Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (2024)

Are you looking for ways to increase your short-term rental income? If so, you may want to consider charging an Airbnb extra guest fee. This optional fee allows you to cover the added costs of hosting more people and offer value for people traveling alone or in small groups. In this blog post, we will explain how to set up this fee and start generating more revenue from your short-term rental listing.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels.Start your free trial today!

Table of Contents

2

Why Would You Want to Charge an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee?

To cover the added costs of hosting additional guests

To offer value for solo travelers or small groups

To generate more revenue

3

How Do You Set Up an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee?

How Do You Set Up an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee with a Property Management System?

4

Tips for Charging the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee

See Also
fee simple

Consider offering a discount for longer stays

Communicate with guests before they arrive

Be flexible with your pricing

What is an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee?

The Airbnb extra guest fee is an optional charge that hosts can add to their listings. This fee is designed to cover the added costs of hosting more people, such as additional laundry, cleaning, and wear and tear on the property. Airbnb explains that this fee should be "competitive with what other guests would pay for similar accommodations."

Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (1)

Why Would You Want to Charge an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee?

There are a few reasons why you might want to charge an Airbnb extra guest fee:

To cover the added costs of hosting additional guests

As we mentioned above, this fee can help offset the additional costs that come with hosting more guests.

To offer value for solo travelers or small groups

If you frequently get inquiries from solo travelers or small groups, this fee can help make your listing more competitive. Some hosts will only accept guests if they are traveling in a group of two or more, so offering a reduced rate for smaller groups can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. Plus, it makes those guests feel like they are receiving an exclusive deal.

To generate more revenue

Of course, one of the main reasons you might want to charge an Airbnb extra guest fee is to simply generate more income from your listing. This fee is entirely optional, so it's up to you whether or not you want to add it to your listing. However, if you're looking for ways to increase your short-term rental income, this is a great option to consider!

How Do You Set Up an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee?

If you're interested in adding an Airbnb extra guest fee to your listing, setting it up is easy! Airbnb allows you to set a different price for each person that books your listing, so you can simply add the extra guest fee as an additional charge for bookings with more than one person.

To set up an Airbnb extra guest fee:

  1. Log in to your Airbnb account and go to your listing page
  2. Click "Pricing and Availability"
  3. Select “Fees”
  4. Scroll down to "Extra Guest Fee” and click “Edit”
  5. Enter the number of guests that will be charged the extra fee (e.g., two or more guests)
  6. Enter the amount you want to charge per night for each additional guest
  7. Click "Save"

And that's it! Once you've added the extra guest fee to your listing, you'll start generating additional income from your short-term rental property.

How Do You Set Up an Airbnb Extra Guest Fee with a Property Management System?

When you connect your Airbnb with a property management system (PMS) like Host Tools, the process of adding an extra guest fee slightly different.

You can easily adjust all of your settings on Host Tools if you choose a full connection when linking your account.

To edit your Airbnb settings, click on your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner and choose "Settings" from the drop-down menu.

Click "Airbnb" next to the listing whose Airbnb settings you'd like to adjust.

Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (2)

This will open up a pop-up where you can customize all of your Airbnb settings. From here, you can edit the "price per extra person" as highlighted below:

Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (3)

Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (4)

Tips for Charging the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee

Now that you know how to set up an Airbnb extra guest fee, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Consider offering a discount for longer stays

If you're worried about deterring guests with an extra guest fee, consider offering a discount for longer stays. For example, you could charge a higher rate for one-night stays and a lower rate for bookings of three nights or more. This will give guests an incentive to book a longer stay while still allowing you to generate additional income from your listing.

Communicate with guests before they arrive

Be sure to communicate with your guests and let them know about the extra guest fee. This way, there are no surprises if they show up with an extra travel companion. You can add a note to your listing description or send an automated message to guests before arrival.

Be flexible with your pricing

Remember, the Airbnb extra guest fee is an optional charge, so you can always adjust your pricing if you're not getting the results you want. If you find that you're not getting many bookings, try reducing the fee or offering a discount for longer stays. On the other hand, if you're getting a lot of inquiries from solo travelers, you might want to consider increasing the fee.

