Airbnb has updated its terms and conditions policy, moving the responsibility for understanding and complying with the law to the hosts.
“Hosts alone are responsible for identifying, understanding, and complying with all laws, rules and regulations that apply to their Listings and Host Services.” stated Airbnb in its updated policy.
“Once you open your home to paying guests, you become part of the hospitality industry with all its accompanying responsibilities and obligations. Essentially, you are operating a business from your home regardless of the number of rooms you let and regardless of who you choose to advertise with,” said Rayma Jenkins, President of the Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand.
The association had long held concerns regarding a lack of legal knowledge from people listing properties on Airbnb or similar services.
“It is not the role of Airbnb to provide its users with specific information about hosts’ legal responsibilities, and in fact, it would be nearly impossible for them do to so as each local council in New Zealand has different requirements. However, the fact that Airbnb are now adding statements such as this, in a more visible section of their contract, is a step in the right direction,” Jenkins said.
