Brussels has grounded Airbnb. The popular online accommodation platform will have until the end of this year to comply to European Union consumer authorities’ demands.
For instance, the company will change its terms and conditions and improve the presentation of prices. It will present the total price of bookings, including extra fees, such as service and cleaning charges.
In addition, Airbnb has committed to clearly identifying whether an offer is made by a private host or by a professional, as the consumer protection rules differ for each.
“The online players have revolutionised the way we travel, find accommodation and experience our holidays,” said Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality. “But they also need to fully comply with the rules and take responsibility when things go bad. But EU consumers enjoy rights both off-line and online. I welcome Airbnb’s willingness to do the necessary changes to ensure full transparency and understanding of what consumers pay for. This action is part of a larger push for stronger protection of consumers online. That’s why we proposed reinforced consumer rules under the ‘New Deal for Consumers’ a few months ago.”
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network had carried out an assessment of Airbnb’s business practices under the coordination of the Norwegian Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet).
According to a statement of the company “Airbnb is a community built on trust and transparency is a key part of that. Guests have always been aware of all fees, including service charges and taxes, before booking listings, and we are pleased to work with the CPC to make this even clearer for guests.”
