Skip to main contentSkip to footer
It’s 3 a.m. and you hear the soft footsteps of someone creeping through the hallway of the Airbnb you just booked. As you open your eyes, you see it – the eyes of your Airbnb host glistening through the darkness as they stand over you.
While this situation is an over exaggeration, it does highlight one of the biggest benefits to using Airbnb – the ability to connect directly with your host.
…Sorry, wrong article.
What we meant to say was that in this moment you may be wondering if Airbnb hosts are allowed to enter their rental property while it’s occupied by you, and the answer is yes – despite what Airbnb’s public stance is!
Here’s Airbnb’s public stance:
“What we don’t allow. Physical intrusions: Hosts, guests, and those affiliated with them or working on their behalf must not access or attempt to access any private spaces without prior permission.”
However, what Airbnb actually says in their TOS, under section 2.3 for US hosts, is this:
“Accommodation Reservations. An Accommodation reservation is a limited license to enter, occupy, and use the Accommodation. The Host retains the right to re-enter the Accommodation during your stay, to the extent: (i) it is reasonably necessary, (ii) permitted by your contract with the Host, and (iii) consistent with applicable law.
So to avoid the spread of misinformation, we would like to clarify that it’s explicitly allowed in their terms, plus it’s guaranteed by law – (however, this is not legal advice so check the local laws in your jurisdiction as they may be different)!
Note: to be clear, we do not recommend hosts disrespect the privacy of their guests. That goes against everything we believe about marketing ourselves as Master Superhosts.
3 Reasons Why Airbnb Hosts Are Allowed To Enter
In fact, when you rent an Airbnb you don’t get the same rights and privileges as a long term tenant. It is still the hosts property and they can consider you a trespasser at any time (usually when you start breaking their rules). Here are 3 reasons why Airbnb hosts are allowed to enter their property while it’s occupied by guests:
1. To maintain the property and ensure it’s in good condition
For example, if there is a problem with a plumbing issue or electrical wiring in your rental, it’s important that the host be allowed access to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. For this reason, hosts will usually have a clause within their house rules stating that they have the right to enter at any time to address any safety or maintenance issues.
2. To provide support or assistance during your stay
Guests with special needs may find their hosts enter their rental property in order to provide support or assistance during their stay. For example, Airbnb hosts have been known to purchase food, medication, or other necessities for guests who are unable to leave due to sickness or disability.
If you have elderly neighbors then you may be familiar with the concept of a “welfare check” – where someone from a local agency will periodically check on and speak with the resident to ensure that they are okay. During the Covid lockdowns, this was especially important as many people were unable to get the supplies they need.
3. To address any safety issues that may arise during your stay
While most Airbnb hosts are genuinely interested in providing an enjoyable and positive experience for their guests, they can’t always be there to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If a dispute arises during your stay or if you’re not following the house rules, then the host will need to enter quickly to address the issue.
There are other reasons that Airbnb hosts may need to enter their property while you’re staying there, such as for cleaning or pest control purposes too.
Also, if it’s past your checkout time and the hosts needs to get the property ready for their next guests. Even if they don’t have any guests to prepare for, you are now trespassing and the host as the right to be in their own property.
Other Considerations Where Airbnb Hosts Are Allowed To Enter
If an Airbnb guest is staying for longer than 30 days, or 14-28 days in some locations, then the guest becomes a tenant and the host becomes a landlord. And as per local laws, they both have rights and obligations in their jurisdiction. Airbnb terms won’t apply in this case.
The landlord-tenant statutes in almost every state allow for reasonable access to be given. This includes potential homebuyers, renters and assessors (as well as realtors who may come by without notice).
Every state allows for emergency access without notice too.
However, there are some exceptions. Tenants may deny access for reasonable circumstances (such as a concerned about safety or have security concerns) – but only up to a certain point.
Although tenants are allowed to refuse access with proper notice in some cases, it’s always illegal to unreasonably refuse access if the landlord gives proper legal notice (such as denying entry to a realtor or inspector).
For the best advice, check with your local laws and talk to an attorney for more information about when hosts are allowed to enter their property while guests are staying there.
