New Airbnb Rental Policy: How Akia Helps Your Property Stay Compliant

Recent updates to Airbnb's policies have left many vacation rental managers wondering how to maintain quality guest communication while staying compliant. Among the first solutions to offer native integration with Airbnb messaging, Akia's guest journey platform helps with compliance, so your property can continue business as usual.

What This Policy Update Means for Your Property

Airbnb’s new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy introduces several restrictions that impact how hosts interact with guests and manage their reservations. However, with the right disclosures and a technology partner that will help you automate your guest journeys within the boundaries of the Airbnb guidelines, property managers can still communicate with guests, offer rich experiences, and handle all of their operational needs. 

How Akia Helps You Stay Compliant

Akia is uniquely positioned to help vacation rental managers navigate these new restrictions while enhancing the guest experience. As the leading guest journey platform to offer native integration with Airbnb messaging, Akia provides compliant solutions that work within Airbnb's ecosystem.

Using Akia and Airbnb Together

With Akia, you don't have to choose between policy compliance and guest satisfaction. Our platform is designed to work within Airbnb's messaging and the software-connected host ecosystem while enhancing the guest experience at every touchpoint. Akia's platform ensures your property can:

• Confirm necessary contact information without violating any new policies
• Deliver rich guest experiences through Mini Apps that are Airbnb compliant
• Provide added amenities while still adhering to Airbnb's payment requirements
• Use approved communication channels throughout the guest journey
• Enhance your property’s reputation by collecting reviews in a compliant manner
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And Akia’s direct integration with Airbnb ensures that you stay connected with your guests along their entire journey, through the ease of a single messaging platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍Q: Can I still use Akia to communicate with Airbnb guests?

A: Yes. Akia's native integration with Airbnb provides compliant communication directly through Airbnb messaging. Additionally, guests may elect an alternative preferred communication method (like SMS or Email) after booking.

Q: Can I still send Mini Apps to Airbnb guests?

A: Yes. Akia's Mini Apps don't require installation or account creation, so they can be offered as optional tools to enhance the guest experience. They fall under the exception for "apps that facilitate a guest's experience during the stay" as long as they remain optional for guests.

Q: Can I capture photo IDs for Airbnb guests?

A: Yes. Under Airbnb's policy, you can collect government ID photos prior to arrival, as long as this requirement is stated in the listing. When using Akia for ID verification, ensure you clearly state these requirements up front so guests understand this step is necessary before arrival.

Q: Can I capture emails and phone numbers for Airbnb guests?

A: Yes, but with limitations. After booking confirmation, you can collect necessary contact information for legal or compliance reasons, provided you disclose these requirements in your listing. Airbnb's policy prohibits soliciting contact information prior to booking or for marketing purposes. However, you can use Akia to confirm the best contact information and method after booking.

Q: Can I collect security deposits or mandatory Airbnb fees using Akia?

A: Yes. As long as all mandatory fees including security deposits are disclosed in the Airbnb fee field at the time of booking and you are a software-connected host, you can still collect these payments using Akia. 

Examples include:

• Parking fees
• HOA fees
• Resort fees
• Early check-in fees
• Late checkout fees

Q: Can I collect fees for Airbnb reservation changes using Akia?

A: No. Additional fees which change the reservation itself must use Airbnb's "Change reservation" tool to process payments. These payments cannot be captured using a third-party like Akia.

Examples include:

• Stay extension
• Unit changes
• Number of guest changes
• Pet count changes

Q: Can I offer upsells to Airbnb guests through Akia?

A: Yes. Optional amenities not related to the reservation itself may still be paid for within Akia. These transactions do not fall under the jurisdiction of Airbnb, and incentivizing them does not violate any new policies. 

Examples include:

• Spa packages
• Experiences
• Groceries
• Equipment Rentals

Q: Can I ask Airbnb guests to leave an external review through Akia?

A: No. Airbnb's policy explicitly prohibits soliciting guests to review their Airbnb-stay on a non-Airbnb website or complete surveys regarding their Airbnb stay outside the platform. Instead, Akia will help capture positive reviews directly on the Airbnb platform to boost your property’s reputation.

Q: What happens if I violate Airbnb's Off-Platform policy?

A: Repeated or severe violations may result in suspended or deactivated listings. Akia's compliant workflows help you avoid these penalties while maintaining effective guest communication.

Conclusion

By partnering with Akia, vacation rental managers can navigate Airbnb's new policies with confidence, ensuring compliance while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Our native Airbnb integration provides the tools you need to thrive in this evolving landscape. If you’re interested in connecting your Airbnb property, schedule an Akia demo today.

Advice for Current Akia Customers

Check the following to make sure you’re compliant with Airbnb’s Off-Platform policy:

• Connect Airbnb to Akia to send automated messages directly on the Airbnb platform
• Include your mandatory and reservation-related fees in your Airbnb listings (like resort fee, HOA fee, additional guest fee, early check-in fee, parking fee, optional pet fee, optional pool heat fee)
• Use display rules in your Mini Apps to hide or show sections relevant to Airbnb guests
• Update your phone number and email inputs within the Mini App to ask if either is their desired communication platform
• Leverage variants to send different automated messages or Mini Apps to Airbnb guests

If you have any further questions about this new Airbnb policy or need guidance ensuring your Akia guest journey is compliant, please reach out to help@akia.com for assistance.

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