Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast Airbnb’s 15% Fee Change Explained: What Hosts and Managers Must Do | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 27
Sep 25, 2025
Finance expert Ben Coons, CEO of Keystone Bookkeepers, dives into Airbnb's new 15% fee structure and its implications for property managers and homeowners. He clearly explains the difference between gross and net commission models and how these changes might impact profits. Ben offers insights on pricing adjustments to maintain margins and effective communication strategies for homeowners. With tips on navigating these new financial waters, he emphasizes the importance of adapting early to stay competitive in the market.
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Gross vs Net Commission Difference
- Gross commission calculates commission on the full accommodation fare before channel fees are removed.
- Net commission calculates commission on the accommodation fare after subtracting the channel fee, which changes who bears the Airbnb increase.
Raise Prices If You Use Net Commission
- If you use a net commission, raise your prices to cover Airbnb's new ~15% host fee so your margins don't shrink.
- Update your PMS pricing and monitor dynamic pricing tools to keep guest payments stable.
Fee Shift Hits Owners Or Managers
- Switching pricing while keeping guest payments equal shifts income between managers and owners in gross models.
- Airbnb and tax agencies often end up the biggest beneficiaries of the fee change.