Airbnb has made a significant update to its Payments Terms of Service, effective from 26 June 2025. Although the changes are presented as administrative or technical in nature, their essence reveals a framework in which the platform’s control over payments to hosts is increased and more of the risk is shifted to them.
BnBNews.gr has carefully studied the new terms and presents in detail the points that may prove problematic for short-term rental professionals.
1. Delays or withholding of payments without notice
Airbnb now expressly reserves the right to delay or withhold payments to hosts in cases where “suspicious activity” is detected, a dispute is pending resolution, or if the host has an outstanding obligation to the platform (such as a damage charge from a previous guest).
➡️ What does this mean in practice?
A host may wait for payment for a stay and find that the amount has been “held” by Airbnb without clear notification. There is no mandatory notification before withholding, which makes cash planning precarious.
2. Chargebacks – The new problem for Hosts
One of the most worrying changes is the possibility for guests to complete their stay and then dispute payment through their bank. In such a case:
- The host is obliged to refund the full amount, while Airbnb retains its final fee.
- There is no protection or recourse mechanism for the host.
- This practice has already been noted in cases where, despite immediate corrective action taken by the host, the entire amount is cancelled without notice.
3. Charges to guests even after their departure
The new terms stipulate that Airbnb can charge the guest even after the guest has left the property, provided the host files a claim for compensation within 14 days of checkout.
➡️ The process is done through the AirCover for Hosts service within the Resolution Center. Although this is a positive feature for the host, it carries risks, as:
Airbnb does not guarantee that it will reimburse the host, even if the host has documented the claim.
If the guest disputes the chargeback, Airbnb may ask the host to refund the money.
4. Limited possibility of appeal
The new terms leave hosts with few options when disputes or unforeseen events arise. These measures, in addition to those mentioned above, include:
- The inability to react in cases of full refund without notice.
- The loss of control over the management of reservations, which is linked to the high level of dependence on the platform.
5. Reservations with the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” method
Through this method, guests can book without paying in advance and cancel up to 72 hours before arrival. The result?
The host receives no payment for the specified dates. And the chances of him accepting a new booking at such short notice are minimal.
6. Limitation of Airbnb’s liability
Under the new terms, Airbnb’s liability to the host is strictly limited, even in cases of negligence or fault on the platform. The maximum compensation a host can claim is limited to three times the amounts paid to the host in the last 12 months.
➡️ Practical result: If a serious problem occurs (e.g. a technical error leading to a loss of reservations or money), the host will not be able to claim full compensation for the damage.
7. Additional charges from third party payment providers
Airbnb now states that it is not responsible for any charges that banks or other payment providers (such as Stripe, Payoneer, etc.) may impose, particularly in cases of currency conversion or international transfers.
➡️ What hosts should be aware of: Choose their payment method and currency carefully to avoid unseen costs.
8. Change of terms with change of country of residence
If a host changes their country of residence or place of business, the payment terms may be changed without notice. Airbnb reserves the right to change the legal entity handling payments based on the new country.
➡️ Risk: Hosts operating in different countries or changing tax residence may be faced with different conditions without sufficient information.
9. Mandatory arbitration and limited rights of appeal
In some countries, including the US, disputes between Airbnb and host are resolved exclusively through private arbitration, with no recourse to the courts.
➡️ Important note: Although not directly relevant to Greece, it is a trend that may extend into the future and limits the legal remedies of hosts.
What Airbnb hosts can do
🔹 Carefully read the new Terms of Payment (available here: https://www.airbnb.gr/help/article/2909)
🔹 Systematically monitor their payments, recording any delays or changes
🔹 Avoid using multiple accounts and currencies
🔹 Keep full documentation of any damage, claim or communication with Airbnb
🔹 Consider insurance alternatives for damage or loss not covered by AirCover
Airbnb’s new Payment Terms clearly reflect a shift in responsibility towards hosts and a strengthening of the platform’s power to control the flow of money. While it doesn’t directly change “when” a host gets paid, it does change how secure and predictable payment is.
At a time when short-term hiring is rapidly becoming professionalised, hosts are required to act not only as welcoming hosts, but also as professionals fully aware of the legal and financial frameworks within which they operate.
