The Complete Airbnb Guide for Property Managers

The Airbnb Essentials

Airbnb has become one of the most influential travel platforms, fundamentally transforming the vacation rental industry. This shift redefines how guests discover accommodations and how hosts operate their businesses. Going beyond boundaries, Airbnb is now a foundational pillar of the modern rental ecosystem, unlocking access to diverse and authentic stays across the globe.

For property managers, having a thorough insight into the Airbnb ecosystem is essential. Mastering these essentials and leveraging GuestWisely’s seamless integration with Airbnb sets the stage for optimized operations, enabling you to seize unprecedented opportunities for global growth while enhancing the entire hosting experience on this platform.

The sheer power of this platform demands mastery. This comprehensive guide is your blueprint to conquer every aspect of Airbnb. We have structured this guide to empower you to:

• Understand the Foundation: Grasp the core mechanics, platform structures, and operating systems.
• Master the Settings: Dive into specific hosting requirements, crucial listing configurations, and the step-by-step processes.
• Optimize the Performance: Leverage insider tips and strategies from industry experts to achieve operational excellence.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

What Airbnb is

Airbnb operates as a globally recognized Online Travel Agency (OTA) that connects guests seeking short-term or long-term stays with hosts offering accommodations. The platform delivers an intuitive interface and a streamlined search-to-book workflow, guiding users seamlessly from property discovery and reservation to secure payment completion.

At its core, Airbnb leverages advanced technology and a community-driven model to help property managers reach millions of potential guests worldwide. This integrated ecosystem makes Airbnb one of the most accessible and scalable channels to operate in the modern vacation rental market.

Why Airbnb matters

As a trusted platform for operating a vacation rental business at scale, Airbnb represents a critical opportunity for property managers to professionalize operations, expand reach, and optimize revenue. For property managers committed to growth and profitability, leveraging the sheer scale and reach of Airbnb is a crucial part of a successful distribution strategy.

• Expand Global Reach
  Airbnb’s massive user base encompassing over 150 million users across more than 220 countries and regions, giving your properties exposure that might be difficult and costly to achieve through standalone marketing efforts. Listing on Airbnb instantly positions your portfolio in front of a diverse audience actively searching for short-term stays, increasing booking opportunities across a global market.
  
• Accelerate Booking Volume
  As a powerful search engine for accommodations, Airbnb connects your listings with millions of travelers actively planning their stays. Providing frictionless booking experience and optimal rate setting, this platform significantly higher traffic to your properties and elevates occupancy rates. Capturing demand at its peak, Airbnb empowers you to grow with a high-performing revenue stream.
  
• Build a Trusted Community
  Airbnb fosters a trust-driven ecosystem built on verified profiles, transparent reviews, and secure payment processes. This community-centric model encourages confidence on both sides of the booking journey, helping property managers attract reliable guests, set clear expectations, and build long-term credibility that strengthens performance and guest relationships over time.

How Airbnb works

Airbnb operates as a powerful OTA that facilitates transactions between hosts and guests. This platform lays the foundation for property managers to list their properties and reach potential guests. In exchange for this service, Airbnb only earns commission through hosting fees applied to successful bookings. 

Powered by user-centric design, Airbnb enables frictionless user experience to reduce the complexity of managing multiple properties. Furthermore, Airbnb also provides robust 24/7 customer support for both hosts and guests to ensure efficient communication, maintain sufficient operations, and offer rapid resolution of critical issues, thus enhancing booking confidence across the platform’s global customer base.

How Airbnb ensures trust

Airbnb commits to delivering a secure and reliable platform that empowers property managers to grow their businesses with confidence while protecting them from unnecessary risk. Through a robust, multi-layered security framework, Airbnb ensures guests experience a safe, trustworthy booking journey from start to finish.

By prioritizing platform security and reliability, Airbnb safeguards the interests of property managers and gives guests the confidence to book with peace of mind.

• Rigorous Vetting and Safety Protocols for All Users
  Airbnb invests heavily in technology to ensure the integrity of its community. The platform employs sophisticated screening tools, including identity verification for all primary booking guests. Crucially, proprietary reservation screening technology analyzes thousands of data points for every booking to help identify and block high-risk reservations, significantly reducing the likelihood of disruptive parties or fraudulent activity before check-in. These strict safety guidelines and vetting processes protect hosts, their properties, and the surrounding communities, fostering a reliable environment for professional short-term rentals.
  
• Comprehensive Financial and Liability Protection
  A cornerstone of the platform’s commitment to hosts is Insurance for Hosts: AirCover. Airbnb automatically applies this industry-leading protection to every booking at no additional cost, giving hosts peace of mind and reinforcing Airbnb’s role as a trusted partner in your growth journey.. AirCover comprehensively covers property managers against the unforeseen financial risks associated with guest stays. This includes substantial coverage for both property damage and host liability.
  
• Secure Transactions and Reliability for Guests
  Guests trust Airbnb because the platform ensures their financial security and stay reliability. The platform securely processes all payments, so hosts never need to handle sensitive credit card details. In addition, Airbnb holds payouts for 24 hours after check-in, assuring guests that their funds remain secure until they successfully access the property and confirming that hosts fulfill the reservation agreement.

How does host payment work

Efficient cash flow management is vital for professional property managers, and Airbnb’s host payment system ensures security and timely disbursement. With a variety of payment options offered, both host and guest can choose which works best for them, reinforcing clarity and confidence at every stage of the transaction. 

