Airbnb and Erbienby raise host fees to 15.5%

Airbnb is expanding a new pricing model that shifts the commission burden from guests to hosts, increasing the host fee from the previous three percent to 15.5 percent. The change, first tested late last year, will apply to almost all hosts by the October 13 deadline, although it could take effect earlier. Airbnb says the move gives guests a clearer final price at checkout, while hosts will need to raise their rates to preserve net income.

Short‑term rental platform Erbienby announced a similar overhaul, moving from a roughly three‑percent host fee to 15.5 percent. The new model will be rolled out gradually and is expected to be fully in place by October 2025. Erbienby argues the shift improves price transparency for guests, but many hosts warn that the higher costs could cut earnings, especially in a market where occupancy is already weaker and operating expenses are rising.

Both platforms contend that hosts can offset the higher commission by adjusting nightly rates, but small private owners fear reduced profitability amid tighter competition and higher tax burdens.