Starting May 12, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made it official: all platforms like Airbnb and VRBO must show all-in pricing upfront.
That means the price you see must now include cleaning fees, service charges, and other mandatory add-ons – no more surprises at checkout. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just thinking, how do I sell my Airbnb now that regulations are changing? This article breaks it all down for you.
Let’s talk about what this means, how it affects your listings, and how you can stay competitive in 2025.
What Exactly Is the FTC’s New Pricing Rule?
The FTC’s new rule requires all short-term rental platforms to display the total cost, including hidden fees, at the very start of the booking process. No more seeing “$120/night” only to be slapped with an extra $90 in fees when you click “book.”
The goal? To make prices more transparent for guests and eliminate deceptive pricing. This rule doesn’t just apply to Airbnb but to any STR platform operating in the U.S.
According to the FTC announcement, this is part of a wider effort to crack down on “junk fees” across hospitality and travel sectors.
Why Does This Matter for Hosts?
As a host, you now need to be crystal clear about what you’re charging and why. This new transparency law could actually help honest hosts stand out while penalizing those who bury their fees.
Here’s how it impacts you:
- Your property may appear more expensive upfront (but so will everyone else’s)
- Guests will compare total cost, not just nightly rates
- Clean pricing = more trust and potentially better booking rates
It’s a good time to revisit your listing and pricing strategy. If you’re working with a Short-Term Rental Realtor, now is the time to get their advice on how this change might affect your property’s marketability.
How Does It Affect Airbnb Property Value?
Let’s say you’re asking yourself, how to sell my Airbnb profitably now?
Well, the value of your STR property is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s now also about how it performs in this fee-transparent environment.
Buyers are smarter. They’re looking at net yield, occupancy rates, guest reviews, and how your property competes on platform visibility. If your STR is well-reviewed and your pricing is fair, your property may become more attractive under the new rules.
You can run full ROI, occupancy, and gross yield estimates with Chalet’s STR investment analytics tool to get a sense of how your property stacks up.