To maintain steady cash flow and long-term financial stability, a thorough understanding of the payment cycle is key. 

Payment timing

For short-term stays that are less than 27 days, Airbnb generally releases your payout by the end of the business day after the guest’s scheduled check-in date. Some hosts may receive payouts on a different schedule based on Airbnb’s Payments Terms. 

For stays of 28 nights or more, Airbnb pays hosts on a monthly basis. Airbnb processes the initial payout for the first month by the end of the business day following the guest’s scheduled check-in date. After this first payout, Airbnb releases subsequent payments on a monthly basis for the remainder of the reservation.

Payment methods

Airbnb offers a wide range of payout methods, allowing hosts to choose the option that best suits their preferences. Processing times may vary depending on the selected payment provider and region:

• Bank Transfer: 3 – 5 business days
• Fast Pay: 30 minutes or less (available for hosts in the eligible regions only)
• Pay to card: 30 minutes or less (available for hosts in the eligible regions only)
• Payoneer Prepaid Debit Mastercard: within 24 hours
• PayPal: within 1 business day
• Western Union: 1 business day, depending on country or region
• ACH (direct deposit): 3 business days (available for the United States and Puerto Rico only)
• International wire: 3 – 7 business days

Airbnb Fast Pay

In selected regions, Airbnb offers Fast Pay as an additional payment method that allows hosts to receive their payouts faster, often within 30 minutes after Airbnb releases the payment. This flexibility allows hosts to receive payments beyond standard banking hours and gives them greater control over their cash flow.

How Airbnb pays hosts

Airbnb fully automates and securely manages the payout process. As a host, you only need to configure your payout preferences by following these steps:

• Click Menu > Account settings > Payments
• Select Payouts and then click Add payout method
• Choose your billing country or region
• Select your payout method and click Continue
• Add the requested info and click Next

To complete the setup, Airbnb will verify the account by sending a small test deposit of USD 1.00 or less.

Co-host payment

Scaling your portfolio without stressing out about the workload? With Airbnb, expanding your business becomes more manageable by bringing a co-host onto your team! This expansion demands consistent operations, including the payment structure. Airbnb also provides an infrastructure to simplify and automate co-host payouts without manual intervention, making the partnership seamless.

Simply follow these steps to activate an efficient payout setup for your co-host:

• Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
• Under Listing editor, click Your space
• Click Co-hosts and select the co-host whom you want to set up the payout
• Click Payouts and select one of the available options: Cleaning fee, Cleaning fee plus percentage, Percentage, or Fixed amount
• Click Confirm with co-host

The co-host needs to confirm the request to start receiving payouts.

Integration: Airbnb & GuestWisely

Seamless technology integration drives the future of property management. Connecting your Airbnb channel to a robust PMS like GuestWisely is a critical step in transforming Airbnb from a simple booking source into a fully automated revenue engine, driving operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

GuestWisely serves as a core operational solution for professional property managers managing complex portfolios. With a fully integrated channel management system, GuestWisely enables effortless synchronization across multiple Airbnb listings, keeping availability, rates, and reservations aligned while empowering you to scale your vacation rental business with confidence.

Master The Airbnb Settings

Embarking on the journey to become an Airbnb host is the first exciting step toward unlocking significant revenue potential and scaling your business. The difference between a good host and a great property manager lies in the meticulous mastery of the platform’s settings. Optimizing these configurations is not simply about filling fields but also about ensuring operational efficiency and adhering to compliance standards.

This chapter provides the roadmap to professional excellence. We will walk you through the essential steps, from official host registration and co-host delegation to strategies to stay compliant and succeed on this platform. Mastering these settings is the key to transforming your portfolio from manually managed properties to an automated, high-performance asset on a global scale.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

How to become an Airbnb host

Becoming an official Airbnb host requires you to meet specific platform and legal criteria and address each step systematically to launch your properties successfully. The initial process for property managers encompasses transitioning from being an account user to a fully compliant host with active listings.

Airbnb host requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a fully verified Airbnb account (including email, phone number, and a government ID).
• Own the property or have explicit legal permission from the owner/landlord (critical for property managers).
• Ensure the property meets basic safety standards (working smoke detectors, etc.).
• Agree to adhere to Airbnb’s Community Standards and platform policies, including anti-discrimination rules.

How to become a co-host on Airbnb

Unlocking your potential for portfolio growth often means strategic delegation. Utilizing co-hosts is a practical and powerful strategy for efficiently distributing management tasks and optimizing workflow. A co-host actively assists the main host with managing the listing while joining the Airbnb community without owning a property. This feature empowers property managers to turn operational capacity into a competitive advantage.

Become a co-host on Airbnb

• Connect with Local Hosts: Proactively network and offer your co-hosting services to property owners in your area, positioning your specialized skills in property management and guest relations.
• Define Key Responsibilities: Establish a clear scope of work, ensuring alignment between your efforts and the host’s expectation for full turnover coordination.
• Offer Compensation Package: Finalize transparent payment terms and automate them through Airbnb’s split-payout feature.
  
  

Add an Airbnb co-host

• Log in and Access Listings: Log into your Airbnb account and navigate to your page.
• Select the Listing: Choose the specific property you wish to assign a co-host to.
• Access Co-host settings: Under Listing editor, click Your space
• Invite a Co-host: Click Invite someone you know and enter their country/region and phone number or email address, then click Next
• Define authorities: Select permissions that are right for the co-host and if applicable, specify the payout, then click Next
• Confirm invitation: Review and click Send the invitation (up to 10 co-host)

How to set up listings on Airbnb

Creating high-performing listings is an art and a science, requiring careful attention to detail, media quality, and accurate representation.

