirely free. There are no upfront charges to create and publish your listing on the platform. You can craft a compelling listing, add photos, describe your property, and set your rates without incurring any initial expenses.
Service fees: How much does Airbnb charge?
Airbnb service fees are calculated as a percentage of the total reservation cost, incorporating the nightly rate and potential additional fees like cleaning fees. The percentage typically falls between 5% and 15% of the total reservation cost.
When it comes to Airbnb, fees can be broadly categorized into two types: the Split fee and the Host-Only fee.
Split fee
The Split fee structure is the most common, as it shares the cost between both hosts and guests. Here’s how it works:
How much does Airbnb charge hosts?
- For most hosts, this fee amounts to 3% of the booking subtotal. However, it’s essential to note that there are exceptions to this rule. Some hosts may incur a slightly higher fee, especially if they fall into specific categories. For instance, hosts with listings in Italy and those who have opted for Super Strict cancellation policies may pay more.
- This fee is calculated based on the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and any additional guest fees (if applicable). Importantly, it excludes any taxes.
- The host fee is automatically deducted from the host payout.
How much does Airbnb charge guests?
- In most cases, the guest service fee amounts to less than 14.2% of the booking subtotal. This fee is calculated based on the same criteria as the host fee: the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and additional guest fees (if applicable).
- The actual percentage may vary based on a range of factors, but rest assured, you’ll see it clearly itemized during the checkout process before you confirm your booking. Transparency is key!
- For stays extending beyond three months, Airbnb applies a reduced guest service fee, offering even more savings for extended guests.
Host-Only fee
The Host-Only fee is a straightforward fee structure where the host pays it in full.
- It’s typically in the range of 14-16%, but there are exceptions based on factors like your cancellation policy and the duration of stays.
- Hosts with Super Strict cancellation policies may bear slightly higher fees, while those offering monthly stays may enjoy reduced rates.
- It’s mandatory for traditional hospitality listings, including hotels and serviced apartments.
Airbnb fees for hosts using a channel manager or iCal
In addition to traditional hospitality listings, the Host-Only fee structure is mandatory for software-connected hosts, meaning hosts who use a property management system (such as, you guessed it – Lodgify!) to help them stay on top of their business.
However, if you’re a connected host, and the majority of your listings are located in either the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, Argentina, Taiwan, or Uruguay, you might get away with having to use this fee structure.
How do I check the service charge for a specific reservation?
To view the service fees for a particular reservation, head over to your transaction history, pick the reservation you’re interested in, and voilà! In the “Payment” section, you’ll uncover all the details about the Airbnb service fees tied to that booking.
Additional costs on Airbnb:
Beyond the standard Airbnb host fees, property owners and managers might find themselves juggling a host (excuse the pun!) of other Airbnb fees, including:
Cleaning costs
It is the guests who pay the cleaning costs. If you are considering adding a cleaning fee, be sure to use it to cover the actual costs of cleaning rather than to increase your income. If you have any doubts about how to set your prices, you can use Airbnb’s Smart Pricing tool.
Co-host payments
Hosts can share reservations with co-hosts and decide on the split, whether as a percentage or a fixed amount per reservation.
Cancellation fees
Airbnb’s cancellation policy aims to minimize disruption to guests in the event of a cancellation by hosts. If a host cancels a confirmed reservation, a cancellation fee is applied. Airbnb’s cancellation policy includes fees that vary based on the timing of the cancellation concerning the arrival date.
Check out the current cancellation fees for hosts as of October 2023:
- Less than 48 hours before arrival or after arrival time: 50% of the total amount of the remaining nights.
- Between 30 days and 48 hours before arrival: 25% of the total amount of the reservation.
- More than 30 days before arrival: 10% of the total amount of the reservation.
The fee amount includes the base rate, cleaning fee, and any pet fees, but does not include taxes or guest fees. Fees are generally withheld from future payments to the host.
However, in exceptional situations, cancellation fees may be waived.
Other costs:
Outside of any Airbnb costs, there are some additional charges that you may have to pay. These costs will depend on the bank you’re with, where you’re located, and which currency you are converting, but it’s good to be aware of them – just in case.
Bank processing fees: Your bank may apply its own processing fees. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about this.
Currency conversion fee: If the currency shown in your listing differs from that of your payment, a conversion fee will be deducted at checkout. To avoid these fees, simply change the currency in your pricing settings.
How do I avoid paying service fees on Airbnb?
While it’s impossible to bypass Airbnb host fees completely, you can explore alternatives to diversify your booking channels using platforms with different fee structures. Establishing your vacation rental website allows you to accept direct bookings, avoiding service fees imposed by online booking platforms like Airbnb.
With Lodgify, you can create a stylish, direct booking website in a few simple steps with no technical experience necessary.
Connect your website to Airbnb with Lodgify
Lodgify’s Airbnb Channel Manager is an invaluable tool for hosts seeking to streamline their property management across multiple booking platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and their own direct website. With its intuitive interface and powerful automation features, hosts can effortlessly synchronize their property listings, calendars, and rates across all platforms, reducing the risk of double bookings and saving precious time.
Moreover, the real-time updates ensure that your property is consistently displayed with accurate information, enhancing your online reputation and guest satisfaction. Try it now and see how much time, effort, and stress you could save!
Key takeaways
To grow your vacation rental business on Airbnb, it is necessary to understand the costs associated with publishing your listings online. This will allow you to establish competitive rates while covering your expenses. Make sure you know the payment model that applies to your listings on the platform, whether it’s the Split fee or Host-Only fee.
Optimizing your rates and exploring different booking options is essential for maximizing your business. Diversifying your channels with your own website and connecting to other vacation rental platforms can help you showcase your properties to an even wider audience. This way, you can make the most of your vacation rental business and thrive as a host, whether on Airbnb or elsewhere.
Don’t see the form to download the Airbnb Host Guide? Click here.
