Topic
Short-Term Rental Hosts
Airbnb and Vrbo fees for hosts after the 15.5% host-only fee: how much to reprice, cleaning fees, occupancy tax, refunds, co-host pay, insurance, and getting direct bookings without breaking platform rules.
9 articles · browse the full archive
GrowthAirbnb Bookings Dropped Suddenly? Check These 9
Bookings went to zero? Split it first: views down means ranking or a blocked calendar, views steady means price. The 9 checks, in order, from Airbnb's own rules.
16 min
GrowthAirbnb Fee When a Guest Cancels or You Refund
Under Airbnb's 15.5% host-only fee, a free-window cancel costs you nothing, but a refund you send yourself leaves Airbnb's cut on your side. Who pays in 7 cases.
17 min
GrowthDo I Need Short Term Rental Insurance? 7 Gaps
Yes, if guests pay you. Homeowners policies are not built for paying guests, and AirCover covers only Airbnb stays, at actual cash value. Here are the 7 gaps.
16 min
GrowthDoes Airbnb Take 15.5% of My Cleaning Fee? Yes
Yes. On a $150 cleaning fee Airbnb now keeps $23.25, not $4.50. Here is the gross-up table, the co-host payout leak, and what you cannot route around.
15 min
GrowthHow Much to Raise Airbnb Prices for the 15.5% Fee
Raise prices 14.8%, not 18.34%, if you were paying Airbnb's 3% host fee. Here is the formula for your rate, and the fees and floors most hosts forget.
16 min
GrowthHow to Get Direct Bookings for a Short Term Rental
Airbnb now takes 15.5% from most hosts. Here is the math on what a direct booking can cost you, the tactics Airbnb bans, and 7 steps that find new guests.
16 min
GrowthOccupancy Tax on Airbnb's Service Fee: Who Pays
Often yes, now. Once the 15.5% fee sits inside your price, a 14% tax adds $2.10 per $100 night. The guest pays it unless you hold the total flat.
16 min
GrowthVrbo vs Airbnb Fees for Hosts: 12% vs 15.5%
Airbnb takes 15.5% from most hosts. Vrbo moves to a single 12% commission on October 29, 2026, but still charges guests a fee. Here is what each one keeps.
16 min
GrowthWhat Should an Airbnb Co-Host Charge? 15.5% Math
Airbnb says co-hosts typically charge 15 to 25%, but it pays them from what is left after its 15.5% fee. Here is what 20% really costs and where the split leaks.
16 min