The listing setup defines the guest experience and directly impacts your ranking in Airbnb’s search results.

Airbnb listing types

Airbnb categorizes every listing to efficiently guide guests toward the accommodation that perfectly matches their needs and travel style. Classifying these options is essential for hosts, as properly designating your space not only improves search visibility but also ensures accurate guest expectations.

• Entire Place: Guests have exclusive access to the entire property and do not share any spaces with others, including the host. As the host is not present during the stay, clear and proactive communication is essential to ensure a smooth guest experience.
• Private Room: Guests have their personal bedroom but may share common areas with others, including the host. To ensure comfortable experiences for everyone staying at the property, the host should proactively communicate the shared nature of the space and set clear expectations regarding cohabitation.
• Shared Room: Guests share both sleeping areas and common spaces with other occupants. To ensure a well-managed stay, hosts must clearly communicate sleeping arrangements and the number of people sharing the property in advance.
• Unique Stays: Airbnb features a wide range of distinctive accommodations, from treehouses and yurts to castles and igloos. These unique properties appeal to adventurous travelers looking for one-of-a-kind experiences.

How to set up listings on Airbnb

The official process guides you through the necessary steps for listing your first property:

• Create an Account and Verify: Sign up on the Airbnb website or app and complete all identity verification steps.
• Start a Listing: Click List your place and follow the guided setup process, accurately selecting the property type and location.
• Detail Your Space: Provide an accurate description, a comprehensive list of amenities, and clearly defined house rules.
• Upload Media: Upload professional, high-quality photos. Listings with ten or more photos have significantly higher conversion rates.
• Set Financials: Configure your pricing, minimum stay requirements, and preferred cancellation policy.
• Review Local Laws: Consult the local Responsible Hosting page on Airbnb and ensure you comply with municipal regulations and licensing requirements.
• Publish: Review all sections for accuracy with an attention to financial protection and cancellation policies before making your listing go live.

How to host an Airbnb experience

Airbnb Experience offers various activities designed and led by hosts, giving guests a unique experience to discover local culture, craft, or community. This creates a valuable opportunity for hosts to diversify their vacation rental business for enhanced local presence while bringing added value to guests to experience beyond an ordinary stay. 

By hosting an experience, property managers can offer an upsell opportunity to their staying guests, enhancing the overall trip value and generating additional revenue. The standard service fee for Experiences is 20%.

Hosting a compelling Experience starts with insight. Property managers must deeply understand their niche and convert that knowledge into an actionable plan before configuring the settings on Airbnb.

Set up Airbnb experience

• Introduce the Concept: Share a bit about yourself, the experience offered, and what makes it unique. 
• Detail the Experience: Provide comprehensive information including the detailed itinerary, high-quality photos that sets expectations for guests. 
• Set Pricing: Define the cost for your Experience.
• Submit for Review: Submit your complete experience to the Airbnb team for review.
• Address Feedback: The Airbnb team may respond with requests to review your settings, such as:
  • Suggested changes or improvements to the itinerary.
  • Uploading required licenses or permits.
  • Proof of insurance (if applicable to the activity).
• Publish the Listing: Once your Experience meets all the requirements and gets Airbnb’s official approval, you can publish it and begin accepting reservations.

How to contact Airbnb Customer Support

Maintaining a high standard of guest experience across your portfolio is central to your success as a property manager. When operational issues arise, whether they involve bookings, payments, or on-site logistics. The difference between a small hiccup and a significant disruption is often the speed and accuracy of support. Our guidance ensures you know the exact channels and designated contacts to access, allowing you to secure the tailored support needed to ensure operational efficiency and enhance hosting experience.

• Help Center
  With extensive information covering every aspect of hosting on Airbnb, the Help Center serves as a powerful support hub that enables hosts to operate more efficiently. Hosts can explore common Airbnb management topics or quickly find answers to frequently asked questions using the search bar. This self-service resource helps hosts stay informed and resolve issues independently.

• Call Center
  While Airbnb encourages hosts to use the Help Center for most issues, phone support is available for urgent cases. You can access it through your Airbnb account by following these steps:
  • Visit the Help Center and sign in.
  • Search for your issue and select the relevant topic.
  • Follow the prompts to see if phone support is available.
  • Select Contact Us to ask Airbnb’s AI assistant for the correct phone number for your region.
    This process helps ensure you reach the right support option quickly when immediate assistance is needed.

• Resolution Center
  The Resolution Center is an invaluable feature, acting as your primary, secure platform interface for managing and resolving all payment issues, disputes, and miscellaneous concerns. Follow the steps below to start resolving issues effectively:
  • Access the Resolution Center from the main menu after logging in.
  • Select the issue type that best matches your situation.
  • Describe the issue clearly, adding relevant details or attachments.
  • Review and submit your case once all fields are complete.
  • Monitor your case for updates or messages from the other party or support team.
    By using this powerful, direct tool, you can often bypass direct customer service contact, saving you valuable time and securing a faster outcome. 

• Social Media
  When you need rapid response or instant support, leverage Airbnb’s official social media accounts (X, Instagram, Meta). This channel offers a convenient way to connect with their quick-to-respond support team. Send a direct message or tag them in a post, ensuring you include essential details for the fastest resolution. Remember to use the verified account to contact them and keep private details within a Direct Message.

