This new policy can cause serious revenue loss for hosts long after guests check out with positive reviews.
Airbnb can now reverse your payment months after checkout—and that’s just the start. I read Airbnb’s latest policy update, and I had to reread it twice. Starting this September, big changes are coming under this new policy, and you’re not going to like it.
• Payment reversal. Yep, you read that right. Airbnb can now pull money from your account long after a guest checks out, even if everything went smoothly. The guest could leave a five-star review, then file a credit card dispute weeks later, and Airbnb will take the payment back. You won’t get a warning, you won’t get a say, and they’ll still keep their service fee.
• No deadline for chargebacks. A guest could dispute a payment two or even three months after their stay, and Airbnb can still reverse your payout. They don’t need your approval, and you don’t get to explain what happened. Meanwhile, you’re the one covering the cost.
• Buy now, pay later. But it doesn’t end there. Airbnb is also leaning heavily into “buy now, pay later” booking options. Guests can now block off your calendar without paying upfront. If they cancel close to the check-in date, you’re left with an empty property and zero income. No time to rebook, no compensation for lost nights.
• Payment hold. There’s also a clause allowing Airbnb to delay or hold your payments if they detect anything unusual, like a jump in reservations or even one guest complaint. Your money could be frozen without a clear reason and without interest earned while you wait.
“This isn’t just a policy update—it’s a financial risk every host should understand.”
If you’re a short-term rental host, this isn’t just a policy update; it’s a wake-up call. To stay ahead of this, here’s what I recommend:
1. Assess your exposure across every platform. Don’t count on one company to protect your income.
2. Start building financial reserves. These kinds of unexpected losses can seriously disrupt your cash flow.
3. Build a direct booking strategy. When you own the guest relationship, you own the terms, the timeline, and the transaction.
If you’re ready to stop guessing what will happen next with your rental income, let’s talk. My team at Tide Property Management can help you transition to a more reliable strategy built for long-term stability. You can reach me directly at 803-727-7256 or send an email to pierce@tidepm.com. You can also visit our website at www.tidepm.com to learn more about our services and how we can help landlords like you. We’re always here to help.
