Can You Still Use StayFi with Airbnb’s New Policy Updates? Here’s What Hosts Need to Know

When Airbnb announced its new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy rolling out in May 2025, many short-term rental hosts had immediate questions about what it meant for guest communication—and third-party tools like StayFi.

One of our Hosting Hotline listeners, Natasha, called in with a smart question:
Are hosts still allowed to collect guest emails and phone numbers when they check in via WiFi using StayFi?

We brought in Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi, to help us break it down.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Airbnb’s New Policy Says About Guest Communication

Airbnb’s updated policy says that hosts cannot:

• Sell, share, or use guest contact information without consent
• Add guests to marketing lists without permission

At first glance, this language raised concerns for hosts who use tools like StayFi to build their guest email lists for direct bookings.

StayFi’s Approach: Opt-In = Compliance

Here’s the key: opt-in consent.

According to Arthur, StayFi’s platform has always required guests to actively opt in when they log onto the WiFi splash page. They are not automatically added to a list.
Instead, guests voluntarily provide their information, agreeing to receive communications from you.

This opt-in process keeps hosts compliant with:

• Airbnb’s communication policies
• U.S. and international email marketing laws (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, etc.)

As Arthur pointed out, the updated Airbnb policy language around communication hasn’t actually changed—it’s the same expectation that was already in place.

Our Take as Hosts

At Thanks for Visiting, we use StayFi for both our city-based STRs and our new glamping property opening this year. We’re not just recommending it—we’re actively using it to build direct booking strategies that protect our businesses for the long haul.

StayFi is absolutely still part of our growth plan. And you better believe that Arthur and the StayFi team are staying laser-focused on making sure hosts remain compliant with both OTA rules and broader marketing regulations.

Use This as an Opportunity for a Full Business Check

Even if StayFi is still a green light, this Airbnb update is a great reminder to:

• Review how you’re collecting guest information
• Ensure you’re using opt-in methods (no sneaky tactics!)
• Revisit your SOPs for communication, payments, and upsells
• Tighten up your compliance across every channel

It’s a perfect time for a little “spring cleaning” for your business systems.

Ready to Build Your Own Guest List (the Right Way)?

If you’re serious about protecting your STR business, growing your direct booking income, and staying ahead of policy changes, you need the right tools.

👉 Learn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first three months → stayfi.com/tfv

Building your list starts today—with guests already staying in your property.

Want Help Pricing Your Property Like a Pro?

If you’re unsure how to set your cleaning fee, bake it into your rate, or just feel stuck when it comes to pricing your property confidently… you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’re hosting our upcoming Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

We’ll walk you step-by-step through how to:

• Understand what your competitors are doing (and doing wrong)
• Read your market data so you can stop second-guessing
• Set a base price that actually works
• Use tools like PriceLabs with confidence
• Make your listings stand out so guests want to pay more

Ready to stop guessing and start pricing with purpose?
Save your seat today!

👉 thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp

We can’t wait to help you price your property the smart, sustainable way.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Proper Insurance | Book your FREE risk assessment today!
• Want to learn how to price your property? | Save Your Seat for the Priced & Profitable Bootcamp!
• Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | How to Set Up Your Airbnb Bathroom (Beginner’s Guide!)