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Important Update: Airbnb Policy Changes Regarding Rental Agreements and Guest Communications
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Hi [first name],
We want to make you aware of recent updates to Airbnb’s Off-Platform and Fee Transparency policies, which address how hosts interact with guests before, during, and after a booking.
Specifically, Airbnb’s updated policies state that hosts may not:
- Solicit guests for their email address, mailing address, or other communication channels using the Airbnb messaging system or email alias after a booking, except where necessary for reasons related to their stay.
- Ask guests for reviews of their Airbnb stay on external platforms (such as Google, Yelp, or other websites).
- Require guests to access third-party websites or apps to physically access the property unless legally required.
At the same time, Airbnb’s policy notes that hosts may request contact or identity information if it is related to the guest’s stay, for example, when handling rental agreements, collecting IDs, security deposits, or ensuring proper communication during the stay.
What to Consider:
- Hosts who require a signed rental agreement, collect backup contact information, or manage security deposits may continue these practices, provided they are clearly tied to the logistics and requirements of the stay.
- Communications with guests should remain focused on completing the reservation, facilitating the stay, and complying with any local or property-specific requirements.
- Requests for guest reviews related to an Airbnb stay should remain within Airbnb’s platform and should not direct guests to leave feedback elsewhere.
You can read Airbnb’s full updated policy here:
Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy
The tools and features available in OwnerRez, such as custom messaging, rental agreements, and data collection, can be used in a compliant or non-compliant way depending on how you configure and utilize them. Nothing in the OwnerRez platform inherently violates Airbnb’s policies. However, it’s important to ensure that any data you collect is used solely for purposes related to the guest’s stay, not for future marketing or unrelated communication.
We recommend reviewing your Airbnb listing(s) and communication templates to ensure that any requests for information are presented in the context of managing the guest’s stay and that listing descriptions are updated if needed.
As always, if you have questions about adjusting your messaging or templates inside OwnerRez, feel free to reach out to our team.
Thanks for being part of the OwnerRez community.