Airbnb promises more transparency on prices, conditions

Airbnb’s online platform plans to improve the way It presents the prices of the rooms and houses it advertises, as well as the conditions of their use in accordance with European consumer law, the European Commission said.

The Commission, which had already rapped the U.S. business on its fingers in July, said Airbnb had until the end of the year to implement the changes.

The Commission had mainly faulted the way the platform presented the prices of its rooms and homes. It also felt users needed to be better protected against cancellations by proprietors.

At a meeting with the Commission and European consumer-protection authorities on Wednesday, Airbnb explained how it aimed to adjust its conditions of use and improve the way it presented its prices.

The European Commissioner for Consumers, Vera Jourová, said she appreciated Airbnb’s will to make the changes needed to render the platform totally transparent and clear for the consumer.

Airbnb has agreed to indicate the total price of each reservation, including additional costs such as cleaning and service fees. Where the total price cannot be calculated beforehand, Airbnb will inform customers in a clear manner that additional costs may be charged.

Further, the platform will indicate whether the accomodation is offered by an individual or a company, since consumer protection rules are different for each of the two categories.


The author: Michel THEYS

Michel Theys, a Belgian native, began his career as a civil servant, serving the public for several decades. After retirement, he shifted gears to follow his passion for journalism. With a background in public administration, Theys brought a unique perspective to his reporting. His insightful articles, covering a wide array of topics, swiftly gained recognition. Today, Michel Theys is a respected journalist known for his balanced and thoughtful reporting in the Belgian media landscape.

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