Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com Changes for Hosts: October-November 2026

Not legal or tax advice. This is a dated checklist of platform changes as of Oct 29, 2026. Each item links to the platform's own page or names the outlet that reported it.

Last updated Oct 29, 2026.

Changelog. Last updated Oct 29, 2026: first version. Covers Vrbo's 12% commission and Host Terms (effective Oct 29), Vrbo host cancellation fees (from Oct 15), Airbnb's updated policy for reservations booked on or after Nov 20, Airbnb temporary guest phone numbers, and Booking.com guest phone numbers in connected software.

It has been a busy month. As Skift reports in its Oct 28 roundup, both big platforms are "making sweeping policy revisions." Here is each change, its date, and where we cover it in depth.

What changed for hosts this month?

Vrbo moved to a 12% commission and new host terms on Oct 29, Vrbo's higher host cancellation fees apply from Oct 15, and Airbnb changed how guest phone numbers reach connected software. Airbnb's updated off-platform policy applies to reservations booked on or after Nov 20, 2026.

Vrbo: 12% commission and new Host Terms (Oct 29)

Vrbo's help center says that under pay-per-booking, "a 12% commission rate is charged on the rental amount and any additional fees you charge to the traveler (such as cleaning, pet, and boat fees)" (Vrbo help). It is not charged on Vrbo traveler service fees, taxes, refundable deposits or insurance products. Vrbo's Host Terms of Service show "Effective From: 29 October 2026," the date Skift and other outlets had reported for the change.

Two parts of the new terms matter for direct bookers:

• Section 4.8 (off-platform bookings): a booking counts as originating from Vrbo when you get an inquiry or other contact through Vrbo and then, "as a result of and within thirty (30) days of the Vrbo Lead," complete a booking directly with that guest, "including by telephone or email." Those bookings are subject to commission.
• Section 4.5.7 (parity requirement): while a property is listed, what you give Vrbo must be "at least as complete, accurate, current, detailed, and favorable" as what you offer through other channels.

Full breakdown: Vrbo 12% commission, explained on Direct Booking Academy.

Vrbo: host cancellation fees (from Oct 15)

Vrbo's Host Cancellations Policy charges 100% of the reservation amount for cancellations within 48 hours of check-in or at or after check-in, 50% for cancellations more than 48 hours before but within 30 days of check-in, and 25% for cancellations more than 30 days before check-in. For USD payouts the minimum is $50 plus taxes, and "There is no maximum fee." Vrbo's notice page says "These terms will apply from October 15, 2026." Vrbo hasn't said whether that date refers to when a booking was made or when it is cancelled.

Vrbo: Reserve Now, Pay Later (Oct 28)

Oct 28, 2026: Skift reports Vrbo's Reserve Now, Pay Later is live on its website (Expedia's release says 'coming soon'); per Vrbo's help page, hosts can't opt out, and the way to make new bookings ineligible is a No Refund cancellation policy. Direct Booking Academy explains that host choice in Vrbo Reserve Now, Pay Later: Can Hosts Opt Out?.

Airbnb: updated policy for bookings from Nov 20

Airbnb's help article 4169 says the updated policy "applies to reservations booked on or after November 20, 2026." It says home hosts "may not ask guests to sign contracts, collect personal information, or impose certain other requirements, except in limited circumstances." Bookings made before then stay under the previous policy, shown on the same page. Related: Airbnb's Terms of Service and help article 2799.

What Steve thinks of these rules, and what to change in your listing: Airbnb's new house rules and Airbnb's Nov 20 guest rules. Those pieces are our opinion and advice, not Airbnb policy.

Airbnb: temporary guest phone numbers

Airbnb's help article 3764 says temporary phone numbers are "currently only available to a limited number of users in the United States and Canada" and expire two days after checkout. Airbnb has not posted a public date for connected software. Skift reports that Airbnb starts issuing temporary phone numbers on Oct 30 (Skift, updated Oct 28). Some software vendors say the rollout began the week of Oct 26, and a host quoting Airbnb's email to hosts also reports Oct 26. How to keep self check-in working: Airbnb guest phone number missing?

Booking.com: guest phone numbers via connectivity providers

Booking.com's developer changelog says its Reservations API "no longer includes phone numbers of guests globally as of September 28, 2026." Skift reports that Booking.com made it harder for large hosts and property managers to access guest phone numbers, that they won't get them from their connectivity providers anymore "out of hacking concerns," and that they "still will be able to find guest phone numbers in the extranet."

City rules

City rule changes (Santa Barbara and others) are in our separate fall 2026 rule changes guide. For Santa Barbara, the ordinances were scheduled for final adoption Oct 27; the official result had not been posted as of Oct 29 morning.

Which changes start before Nov 20?

The Vrbo items are already live: cancellation fees from Oct 15 and the 12% commission and Host Terms from Oct 29. Airbnb's phone number change for connected software is reported for late October, while its updated off-platform policy covers reservations booked on or after Nov 20, 2026.

What should I do this week?

Check your Vrbo pricing and direct-booking habits first, then your Airbnb messages and check-in setup before Nov 20.

• Oct 29 (Vrbo): confirm your commission rate in your Vrbo Owner Dashboard and review your pricing.
• Oct 29 (Vrbo): if you move Vrbo inquirers to direct bookings, read Section 4.8 of the Host Terms first.
• Now (Vrbo): avoid cancellations; check your calendar sync. Our guide on adding Vrbo and Booking.com without double bookings helps.
• This week (Airbnb): update quick replies and door-code steps that relied on guest phone numbers. See our phone number guide.
• Before Nov 20 (Airbnb): review any contract, ID request or third-party app in your listing against help article 4169.
• Booking.com: if you rely on a channel manager for guest phone numbers, check whether they still arrive, and look in the extranet if not.
• Your city: check the fall 2026 rule changes guide.

Related reading

• Airbnb's new house rules
• Airbnb's Nov 20 guest rules
• Airbnb guest phone number missing?
• Add Vrbo and Booking.com without double bookings
• Short-term rental rule changes, fall 2026
• Short-term rental regulations 2026
• Vrbo 12% commission (Direct Booking Academy)

Last updated Oct 29, 2026.

Published October 29, 2026 · Updated October 29, 2026 / 6 min