Airbnb’s latest update, the 2025 Summer Release, brings a big shift that many short-term rental hosts need to be aware of. While the headlines boast new conveniences for guests, there are hidden implications for hosts -especially around control, compensation, and liability.

Airbnb Services at Your Listing -By Default
Airbnb has launched a new feature called Airbnb Services, which allows guests to book add-ons like private chefs, massage therapists, personal trainers, and other in-person services -delivered directly to the Airbnb they’re staying in.

By default, every host and listing is automatically enrolled in this program. If a guest books a massage or a meal experience, the service provider could show up at your property—without any prior notice to you.

What This Means for Hosts

• No Control - Hosts are not alerted when a guest books a third-party service and do not have the option to approve or deny access to the property. This opens your doors to outside vendors you don’t know.
• No Compensation - Even though these services use your property as the setting, you earn nothing from the booking. Airbnb collects the fee and the vendor gets paid. 
• Liability & Insurance Concerns - Anytime someone new steps onto your property, liability risk increases. If something goes wrong during a third-party service -a trip-and-fall, a fire, or property damage- you may be on the hook, unless your insurance policy explicitly covers outside service providers.

Why You Might Opt Out
This update may work well for hosts with full-time managers on-site or those operating full-service hospitality properties -but for the rest of us, the risks might outweigh the benefits.

Here’s why some hosts are choosing to opt out:

• To maintain control over who enters your property
• ️ To protect against liability and insurance gaps
• To preserve the guest experience and avoid surprises

How to Opt Out
As of now, there is no setting in your dashboard to turn off Airbnb Services. So, to opt out:

•  Contact Airbnb Support directly via the Help Center or through your hosting app.
• ❌ Clearly request to opt out of Airbnb Services for all your listings.
• ✔️ Ask for confirmation that your properties are no longer included.

Stay Informed, Stay in Control
These new features may be marketed as value-adds for guests, but the potential burden falls on the host. As a community of responsible short-term rental operators, it’s crucial we stay informed and speak up when changes affect our business.

If you’ve opted out—or are considering it—share your thoughts with fellow hosts at one of our upcoming host chats. We’re stronger together when we advocate for fairness and control over our spaces.

Need Help?
 Have questions or want help contacting Airbnb? Email us! We're here to help.

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