How to stay compliant on Airbnb

Compliance is the foundation of a successful Airbnb business. For property managers, maintaining operational stability and maximizing profitability depends entirely on strictly adhering to Airbnb’s policies and local regulations. This guide provides the strategic steps and essential tools needed to ensure you are fully compliant, protected, and poised for growth.

• Enhance Listing Quality:
  Airbnb heavily favors listings with high ratings for cleanliness, accuracy, and communication. Inaccurate descriptions or poor property upkeep lead to bad reviews, lower search rankings, and potential host penalties. Maintaining exceptional quality ensures great reviews and eligibility for status like Superhost.
  
  Leverage GuestWisely’s Automated Review. Monitoring to centralize all guest commentary. This instantly highlights recurring issues so you can swiftly correct them across your portfolio, directly improving your quality score and listing accuracy.

• Ensure Safety Standards
  Regulatory bodies and Airbnb mandate that hosts provide a secure environment, which includes verifying guest identity, sharing local safety information, and ensuring the property meets all fire and health codes. Failure to verify guests can lead to unauthorized parties and property damage.
  
  Utilize GuestWisely’s Digital Guest Agreement. This tool mandates guests complete secure, online ID verification and sign custom digital house rules/rental agreements prior to arrival. This step enhances security, clearly communicates safety protocols, and provides a legally traceable record for every guest.

• Avoid Host Cancellations
  Host-initiated cancellations severely impact your standing, resulting in fines, calendar blocks, and eventual account deactivation. The most common cause is poor calendar synchronization (double-bookings) or unexpected maintenance issues. Avoiding them is critical to revenue stability.
  
  Powered by GuestWisely’s Centralized Calendar & Maintenance Task Manager with a unified calendar that syncs across all channels (i.e., your Channel Manager), you eliminate double-booking errors. You can also automate maintenance reminders to prevent last-minute, unavoidable closures that force a cancellation.

• Adhere to Legal and Tax Requirements
  Local laws often require property managers to register, obtain specific permits, and collect/remit various occupancy or lodging taxes that Airbnb may not handle automatically. Failing to track and pay these obligations risks steep fines and legal action from local authorities.
  
  Implement GuestWisely’s Financial Reporting and Document Management. This feature assists by providing customizable reports for easy local tax remittance tracking and helps you centralize and manage all licensing and permit documentation for multiple properties, ensuring you never miss a renewal deadline or tax filing.

Airbnb Owner Login

The Airbnb Owner Login is your essential control center. For property managers and owners, accessing the platform through this dedicated portal is crucial for maintaining operational visibility, financial tracking, and overall business health. This secure login grants you the full power to manage every facet of your investment. Taking full command of your portfolio through this central hub is the fundamental first step to optimizing your daily operations.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

How to use the Airbnb Owner login

Airbnb is designed with ease of use in mind, and accessing your owner account is no exception. The login process is quick, intuitive, and secure, giving you immediate access to the platform. Knowing how to log in efficiently is essential for staying on top of your hosting activity and maximizing your income on Airbnb.

How to Log In to Your Airbnb Account

• Navigate directly to the official Airbnb Login Page.
• Log into your account using any of the following linked credentials:
  • Your Phone Number
  • Your Facebook account
  • Your Google account
  • Your Apple account
  • Your registered Email address
• Secure your subsequent logins by checking the “Remember me” box. Crucially, only select this option when using your own private device to maintain the highest layer of security and privacy for your valuable investment data.

Password Security and Recovery

A strong password policy and reliable recovery mechanism are essential technical components of account security. Maintaining a secure password and knowing the recovery process is fundamental to protecting sensitive business and financial data.

Setting a Strong Password

• Use a password that is at least 8 characters long.
• Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., #, $, !).
• Don’t use personal information and common dictionary words.
• Avoid reusing passwords across other accounts or platforms.
• Tip: Consider using a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely.

Resetting a Forgotten Password

As a property manager, losing access to your central operations hub poses a huge disruption. Fortunately, Airbnb makes it easy to regain access and get back to hosting with a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to reset your password quickly and securely.

• Click the “Forgot password” link beneath the password field on the Login Page to go directly to the reset page.
• Provide the email address associated with your Airbnb account to receive a password reset link. 
• Click “Send reset link” to initiate the password recover process
• Check the email from automated@airbnb.com in either your inbox or spam/junk folder. 
• Click the “Reset your password” link in the email within the time limit and directly navigate to the Update Password page.
• Enter your new password and re-enter it to confirm. Your password must meet complexity requirements.
• Click“Update” to finalize the reset and regain access to your account.

How to secure your Airbnb account

Securing your Airbnb account is critical to protecting your properties, payouts, and reputation. A single security breach can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data, decreasing revenue and brand reputation. By proactively strengthening your account security, you maintain full control over your listings and ensure a safe, reliable hosting experience.