Overall, the Airbnb extra guest fee is a great way to offset the additional costs of hosting more guests, offer value for solo travelers or small groups, and generate more income from your short-term rental listing. If you're interested in adding this fee to your listing, it's easy to set up, and there are a few different ways you can structure the pricing. Be sure to communicate with guests before they arrive, so there are no surprises and be flexible with your pricing if you're not getting the results you want. With a little trial and error, you'll be able to find the perfect Airbnb extra guest fee for your listing!

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Use the Airbnb Extra Guest Fee to Boost Your Income (2024)

FAQs

What should the extra guest fee be for Airbnb? ›

How much to charge for extra guests on Airbnb. Hosts should charge between $20 and $25 for extra guests. To look at what hosts charge for extra guests in general, we can use a histogram. A histogram chart shows data grouped into ranges making it easier to visualize distribution.

What happens if you bring extra guests to Airbnb? ›

It's up to you, as the Host, to decide if you can accommodate any extra people. If guests show up with extra people, you have the right to turn them away.

Why does Airbnb charge more for 2 guests? ›

The platform allows you to charge an extra guest fee if your vacation rental space can accommodate them comfortably. This optional fee helps to cover the added costs of hosting more people and offer value for people traveling alone or in small groups.

Why did Airbnb charge me extra? ›

Don't worry: All pricing information is included when you book – but there are a few situations where you may owe more after paying: You change your reservation (e.g. You add another guest) Your Host files an AirCover for Hosts request for damage that occurred during your Airbnb stay.

How do you explain extra guest fees? ›

This fee is designed to cover the added costs of hosting more people, such as additional laundry, cleaning, and wear and tear on the property. Airbnb explains that this fee should be "competitive with what other guests would pay for similar accommodations."

Who pays the guest service fee on Airbnb? ›

Most Hosts pay a flat service fee of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is your nightly price plus any optional fees you charge guests, like a cleaning fee, and doesn't include Airbnb fees and taxes. Guests typically pay a service fee of around 14% of the booking subtotal.

How do I stop Airbnb guests from bringing extra visitors? ›

You should disclose to your visitors that you have a security camera or smart doorbell installed in your house rules or guest communications. This will deter guests from bringing additional visitors to your Airbnb, as they know they will be watched the whole time when entering and leaving the rental.

Does Airbnb check the amount of guests? ›

Is Airbnb strict about the number of guests? Airbnb's policy on guests leaves it up to the host to specify and encourages hosts to be clear about their limits. Hosts can state the number of people, cost per person, and the number of beds in the property.

Can Airbnb have cameras inside? ›

Airbnb prohibits security cameras or recording devices that are in or that observe private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas. You must indicate the presence of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around a listing, even if they're not turned on or hooked up.

Can Airbnb host charge extra for cleaning? ›

A cleaning fee is a one-off charge for cleaning the space you stay in and is set by the Host. It's an extra amount on top of the nightly rate when you book a listing. This fee covers the extra expenses Hosts incur when getting their place ready for guests to arrive or after they leave.

Can Airbnb host charge extra for damages? ›

Hosts aren't allowed to charge guests a security deposit through our Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform. Instead, we inform guests at the time of booking that their payment method may be charged if they cause damage during a stay.

Does Airbnb have hidden fees? ›

In recent years, Airbnb has been criticized for having high hidden fees pop up and surprise users upon check-out, with multitudes of travelers taking to social media to gripe about their disappointments and frustrations.

How ridiculous is Airbnb service fee? ›

What Airbnb did not actually add, is that the company adds a 14.2% service to the host's cleaning fee. So, to a $114 cleaning fee, Airbnb adds $16.19 in service fee. So, yes, Airbnb makes money on the host's cleaning fee, through its service fee.

What happens if you don't pay extra fees on Airbnb? ›

If you do not pay the extra charges from Airbnb Resolution Center, then they may take legal action against you. This could include filing a lawsuit or seeking to collect the money through other means such as wage garnishment or bank account seizure.

What happens if I refuse to pay damage request on Airbnb? ›

If you don't submit a timely payment or appeal, or your appeal is unsuccessful, your payment method will be charged. (This does not apply to stays in China, Japan, or India.) You'll never be charged without advance notice or a chance to appeal before and after you've been charged.

