Airbnb Off Platform Policy: What Hosts Need to Know in 2025
As of May 2025, Airbnb has introduced a stricter version of its Off Platform Policy, aiming to increase trust and security on the platform. While the new rules limit off-platform communication and the collection of certain guest data, there are important legal exceptions that every host must understand.
In this article, we break down what the Airbnb Off Platform Policy means, what’s allowed and what’s not, and how Chekin helps you remain compliant—while continuing to automate ID verification, access control, and legal reporting.
What Is Airbnb’s Off Platform Policy?
Airbnb’s Off Platform Policy governs how hosts can interact with guests before and after a booking. The core objective is to ensure that:
- Payments and communication stay within Airbnb’s ecosystem
- Guests are protected by Airbnb’s AirCover
- Hosts are not redirecting users to alternative services or channels
Key Rules in the 2025 Airbnb Off Platform Policy
1. No External Communication Before Booking
Airbnb prohibits hosts from sharing phone numbers, email addresses, or links to external websites before a booking is confirmed. All communication must take place through Airbnb’s messaging system.
2. No Marketing or Contact Collection
Hosts are not allowed to ask guests for personal contact details like emails or phone numbers for marketing or future retargeting.
3. No External Payment Requests
All charges—including cleaning fees, tourist taxes, or access services—must either be included in the Airbnb booking or handled through Airbnb-approved methods.
4. Restrictions on External Apps and Check-in Tools
Airbnb discourages the use of third-party apps or platforms to manage access, guest information, or stay logistics, unless required for legal compliance.
What’s Still Allowed: Legal Compliance Exceptions
This is where Chekin plays a critical role. Airbnb clearly states that certain exceptions to the off platform policy are permitted if they are required by law or for compliance purposes.
Legal Use Case #1: Identity Verification
Chekin enables hosts to request official guest IDs and perform biometric verification. This is legally required in many countries (e.g., Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany) for guest reporting.
Airbnb stance:
“Asking guests for copies of their IDs before arrival, unless it is for legal or compliance reasons.”
Chekin is compliant. 90% of the data collected through Chekin’s verification process is required by local law.
Legal Use Case #2: Remote Access Control
In regions where hosts use smart locks, they must verify the guest’s identity before granting access. Chekin automates this by combining ID checks with access codes.
Legal justification: Verifying identity before granting property access is considered a safety measure and regulatory requirement.
Legal Use Case #3: Tourist Tax Collection
In countries like Italy, France, or Austria, collecting city or regional tourist taxes is mandatory. Chekin provides compliant tools to gather payment information from guests.
Airbnb allows this, as it falls under mandatory legal compliance.
How Chekin Keeps You Compliant
Chekin is built for legal automation. While it interacts with guests outside of Airbnb, it only does so when required by law. This makes Chekin a valid, policy-compliant tool under Airbnb’s current rules.
Summary of Compliant Features:
- ID and biometric verification
- Smart lock coordination post-verification
- Tourist tax payment collection
- Legal reporting to police/tourism authorities
- Timestamped consent forms and GDPR-compliant records
What Hosts Should Avoid
While using Chekin is safe, here’s what to avoid:
- Asking guests to pay extra fees not declared on Airbnb
- Requesting security deposits or insurance waivers externally
- Directing guests to third-party tools for marketing or upselling
Conclusion: Trust the Process, Automate Legally
Airbnb’s Off Platform Policy brings clarity to an evolving short-term rental landscape. For hosts using Chekin, there’s no reason to worry—as long as guest data collection and interactions are grounded in legal requirements.
Chekin remains one of the few tools that empowers hosts to remain fully compliant while enhancing the guest experience through automation. From ID verification to tax collection and access management, we help you do it right—legally and efficiently.
Stay smart. Stay compliant. Stay automated—with Chekin.
