What the new 15.5% host-only fee structure it means for your short-term rental business—and how to respond strategically.

Airbnb’s recent fee update has hosts buzzing. Starting October 27, 2025, PMS-connected hosts will be automatically switched to a single host-only fee of 15.5%. By December 1, “most hosts” not using PMS will follow. Understandably, this change has sparked a wave of questions: Should you raise rates? Leave Airbnb? Double down on direct bookings?

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette bring in TFV COO and revenue manager Colleen Prochaska to answer those questions head-on. Together, they unpack Airbnb’s fee shift, share real experiences from their own portfolio, and explain why this isn’t the end of the world for hosts—in fact, it’s an opportunity to tighten up your business strategy.

From adjusting rates without losing occupancy to diversifying booking platforms, this episode will help you reframe the change and approach it like the business owner you are. The winners in this new landscape will be the hosts who know their numbers, optimize their booking funnels, and treat hosting as a business, not a hobby.

Resources

• Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your pricing, calendar, and booking funnel so you can thrive in any market. thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp
• Airbnb Fee Structure Update – Read Airbnb’s official announcement here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857/service-fees

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.

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