Implement layered security protocols to ensure the integrity of your professional Airbnb account:

• Never Share Your Airbnb Credentials
  Keep your login details strictly private. Sharing your email, password, or verification codes can expose your account to unauthorized actions, such as altering listings, accessing payouts, or communicating with guests on your behalf. Airbnb will never ask for your password, so treat any such request as a red flag.
• Use a Strong Password
  Create a password that is difficult to guess and used only for your Airbnb account. A strong password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily identifiable information, such as names or birthdates, and update your password periodically to reduce the risk of compromise.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Once enabled, Airbnb will require a verification code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app each time you log in from a new device or browser. Even if someone obtains your password, 2FA helps prevent them from accessing your account without this additional verification step.
• Regularly Review Account Activity
  Monitor your account for any unusual or unfamiliar activity, such as unexpected login alerts, changes to listings, or payout modifications. Reviewing your activity regularly allows you to identify potential security issues early and take immediate action if something looks suspicious.
• Stay Alert to Phishing Attempts
  Be cautious of emails, messages, or links that claim to be from Airbnb but ask for personal information or prompt urgent action. Always check the sender’s address and avoid clicking on suspicious links. When in doubt, log in directly through the official Airbnb website or app instead of responding to external messages.

Airbnb Guest Reviews

Reviews are more than mere feedback; they are the social currency that powers the entire short-term rental industry. The impact of the review system runs deeper as Airbnb has cultivated a two-way community where both hosts and guests review each other. This reciprocal system is the foundation of the platform’s reliability.

For hosts, every review acts as a data point, contributing to a safer, more transparent marketplace. These reviews help future hosts identify and welcome quality guests, creating better hosting experiences across the platform. This commitment to honest, constructive feedback elevates the entire ecosystem.

This chapter will serve as your comprehensive guide to mastering the art and science of guest reviews. Together, these insights will help you leverage reviews as a strategic tool, not just a reflection of past stays, but a driver of continuous growth.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

What is Guest Reviews on Airbnb

The Guest Review system is a structured mechanism that allows hosts to give feedback about the guests who stayed at their property. It is a critical component of the platform to build trust and accountability within the Airbnb community. After a reservation is complete, hosts have 14 days to leave a review across key categories to highlight their experience or share what could be improved.

How to leave a review on guests

• Click Messages and select a message for the guest you want to review
• Click Get started and write your review
• Click Submit to post your review

You can also access the review page by navigating to your profile on a desktop or mobile browser, selecting Reviews, and then choosing Reviews by You. From there, look under the Reviews to Write section and select the reservation you wish to rate.

Why Guest Reviews matters

Reviews written by hosts about their guests are a cornerstone of the Airbnb community and directly influence the reliability of the platform. This feedback loop fuels mutual accountability, empowering hosts to protect their investments while ensuring a consistently positive hosting experience.

• Protecting the Host Community
  By honestly sharing experience with previous guests, whether positive or negative, hosts help their peers make informed decisions about who they will welcome into their properties. This peer-to-peer vetting helps shield the community from potential issues like property damage or disregard for house rules. 
  
  Consistent, quality reviews help identify and reward guests who are respectful, clean, and communicative. This collective effort reinforces good behavior and makes the entire guest pool more reliable for everyone.

• Ensuring Accountability and Improving Behavior
  Guests acknowledge that the host will review them. This accountability motivates guests to adhere to house rules, be considerate of neighbors, and leave the property in good order, directly reducing stress and workload for hosts.
  
  If a guest caused minor issues, a constructive review can serve as feedback that encourages them to improve their behavior for future stays. For significant violations, host reviews provide the necessary documented evidence for Airbnb to take appropriate action, potentially leading to warnings or suspension.

• Elevating Hosting Experience
  When a potential guest sends a booking request, their reviews from previous hosts are often the only insight hosts have into their reliability. Strong host reviews reduce the anxiety associated with accepting new guests, contributing to a more relaxed and professional hosting experience for you.

Guest Reviews Guidelines

Adhering to professional and ethical standards when writing reviews is important for maintaining your reputation and the integrity of the platform.

• Be Honest and Fair: The review must reflect the true experience with the guest, focusing on their behavior, their communication, and the condition they left the property in.
• Be Relevant: The content must relate to the stay experience. Do not include personal attacks, political commentary, or anything discriminatory.
• Do Not Disclose Personal Information: Never include a guest’s name, address, or other personally identifiable information.
• Maintain Professional Tone: Even when dealing with a challenging guest, maintain a polite, professional, and fact-based tone.

Tips for Positive Guest Reviews

Writing positive reviews is more than just clicking five stars. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge great behavior, reinforce the positive standards of the Airbnb community, and potentially secure a repeat booking. To ensure your review truly resonates and leaves a lasting impression, ditch the generic phrases and instead harness the power of being genuine and personalized. 

Use these templates, adjusting the bracketed information to fit your specific guest and stay. They focus on common, genuine positive attributes that make a guest great.

• [Guest Name] was a pleasure to host. Their communication was prompt and always courteous, making the whole check-in/out process incredibly smooth. Highly recommend!
  
• We genuinely appreciate guests like [Guest Name]. They left the unit tidy and respected our home as if it were their own. A fantastic guest and very considerate.
  
• A truly uncomplicated stay. [Guest Name] was very respectful of all the house rules and our property overall. We would certainly welcome them back anytime.
  
• What a great stay! [Guest Name] was incredibly thoughtful, managing their visit seamlessly without needing any intervention. They are the kind of responsible, independent guest who makes hosting a true pleasure. 
  
• [Guest Name] was very mindful of the neighbors and respected the quiet hours perfectly. Zero issues, which we greatly appreciate.
  
• Five stars for check-out! [Guest Name] followed the departure instructions perfectly and made the turnover process easy for our cleaning team. A huge thank you for your cooperation!
  
• Hosting [Guest Name] for their [Number] night stay was wonderful. They kept the place well-maintained throughout their visit. A responsible and reliable long-term guest.
  
