Airbnb host fees are charges that Airbnb levies on hosts for using its platform to rent out their properties. These fees can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the property and the host's chosen payment plan.
Typically, Airbnb employs a split-fee structure where both the host and the guest pay fees. For hosts, this fee is usually around 3% of the booking subtotal (the total price before fees and taxes), but it can be higher in certain areas or for hosts who had subscribed to the recently ended, Airbnb Plus.
The fee covers the cost of processing payments and the use of Airbnb's platform, which includes services such as customer support, marketing to help attract guests and technology maintenance.
If you are a short-term rental property investor and would like to see how Airbnb fees for hosts affect your bottom line, below is a comprehensive breakdown. Speak to a short-term rental property agent for the best short-term rental investments across the United States.
Comprehensive Breakdown of Airbnb Host Fees
Airbnb offers hosts two primary fee structures: the split-fee structure and the host-only fee structure, with additional specific fees for certain types of listings and services.
Split-Fee Structure
Under the split-fee structure, hosts are charged a 3% service fee, and guests are charged around 14.2%. This fee structure is widely used and applies to the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and any additional guest fees, but excludes Airbnb fees and taxes.
For instance, if you charge $200 per night plus a $50 cleaning fee for a one-night stay, as a host, you'd pay a $7.50 fee, and the guest would be charged an additional service fee of $35.50, leading to a total guest payment of $285.50 plus tax.
Host-Only Fee Structure
The host-only fee structure ranges between 14% and 16% of the total booking price. This option is mandatory for hotels, serviced apartments, and software-connected hosts outside of certain countries (like the US, Canada, Mexico, etc.) but optional for others.
Under this structure, the entire service fee is borne by the host, with no service fee charged to the guest.
Additional Fees
- Airbnb Plus Host Fees: Hosts of Airbnb Plus listings face a $149 application fee and a host-only fee of 14-16%, depending on property location and size.
- Super Strict Cancellation Policy Fees: Choosing this policy adds a 2% fee on top of the standard service fee.
- Airbnb Experience Fees: Hosts offering experiences are charged a 20% fee on the final booking price.
- Airbnb Luxe Fees: Range between 3% and 5% of the total booking price, offering an array of premium services and amenities.
- VAT Charges: In some regions, a Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 6.6% may apply.
Coverage and Services
The fees cover various services and benefits provided by Airbnb, including marketing, product development, community support, guest identity verification, reservation screening, Superhost guidance, $3 million in damage protection, $1 million liability insurance, and a 24-hour safety line.
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Investor Questions About Airbnb Host Fees
Is there a fee to be an Airbnb host?
There is no upfront fee to create a listing and become an Airbnb host. Hosts are charged a service fee for each booking made through the platform, typically 3% of the booking subtotal for the split-fee structure. Other specific fees may apply depending on the listing type and services opted for, such as Airbnb Plus or using a Super Strict Cancellation Policy.
What is the host-only fee on Airbnb?
The host-only fee on Airbnb is a simplified pricing structure where the host pays all the service fees, eliminating the guest service fee. This fee typically ranges between 14%-16% of the booking subtotal. This structure is mandatory for hotels and software-connected hosts in certain regions.
How does a host get paid on Airbnb?
Hosts on Airbnb get paid after the guest checks in. The payment method is chosen by the host from options provided by Airbnb, such as direct deposit, PayPal, or other available methods in the host's country. The payment is processed approximately 24 hours after the guest's scheduled check-in time, minus the Airbnb service fee.
What is the 15% host fee on Airbnb?
The 15% host fee is mentioned as part of the host-only fee structure, where the host pays a service fee of between 14%-16% of the booking subtotal. This structure is primarily applied where hosts opt or are required to cover the entire service fee, removing the fee burden from guests. The exact percentage within this range can vary based on the listing's location and specific agreements with Airbnb.