How do you accommodate extra guests? ›

Read on for 11 clever tips to host overnight guests in a small apartment with ease:
  1. Clear your space to make more room for guests. ...
  2. Invest in an air mattress. ...
  3. Gather your coziest blankets and sheets. ...
  4. Make your living space sleep-friendly. ...
  5. Stock up on bathroom necessities. ...
  6. Use a folding screen for privacy.
Jan 10, 2018

What means extra fee? ›

The term surcharge refers to an additional charge, fee, or tax that is added to the cost of a good or service beyond the initially quoted price. A surcharge is often added to an existing tax and is not included in the stated price of the good or service.

What is an extra fee? ›

meanings of extra and fee

an amount of money paid for a particular piece of work or for a particular right ... See more at fee.

How much do Airbnb hosts make? ›

Average Annual Host Revenue By Arrangement Type: 2021/2020
ARRANGEMENT TYPEAVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2021AVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2020
Entire Home$14,498$8,749
Hotel Room$8,452$4,885
Private Room$5,260$2,994
Shared Room$2,158$1,536

What percentage do Airbnb hosts keep? ›

The host pays a flat rate of 3% of the total booking cost and the guest pays a percentage of their reservation fee (this is somewhere between 5-20% depending on the length of stay, the location, and the cost of the reservation to start with).

What does guest service fee mean on Airbnb? ›

What Are Airbnb Service Fees? An Airbnb service fee is a fee charged to hosts and/or guests by Airbnb in exchange for the marketing, administration, and 24/7 customer support services the platform provides. This fee is charged as a percentage of the subtotal value of each booking made.

Can an Airbnb host refuse a guest? ›

If your reservation request is declined by the host or expires (hosts have 24 hours to respond), no charge is made for the reservation and you're free to book another place to stay.

Does Airbnb penalize guests for cancelling? ›

Guests who cancel will receive an automatic refund if your cancellation policy permits it. Even if it doesn't, they may qualify for a refund under our Rebooking and Refund Policy, or if there's an extenuating circ*mstance.

What can Airbnb hosts see about guests? ›

Before you book, a Host will only be shown your first name and identity verification status. Your full name and profile photo will be shared with the Host after your booking is confirmed.

Do Airbnb hosts always rate guests? ›

Do Airbnb hosts rate guests? Yes, Airbnb hosts can rate guests. One of Airbnb's values is to instill trust and transparency between both guests and hosts. Guests rely on good feedback so that other Airbnb hosts will accept them into their homes.

How do you tell if there's a camera in my Airbnb? ›

How to Spot Hidden Cameras
  1. Scan the Environment Thoroughly to Look for Unfamiliar Devices or Gadgets. ...
  2. Turn off all the Lights in the Room to Spot Night Vision Cameras. ...
  3. Use your Mobile Phone to Locate Hidden Cameras. ...
  4. Check every Mirror in the Room for Hidden Spy Cameras.
Aug 29, 2022

How do I find my hidden camera on Airbnb? ›

Look around you

“With cameras you should look for tiny holes, which is where the lens will be,” says Roberts. “Check common items: the back end of books, mirrors, light bulbs, house plants. Look in logical places; if someone was looking for information, they'd put a device in the lounge.

What app detects cameras in Airbnb? ›

For Android, you can try the Glint Finder, which uses a camera flash to locate lens reflections. For iOS, there's the Hidden Camera Detector app, which can not only seek out lenses but also help you monitor Wi-Fi.

What happens if you don't clean Airbnb? ›

Send a refund request

You can ask the Host to fix the issue, request a refund of the cleaning fee, or, for severe issues, you could request to cancel your reservation for a full refund of remaining nights. Wait for a response: If your Host declines or doesn't respond, you can ask Airbnb to step in to help.

How do I reduce my Airbnb cleaning fee? ›

To add or edit a cleaning fee for your listing:
  1. Go to Listings and select the listing you want.
  2. Click Pricing and availability and go to Fees.
  3. Next to Cleaning fee, click Edit.
  4. Enter your cleaning fee, then click Save.

How do I request extra cleaning fee on Airbnb? ›

  1. Tap Profile and then tap Switch to hosting.
  2. Tap Menu, then Listings and tap the listing you want.
  3. Tap Booking settings.
  4. Go to Pricing and tap Extra charges.
  5. Enter your cleaning fee, then tap Save.

Can Airbnb owners get sued? ›

The short answer is yes. In case of guest complaints or unfortunate accidents, property owners can indeed get sued. This is why you need to know how to protect yourself from a potential lawsuit and assess if being sued is a real possibility.