• Guest Name] was such a friendly and warm person. They made their trip to [Local Area] sound great, and they were very appreciative of the space. A joy to interact with!
  
• [Guest Name] was a delight! They brought great, positive energy to their stay and were genuinely appreciative of the space. It was a pleasure to host such friendly and happy travelers!
  
• We had a fantastic experience hosting [Guest Name]. They were clean, well-organized, and the group dynamic was respectful and polite throughout the stay. They made hosting a group feel easy and enjoyable!

Tips for Negative Guest Reviews

While positive feedback builds community morale, carefully written negative reviews are a critical safeguard for maintaining the platform’s integrity and ensuring hosts can protect their assets. Reviewing a difficult guest requires discipline and a laser focus on facts. The goal is to inform future hosts honestly, without resorting to emotional language.

Use these templates when you need to provide honest, professional feedback on a problematic stay. Always adjust the bracketed text to reflect your specific situation.

• Communication with [Guest Name] was challenging. They were unresponsive to important queries regarding [check-in timing/a property issue] and became uncooperative when contacted about [a specific rule violation].
  
• We had confirmation that [Guest Name] exceeded the agreed-upon maximum occupancy of [Number] people. This violates platform rules and house rules. The guest was not transparent about the size of their party.
  
• We appreciate the booking, but the check-out was difficult. The property was left in a state that required [Number] hours of additional cleaning, disrupting our schedule for the next reservation. We encourage closer attention to house rules.
  
• We experienced significant issues with cleanliness after the departure of [Guest Name]. The guest failed to complete basic check-out tasks, resulting in [X hours of extra cleaning] and minor damage to the [Specific Item/Area] which required replacement.
  
• Unfortunately, the guest failed to report damage to the [Specific Item, e.g., coffee table / wall paint] that occurred during their stay. We discovered the issue after check-out, necessitating a claim through the Resolution Center. Communication regarding damages was not sufficient enough.

Airbnb Insurance

For hosts in the high-stakes landscape of short-term rentals, protecting your assets is as vital as securing your bookings. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities hosts face, ranging from accidental property damage to complex liability claims, Airbnb launched AirCover for Hosts.

Far surpassing a simple safety net, AirCover delivers a sophisticated insurance framework that actively neutralizes the unpredictable risks of welcoming the global public into your private property. By integrating this robust coverage into every single booking at no extra cost, Airbnb has fundamentally shifted the risk landscape for hosts worldwide.

Dive into the AirCover program to unlock the full potential of your coverage, safeguarding your property and your peace of mind.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

Airbnb AirCover for Hosts

At its heart, hosting is about opening your property to the world as a rewarding journey that unlocks new financial freedom and creates lasting connections. However, every host knows that inviting a traveler into your private space requires a significant leap of faith. When you are welcoming your guests, the “what-ifs” like accidental spills or unexpected property mishaps, are a natural part of the business.

Airbnb introduced AirCover for Hosts to turn that leap of faith into a secure step forward. Rather than leaving you to navigate the risks of hospitality alone, AirCover acts as a dedicated partner that stands by you before, during, and after every stay. More than just a policy, it is Airbnb’s way of saying “we have your back,” allowing you to set aside the worry and focus on what you do best: being an incredible host and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

What Airbnb AirCover is

AirCover is Airbnb’s built-in protection program, automatically included with every booking at no additional cost. It provides multiple layers of coverage to help protect hosts from property damage, liability claims, and certain unforeseen incidents related to guest stays.

Beyond host protection, AirCover also reinforces trust across the Airbnb community by offering safeguards for guests. These protections help address issues such as host cancellations, inaccurate listings, check-in issues, and safety-related concerns. Together, this two-way approach strengthens reliability on both sides, creating a more secure and dependable experience for everyone involved.

Why AirCover matters for host

• Protect your financial investment:
  Built-in safeguards such as Host Damage Protection and Host Liability Insurance shield hosts from unexpected costs caused by guest-related damage or liability claims. This reduces exposure to financial loss and ensures that isolated incidents do not undermine long-term profitability.
  
• Reduce operational stress:
  Knowing there is a structured protection framework in place allows hosts to focus on delivering excellent guest experiences rather than worrying about worst-case scenarios. When issues arise, AirCover provides a clear path to resolution.
  
• Strengthens trust across the Airbnb ecosystem:
  By setting consistent standards for protection and accountability, it encourages responsible guest behavior while reassuring hosts that Airbnb stands behind them. This balance is essential for building a reliable, scalable, and sustainable hosting business.

Host Damage Protection

As a core pillar of the AirCover suite, Host Damage Protection offers a robust $3 million reimbursement framework to shield your property from the unexpected. If a guest causes damage and fails to cover the cost, this coverage steps in to protect hosts from financial loss, safeguarding both income and investment.

What is covered

• Property damage: Damage to your home, furnishings, valuables, or personal belongings caused by guests or their invitees.
• Vehicle damage: Damage to parked cars, boats, or other vehicles caused by guests or their invitees.
• Extra cleaning costs: Additional cleaning required for stains, pet accidents, smoke odors, or unapproved extra guests.
• Lost booking income: Income lost from canceled reservations due to guest-caused damage.

What is not covered

• Damage from normal wear and tear.
• Loss of currency.
• Damage caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes.
• Injury or property damage involving guests or others, covered under Host liability insurance.
• Cleaning associated with normal check-out tasks (e.g.: laundry, dishes, or trash removal).
• Additional limitations and exclusions may apply.

