Airbnb is responding to years of guest complaints by ending hidden extra costs for its vacation rentals — and cracking down on “unreasonable” tasks demanded by hosts.
Known as ‘junk fees’, the accommodation booking site’s sneaky extras are notorious for popping up after users select a good-value property, often adding tens or even hundreds of pounds to the final price.
Starting in December, users will be able to select an “initial” price view with everything included, such as cleaning fees, and organize their searches around that price rather than an accommodation-only rate.
In an update posted to its website on Nov. 7, the platform also says it cracks down on what it calls “unreasonable” requests from hosts – whether asking guests to skip vacuum the property or ask them to do the laundry before you leave.
“Starting in December, we will begin rolling out the total price display option to countries without existing price display requirements. The total price will include all fees before taxes and will be displayed in search results, as well as only on the map, filter and list page,” the statement read.
“Before confirming their reservation, guests can always view a full price breakdown showing Airbnb’s service fees, discounts and taxes.”
“We advise hosts that if they have payment requests, they should be reasonable and displayed to guests before booking.”
Airbnb said that while asking guests to turn off the lights and lock the door was completely normal, “doing laundry and vacuuming” was unreasonable.
Travelers will be able to clearly see all host requests before booking a rental in the future.
The home-sharing site is also adding a ‘pricing tool’ for accommodation hosts to help them ‘understand competitive pricing’, saying it will help customers get better quality stays.
This follows Airbnb’s promise in May 2021 to review its fees and pricing system after numerous complaints.
In October, a screenshot of a Facebook group has gone viral where former Airbnb users revealed why they stopped using the booking platformcalling the exodus “Airbnbust”.
Exorbitant service fees, chores requested by hosts, and a perceived negative effect on local communities are all reasons cited by Airbnb users.
Replies to the screenshot on Twitter criticized the site’s hosts for overcharging and then asking for free labor from guests.
“They also expect you to clean the dishes, throw the garbage, do the laundry. Do I also have to cook a three course meal before I go? one person tweeted in response.
Another user wrote, “Airbnb’s payment instructions are like ‘please feed the neighbor’s cat and administer his heartworm medicine before you drop your key in the mailbox’.”
In May, the platform overhauled its search function, allowing customers to search ads through 56 categoriesincluding design (for iconic architecture and interiors), incredible pools, countryside, incredible views, or historic homes.
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