⚠️ Warning for Hosts: Airbnb Services May Void Your Insurance – And You May Not Even Know You’ve Opted In

Published: June 12, 2025 | By My Air Host

Airbnb just launched one of its biggest updates yet: a redesigned app, an expanded Airbnb Services platform, and the relaunch of Airbnb Experiences. But behind the excitement lies a serious issue most hosts haven’t been told:

Airbnb is quietly opting hosts into in-home services—without your permission—and potentially putting you at risk.

We’re talking liability, insurance gaps, wear and tear, and zero compensation for you.

If you’re a short-term rental host in Sydney or the Blue Mountains, this could impact your property, your peace of mind, and your financial protection.

What Are Airbnb Services?

Airbnb Services allow guests to book hotel-style experiences that take place inside your home, including:

• In-home chefs and catered meals

• Massage, spa, and beauty treatments

• Personal trainers and yoga instructors

• Hair, makeup, nail services

• Event photographers

Airbnb manages the bookings, the service provider shows up, and the guest enjoys the service. But here’s the part they don’t advertise clearly:

You, the host, carry the risk. Not Airbnb. Not the service provider.

The Real Problem: Liability, Not Luxury

Most hosts didn’t opt in to this — Airbnb enabled it by default.

And now many are discovering that if something goes wrong, it could fall on you, not Airbnb.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Your short-term rental insurance likely doesn’t cover liability from third-party service providers operating in your home.

• AirCover? It won’t protect you against things like assault, battery, theft, or damage caused by a service provider.

• If a guest sues, you could be named in the lawsuit—even if you didn’t book or approve the service.

• If you manage 6 or more listings, Airbnb has confirmed that your own insurance becomes the first line of defence—even if it doesn’t fully cover short-term rentals.

• Your current insurer could void your coverage entirely if they discover commercial services operating on-site that weren’t disclosed.

️ And It Gets Worse…

• You don’t get a revenue share from these services. Airbnb profits. The provider profits. But you—the one whose home is being used—get nothing.

• Your property bears the wear and tear. Think: oils on furniture, spills in the kitchen, broken items, or plumbing overload.

• Airbnb requires service providers to have insurance, but doesn’t actually check if it’s valid or current.

So if something goes wrong and that massage therapist’s insurance has lapsed?

You’re on the hook.

This Isn’t About Saying “No” to Innovation

We actually believe Airbnb Services has great potential.

Done right, it could elevate the guest experience, create real value for hosts, and unlock new revenue streams. But it needs to be properly thought through and planned with hosts’ best interests at the centre.

Airbnb must:

• Work directly with short-term rental insurance providers to offer proper, opt-in coverage that protects hosts from third-party liability.

• Share a meaningful percentage of the revenue with hosts—who are taking on risk and wear and tear—to make participation worthwhile.

• Offer a transparent opt-in system, not a buried default opt-in that leaves hosts vulnerable without their knowledge.

Until that happens, hosts should be cautious.

✅ What You Can Do: Opt Out Immediately

If Airbnb wants to offer hotel-style extras, they should take hotel-style responsibility. Until then, you need to protect yourself.

Here’s how to opt out:

1. Call Airbnb Support and request to be opted out of Airbnb Services.

2. Email Airbnb to confirm your request in writing.

3. Add this line to your House Rules:
   “This property does not participate in Airbnb Services. No third-party in-home services are permitted unless approved in writing by the host.”

Final Word from My Air Host

As your trusted co-hosting partner, My Air Host is here to protect your asset, your income, and your peace of mind.

We recommend all hosts:

• Review their current insurance policy

• Confirm exclusions and risks

• Take immediate steps to opt out of Airbnb Services if you’re not 100% comfortable

Call us: +61 432 516 793
Email: contact@myairhost.com.au
Visit: www.myairhost.com.au

Innovation is welcome—but not at the expense of safety, transparency, or fairness. Hosts deserve better. Until then, opt out and stay protected.