Airbnb modifies its practices

“Comparing and booking hotels and accommodation online has become fast and easy for consumers. Now consumers can also trust that the price they see on the first page will be the price to pay in the end. I am completely satisfied that Airbnb has fully cooperated with the European Commission and national consumer protection authorities to improve the way its platform works. I expect other platforms to follow suit,” said Věra Jourová, the European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality.

Airbnb has met all the demands made by the European Commission and national consumer protection authorities, led by the Norwegian Consumer Authority, to bring its practices fully into line with EU consumer rules. The main improvements and changes were when searching for accommodation with set dates, users see the total price in the results page, including all the applicable mandatory charges and fees. No surprise mandatory fees appear on later pages;

Airbnb clearly distinguishes between accommodation offered by professional organisations and private individuals; Airbnb provides an easily accessible link to the Online Dispute Resolution platform on its website and provides all necessary information necessary to resolve disputes.

Airbnb also revised its terms of service so that it is clearly stated that users have the right to bring a case against Airbnb before the courts of their country of residence that it respects users' basic legal right to sue a host in case of personal harm or other damages and will not unilaterally change the terms and conditions without clearly informing users in advance and without giving them the opportunity of cancelling their contract.