Host Liability Insurance

To foster a community built on care and safety, Airbnb provides every host with $1 million in Host Liability Insurance. As part of the comprehensive AirCover program, this protection covers hosts if an unexpected accident occurs during a guest’s stay, shielding them from financial loss and legal claims.

What is covered

• Third-party bodily injury: Covers medical expenses and legal costs if a guest or third party is injured on your property.
• Third-party property damage: Covers repair or replacement costs if a guest damages a neighbor’s property or shared building areas.

What is not covered

• Damage or injury resulting from something done intentionally.
• Damage to your place or belongings caused by a guest, covered under Host damage protection.
• Additional limitations and exclusions may apply.

Airbnb Host Cancellation Policy

For property managers, a cancellation policy demonstrates a professional commitment to protecting the property owner’s investment with discipline and accountability. It is the framework that prevents “calendar blocking”, where guests hold dates they don’t intend to keep, ensuring your revenue stream remains predictable. 

Managing this process with transparency and consistency is vital for maintaining your professional reputation. Master these settings to manage cancellations with a business-first mindset, ensuring you quickly replace every lost booking or receive fair compensation.

In this chapter, we will break down the mechanics of Airbnb’s cancellation tiers to help you choose the strategic framework that best protects your bottom line.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is recognized as an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. The content of this guide is independently developed by internal experts at GuestWisely and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Airbnb.

Airbnb Cancellation Policy Options

Airbnb offers various policy tiers for booking cancellation, allowing property managers to choose the level of guest flexibility that best suits their business. With this in mind, selecting the right tier allows property managers to remain competitive without compromising stability.

Cancellation policies for short stays

For all reservations of 27 nights or fewer, Airbnb provides several cancellation tiers to help you balance guest flexibility with revenue protection. Most policies feature a 24-hour cancellation period, allowing guests to get a full refund for up to 24 hours after the reservation is confirmed, as long as the reservation was confirmed at least 7 days before check-in (based on the listing’s local time). Select hotels are exempt from the 24-hour free standard cancellation period.

• Flexible: Guests can receive a full refund (including taxes) if they cancel at least 24 hours before check-in. For cancellations made after that period, guests will receive a refund of pro-rated taxes. Hosts will be paid for each night they stay, plus one additional night.
• Moderate: Guests can get a full refund (including taxes) if they cancel at least 5 days before check-in. If cancelling after that period, guests will receive a refund of pro-rated taxes. Hosts will be paid for each night they stay, plus one additional night and 50% for all unspent nights.
• Limited (Effective Oct 1, 2025): Guests can get a full refund (including taxes) if making cancellations up to 14 days before check-in. Cancellations between 7 and 14 days before check-in but after 24-hour cancellation period result in a 50% refund (full taxes included) and hosts will be paid 50% for all nights. Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in entitle guests to a refund of pro-rated taxes and hosts will be paid 100% for all nights. 
• Firm: Guests can get a full refund (including taxes) for cancellations up to 30 days before check-in. Cancellations made between 7 and 30 days before check-in but after 24-hour cancellation period result in a 50% refund (taxes included) and hosts will be paid 50% for all nights. For cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in, guests will receive a refund of pro-rated taxes while hosts will be paid 100% for all nights.

For certain hosts, the following cancellation policies may also apply:

• Strict: Guests receive a 50% refund (including taxes) if they cancel at least 7 days before check-in, provided it is after the initial 24-hour grace period; in this case, hosts are paid 50% for all nights. Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in result in a refund of pro-rated taxes for guests, while hosts are paid 100% for all nights.
• Super Strict 30 Days: Guests receive a 50% refund (including taxes) if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in, provided it is after the 24-hour grace period; hosts are then paid 50% for all nights. For cancellations made less than 30 days before check-in, guests receive only a refund of pro-rated taxes, and hosts are paid 100% for all nights.
• Super Strict 60 Days: Guests receive a 50% refund (including taxes) if they cancel at least 60 days before check-in, provided it is after the 24-hour grace period; hosts are then paid 50% for all nights. If cancellations occur less than 60 days before check-in, guests are entitled to a refund of pro-rated taxes, and hosts are paid 100% for all nights.

Long-term cancellation policies for monthly stays

Managing extended stays requires a different approach to risk. For any reservation of 28 consecutive nights or more, Airbnb applies a Long-Term Cancellation Policy. These policies are designed to protect your revenue during longer booking blocks, where filling a last-minute vacancy is significantly more challenging. You can choose between two primary tiers to safeguard your monthly income:

• Firm: To receive a full refund (including taxes), guests must cancel at least 30 days before their scheduled check-in. If a guest cancels after this 30-day window, they will only get a full refund of taxes and hosts will be paid for all nights spent plus an additional 30 nights. In case the remaining duration is fewer than 30 nights at the time of cancellation, hosts will be paid 100% for all of those nights.
• Strict: Guests are only entitled to a full refund if they cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 28 days before check-in. Outside of this period, hosts are paid for all nights already spent plus the next 30 nights of the reservation, while guests only receive a full refund of taxes. Should there be fewer than 30 nights remaining when the guest cancels, hosts will be paid 100% for all of those remaining nights. 

