Lordn / Shutterstock.comAirbnb's recent policy changes, effective from 20 November, will restrict hosts and property managers from requiring separate rental agreements, collecting ID copies, running background checks, or asking guests to register on an app or website for most bookings. This move, according to Humphrey Bowles, CEO of Truvi, leaves operators with increased liability and fewer means to verify guests.
Bowles, who leads Truvi—a company that collaborates with over 800 property management firms and 25,000 operators globally—criticised Airbnb's decision. He stated, "Airbnb has taken away several of the ways operators find out who they are letting into their homes, and left them with all of the liability. That is overreach." He emphasised that operators remain responsible for the property and the stay, even when issues arise.
The new rules will still allow exceptions for stays of 28 nights or more, Luxe listings, optional amenities, and requirements mandated by local laws or homeowners' associations. However, Bowles argued that removing rental agreements does not mitigate risk, as operators still bear the brunt of potential issues.
Truvi aims to address these concerns by screening bookings using existing reservation details and providing property protection across various platforms, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. Bowles concluded, "How operators protect their homes and the people in them should stay in their hands," highlighting the need for operators to maintain control over their businesses amidst changing platform policies.
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