Airbnb Host Alleges Hefty Surcharge on Long-Term Booking
A host shared their frustration on Reddit regarding a nearly 50% fee added to a 90-day booking extension.
An Airbnb host expressed shock and dismay on Reddit after encountering a substantial surcharge on a 90-day booking extension for guests at their property. The host, who posted on the r/AirBnBHosts subreddit, described the situation as "crazy," questioning the affordability of the final price.
The host initially rented their home to five guests for a week. When the guests expressed a desire to extend their stay for 90 days, the host was pleased, considering them to be excellent renters. To incentivize the extension and potentially offer a better rate, the host suggested the guests wait a few days to re-book at a "winter rate," which included a 20% discount for monthly stays, bringing the host's income to approximately $3100 per month.
However, the host's plan was complicated by unexpected fees from Airbnb and Evolve, their property management company. According to the host, these platforms imposed a "50% surcharge on the monthly rate," significantly inflating the cost for the guests. This unexpected markup led the host to exclaim, "Who can possibly afford to pay near 5k a month?"
The host voiced concern that such high fees could damage the business. To circumvent the excessive charges and retain the guests, the host decided to bypass Airbnb and Evolve by offering the guests a direct short-term lease.
The post resonated with other Reddit users, many of whom agreed that the markup was excessive. Comments suggested that such high surcharges could hurt Airbnb's business and praised the host's initiative to offer a direct lease. Some users shared anecdotes about property managers employing similar opaque fee structures. Conversely, one commenter expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the claim, attributing potential issues more to Evolve than Airbnb.
In related news, Airbnb recently introduced new features, including 3D floor plans for listings and expanded grocery delivery services in Europe, alongside boat rentals in South Florida. The company also maintains an online help center to assist hosts with fee-related inquiries.