Airbnb’s major disruptive events policy

Airbnb cancellations and refunds are generally governed by the listing’s cancellation policy. However, for cancellations impacted by unforeseeable events outside the control of either the hosts or the guests, Airbnb’s Major Disruptive Events Policy may apply. When this policy is in effect, guests may cancel their bookings and receive a refund regardless of standard cancellation terms. Conversely, hosts may also cancel without fees or other adverse consequences; however, their calendars will remain blocked for the canceled periods.

What events are covered

• Declared public health emergencies and epidemics
• Government travel restrictions
• Military actions and other hostilities.
• Large-scale outages of essential utilities.
• Unforeseeable natural disasters and severe weather events.

How this policy affects hosts

When Major Disruptive Events or significant property issues impact a reservation, the following effects apply to hosts:

• No Cancellation Fees: Hosts can cancel without financial penalties or adverse impacts on their account standing (like Superhost status).
• Calendar Blocks: To prevent double-bookings during the canceled dates, the listing’s calendar is automatically blocked for this period.
• Payout Adjustments: No payout is issued for the canceled dates. If the payout was already processed, the amount will be deducted from the next payout(s).
• Valid Host-Initiated Cancellation: Hosts may cancel without fees for legitimate reasons such as major property damage. 
• Mandatory Cancellation: Hosts are required to cancel if a property is uninhabitable or inconsistent with the listing description.
• Consequences for Non-Compliance: Listing suspension, reservation cancellation, guest refunds, or even account removal may apply if the violation of Ground rules for hosts occurs.

Cancel or change a reservation as a host

Cancellations disrupt guest plans and undermine trust on the platform. As a result, they can lead to substantial penalties, including financial fees, automatic calendar blocks, and the potential loss of Superhost status.

Steps to cancel a reservation as a host

On Airbnb, canceling a confirmed reservation carries significant impact and should serve as a last resort, taken only after you exhaust all other options.

• Click Today > Reservations 
• Select the reservation you want to cancel, and click Cancel reservation
• Select your answers to the questions that follow, and click Next
• Review and click Confirm cancellation

You may not be able to cancel active home reservations or those for which check-in is scheduled to occur within 24 hours. In those cases, you’ll need to Airbnb.

Steps to Change a Reservation

Before initiating a cancellation, it is advisable to explore every available option, such as offering alternative options for the reservation such as another property within your portfolio or coordinating with the guest to adjust their dates. This flexible option is essential for protecting your business’s reputation and bottom line.

• Click Today > Reservations
• Click Upcoming and select the reservation you’d like to change
• Click Details and then click Change reservation
• Change listing, dates, number of guests, or price
• Review the changes, then click Send request

Keep in mind that guests may choose to decline a trip change request. If that happens and you can’t accommodate their current stay, you will need to proceed with a cancellation.

Cancellation Penalty for Hosts

Airbnb imposes severe penalties for host-initiated cancellations to protect the integrity of the guest experience and platform reliability.

Host Penalty Consequences

• Automatic Review: An automated public review will be posted to your listing stating that you canceled the reservation.
• Blocked Calendar: Your calendar may be blocked, preventing new bookings for the canceled dates.
• Financial Penalty: A cancellation fee will be charged and deducted from your next payout, calculated based on the booking value and how close to check-in the cancellation occurred.
• Superhost Loss: Frequent cancellations will lead to the loss of your Superhost status for at least one assessment period.

Exceptions for Instant book hosts

Hosts who use the Instant Book feature may be exempt from cancellation penalties if they have valid concerns about a guest or the reservation. During the cancellation or reservation change process, hosts can select the appropriate reason to explain their decision. In these cases, Airbnb will attempt to secure a replacement booking for the affected dates.

How to update Airbnb Cancellation Policy

Keeping your cancellation policy updated is more than just an administrative task; it is a powerful tool for risk mitigation. As seasonal demand fluctuates, your policy must remain adaptive to stay competitive. A well-calibrated policy balances guest-friendly flexibility with strong booking conversion rates.

Steps to Update Your Policy

• Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
• Under Listing editor, click Your space
• Click Cancellation policy
• Next to your policy, click Edit
• Make your selection and then click Save

The updated cancellation policy applies to future bookings only; pending or confirmed reservations remain unaffected.

The refund process

A refund process to guests before their check-in

• Go to Reservations.
• Select the relevant booking.
• Click Issue refund.

How guests receive their refund

• The refund can be applied to another reservation of the guest’s choice, or
• The amount can be made to the guest’s bank account within 48 hours of processing.

Note: If a guest cancels more than four weeks before check-in, Airbnb automatically processes the refund without requiring a manual request.

Tips to avoid canceling on guests

To maintain a high-performing listing and avoid the pitfalls of cancellations, a proactive approach to property management is essential. Ensuring your Airbnb is always guest-ready minimizes the need for last-minute changes that can disrupt your business operations. Here are effective strategies to prevent cancellations:

• Maintain calendar accuracy: Sync your Airbnb calendar with an integrated channel manager, such as GuestWisely, to enable real-time availability updates across OTAs. This prevents the most common cause of host cancellations: double bookings.
• Maintain listing accuracy: Ensure your description and amenities are always up to date to set clear expectations. This helps avoid mandatory cancellations by Airbnb due to non-compliance.
• Schedule preventative maintenance: Catch and resolve minor issues before they force a full cancellation by utilizing GuestWisely’s automated task management tool.
• Optimize pricing strategies: Ensure all listings have optimal pricing to reduce the temptation to cancel due to rate discrepancies. Leverage GuestWisely’s dynamic pricing tool to protect profit margins while maintaining booking stability.