What is the vomit policy on Airbnb? ›

Vomit are things that employees need to share and just want someone to listen to them. This practice is widely believed to be one of the cornerstones of Airbnb's excellent company culture.

Why do Airbnb have hidden cameras? ›

Airbnb does allow the use of cameras for safety of security reasons “as long as they are clearly disclosed in the listing description and don't infringe on another person's privacy. Rules about devices apply to all cameras, recording devices, smart devices, and monitoring devices”.

Who is responsible for cleaning Airbnb? ›

No, guests are not responsible for cleaning Airbnb. Cleaning is the responsibility of the host or a professional cleaner hired by them. Guests should leave the space in a tidy condition and follow any specific instructions from their host regarding cleanliness during their stay.

What is the difference between cleaning fee and service fee on Airbnb? ›

Hidden travel costs like cleaning fees are commonplace on Airbnb. They are explained as a one-time fee pocketed by the host to cover the cost of cleaning their space. Cleaning fees come on top of the base price and a service fee (which Airbnb pockets).

What is the average cleaning fee on Airbnb? ›

What is the average Airbnb cleaning fee? The average cleaning fee on Airbnb is between $50 – $80, however, this average is somewhat misleading. With such a huge spectrum of listings from tiny rooms in shared houses, to opulent mansions with 10+ rooms, it's very hard to find an accurate average.

Do you have to clean Airbnb? ›

Cleanliness: Guests should not leave the listing in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (ex: with moldy dishes, soiled carpets, stains from pets, etc.). Cleaning fees set by Hosts are only meant to cover the cost of standard cleaning between reservations (ex: laundry, vacuuming, etc.).

Can Airbnb take me to court? ›

Yes, Airbnb hosts can sue guests if they feel they have been wronged. Airbnb hosts can file a suit in small claims court if they feel the guest has caused damage to their property or has violated the terms of the rental agreement.

Does declining Airbnb request hurt you? ›

You can respond to an inquiry with an answer, a pre-approval, or by declining. Declining an inquiry signals to the guest that their needs aren't a good fit for your space and encourages them to request another listing. But none of these actions directly affect your acceptance rate.

Can Airbnb take you to collections? ›

1 If Airbnb Payments is unable to collect any amounts you owe under the Terms and these Payments Terms, Airbnb Payments may engage in collection efforts to recover such amounts from you.

How do I charge my guest for extra cleaning on Airbnb? ›

  1. Go to Listings and select the listing you want.
  2. Tap Pricing and availability and go to Fees.
  3. Next to Cleaning fee, tap Edit.
  4. Enter your cleaning fee, then tap Save.

Does guest service fee go to Airbnb? ›

The host-only fee is just that - only the host pays a service fee to Airbnb, and not the guest. At first glance, this may seem unfavorable.

Does Airbnb add extra fees? ›

Don't worry: All pricing information is included when you book—but there are a few situations where you may owe more after paying: You change your reservation (ex: You add another guest) Your Host files an AirCover for Hosts request for damage that occurred during your Airbnb stay.

Can an Airbnb host make you clean? ›

It's not uncommon for hosts to ask guests to take out the trash, run the dishwasher or start a load of laundry with the towels and sheets. There's no rule saying that Airbnbs can't do both — charge cleaning fees and require some light housekeeping.

How do I avoid paying service fees on Airbnb? ›

4 Easy Ways Guests Can Stop Paying Fees on Airbnb
  1. Browsing Other Sites To See if the Listing Is Cheaper. ...
  2. Seeing if the Unit Is Listed on a Private Website. ...
  3. Contacting the Host and Ask About Flexibility in Pricing. ...
  4. Paying the Host Directly.

What adds the most value to an Airbnb? ›

Consider adding as many “amenities” as possible, even if it is something as simple as shampoo or cooking oil. Guests seem to really be impressed by our listings when they show up and everything is ready for them to enjoy instead of having to run out to the store to buy salt & pepper.

Does Airbnb check how many guests? ›

Is Airbnb strict about the number of guests? Airbnb's policy on guests leaves it up to the host to specify and encourages hosts to be clear about their limits. Hosts can state the number of people, cost per person, and the number of beds in the property.

How do I increase my price on Airbnb? ›

Set and customize nightly pricing
  1. Go to Calendar and select the listing you want.
  2. Go to the panel on the right side to find your pricing and availability settings.
  3. Find the Base price section under Pricing.
  4. Enter your default nightly price and click Save.

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