Skip to main content

Airbnb's policy update, Nov 20th, 2026

Here's how to remain compliance with Airbnb's policy with ChargeAutomation

Written by Facundo Moreno

Authority reporting and HOA rules: your compliance stays automated

Airbnb's new policy makes a clear exception. Hosts can still collect guest ID and registration details when the law or a documented HOA or building rule requires it. That is exactly what ChargeAutomation was built for.

  • Authority reporting: in markets where guest registration is mandatory, ChargeAutomation collects what the authorities require and submits it for you, across 14 European and UAE markets.

  • HOA and building security rules: if your HOA or building requires guest registration, ID or a signed agreement, ChargeAutomation collects exactly that, and only that, before arrival.

  • Your job: state the requirement and the reason in your Airbnb listing's house rules "requests" section, and keep the documentation handy.

What else changes on Airbnb

  • Rental agreements are allowed only for law or HOA requirements, stays of 28+ nights, optional amenities (Jacuzzis, pools, etc) or Luxe listings.

  • Security deposits are not affected. Eligible software-connected hosts can still collect one, shown in Airbnb's deposit fee field and released within 7 days if there is no damage.

  • Bookings made before November 20 keep the current rules.

Your cheat sheet: where each ChargeAutomation feature works

Feature

Airbnb, booked Nov 20 onward

Airbnb, booked before Nov 20

Direct, Vrbo, Booking.com and others

Authority reporting / legal guest registration

Yes, where the law requires it, disclosed in listing requests

Yes

Yes

HOA / building-rule ID and registration

Yes, with a documented rule disclosed in listing requests

Yes

Yes

Security deposit / pre-auth hold

Yes, if eligible: in Airbnb's deposit field, released within 7 days

Yes

Yes

Rental agreement (e-sign)

Yes, for law/HOA, 28+ nights, optional amenity or Luxe

Yes

Yes

ID verification without a legal or HOA requirement

No: in-person check only, no copy kept

Yes

Yes

Online check-in portal

Yes. Required only for legal or HOA steps; otherwise optional and never blocks access

Yes

Yes

Upsells and amenity waivers

Yes, optional and guest-approved

Yes

Yes

Damage charges

Via deposit with written evidence, or Airbnb Resolution Center

Yes

Yes

Chargeback protection

Not applicable (Airbnb processes payment)

Not applicable

Yes

What to do before November 20

  1. Turn nothing off. Existing bookings keep their flow.

  2. Confirm your legal or HOA requirement. List what you collect and why in your Airbnb listing's "requests" section, and keep the ordinance or HOA document on file.

  3. Add your deposit to Airbnb's deposit fee field if you are eligible.

  4. Let us review your Airbnb workflow so new bookings ask for exactly what applies, and nothing more.

Book a 15-minute compliance review: CA Support's Calendar

Airbnb keeps changing the rules. We built ChargeAutomation to keep up.

Cheers,

Did this answer your question?