10/24/2026
🚨 CONSUMER ALERT 🚨
🏡 🛫⛵️🗺️A LOT IS CHANGING IN THE VACATION RENTAL WORLD AND TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING!🗺️🚢🏖️🏡
If you travel and book vacation rentals anywhere in the world, but especially in the United States, understanding what’s happening behind the scenes can help you make informed choices and save money.
Here is what you need to know: Book Direct and SAVE $$$!
AIRBNB: Host fees went from 3% to 15.5% for owners
A few months ago, Airbnb began moving hosts to a single-fee structure, increasing the host fee from 3% to 15.5%. Airbnb no longer charges a separate guest service fee under this structure, but that doesn't mean the cost has decreased.
The 15.5% fee comes out of the host's payout and applies to the nightly rate and any other charges, such as cleaning fees. To maintain their earnings, many hosts have had to raise their nightly prices to make up even part of the difference. And now VRBO and its family of platforms are raising their rates from 5% to 12% for their hosts.
All this means higher prices for travelers, and higher taxes for owners and travelers because of the increased rental price. Depending on the property and tax rate, the overall increase can be significant, for some it is an additional 20%+.
And that’s not all!
AIRBNB'S NEW HOST POLICIES
Airbnb has also announced policy changes affecting rental agreements, guest identity verification, checkout tasks, and house rules.
These changes restrict what hosts can require of guests. For example, hosts generally cannot require a separate rental agreement, security deposit or collect guest identification other than meeting the guest and asking for id in-person and even that is subject to conditions.
VRBO: Host fees went from 5% to 12%
VRBO is following suit. For hosts on its pay-per-booking model, the commission is increasing from 5% to 12%, effective October 29, 2026. Hosts on annual subscription plans are being transitioned when their subscriptions expire.
And yes, VRBO is still charging travelers a separate service fee on top of the rental price!
BOOKINGCOM: 15% OR MORE
Booking. com host fees can run 15% or higher, depending on the property's agreement and arrangement.
WHO ENDS UP PAYING FOR ALL THESE FEE INCREASES?
The hosts aren't simply going to absorb these costs. Many will raise their prices to make up the difference.
And when prices rise, travelers can end up paying more, including potentially paying taxes on the higher rental amount.
💡 SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
BOOK DIRECT whenever you can!
Here's how:
1. Find a vacation rental you like on Airbnb or VRBO.
2. Look for the name of the property, or management company.
3. Google that name and see whether you can find its direct-booking website.
4. Compare the total price, including cleaning fees, taxes, and other charges.
When you book directly with the legitimate owner or property manager, you may avoid some third-party platform fees and save money. Depending on the property, the savings could be 20% or more.
Just make sure you're booking through a legitimate website and understand the payment and cancellation policies.
😳WE ALL HAVE SOME DECISIONS TO MAKE HERE.
As travelers, we need to be smarter about where we book.
As hosts, we need to decide whether these platforms are still worth the fees and restrictions they impose.
Please share this with anyone who travels or books vacation rentals. They deserve to know what's happening, and that there may be a better, more affordable way to book!
To book direct with us go to: www.Smoky-CabinRentals.com
We currently have 2 great cabins: Woodland Ridge and Tunnel Vision
Reach out if you’d like to reserve your next trip to the Smoky Mountains!
Thanks.
