What is Airbnb? The service explained simply

by Johannes

What Airbnb is can be explained quickly and easily. Once you know what the term means, you can also use the service for your vacations.

Booking accommodation online: What is Airbnb?

When booking a vacation, you can also use the online platform Airbnb. The company’s concept is quick and easy to explain.

  • Airbnb is a platform where people can sublet their homes to travelers. Travelers book individually furnished accommodations directly from the hosts. There is no reception desk, no standardized service, and usually no additional services such as breakfast, room service, or concierge. In return, guests experience a homely atmosphere and often receive local tips from their hosts.
  • Hotels, on the other hand, offer professional service with a reception desk, security concepts, room service, and often breakfast or wellness facilities. Unlike Airbnb offers, all processes in hotels are regulated according to defined standards.
  • If you are planning a city break, for example, you can rent a room or part of an apartment through Airbnb. The service is already well known in many countries around the world and is not limited to Germany.
  • The room rental service is most comparable to couch surfing. The notable difference, however, is that Airbnb targets customers who would rather stay in hotels.
  • In addition, Airbnb focuses less on networking and connecting with other travelers than couch surfing does. Airbnb is more of a lucrative alternative to hotels.
  • Prices vary depending on the amenities and location. However, Airbnb usually offers cheaper accommodation than hotels.
  • The most important thing is the reviews from previous subtenants. This way, you know what you’re getting into and don’t have to take any risks on site.
  • In principle, anyone can rent out rooms. However, if you want to make your own space available, you need to be aware that there are different regulations. Here you can also find out if and when you can legally use Airbnb.
  • You also need to be aware that you have to pay taxes if you rent out rooms on a regular basis.

Why Airbnb is considered a cheap alternative

Airbnb is often considered a cheaper alternative to various hotel offers.

  • Especially for groups or longer stays, Airbnb offers are often significantly cheaper than hotels with comparable space and amenities.
  • Guests usually only pay for what they actually use and can, for example, cook for themselves, which saves additional costs.

Security measures and fraud prevention

With the increasing popularity of Airbnb, cases of fraud, such as fake offers, non-existent accommodations, or payments outside the platform, are also becoming more common. Airbnb has once again tightened its security rules for 2025.

  • Transparency guidelines: Payments and bookings may only be made via the official platform. Communication and transactions outside the platform are considered a violation of the rules and do not offer any security.
  • Security options for guests: Control mechanisms for identifying hosts and guests, automatic monitoring of suspicious behavior, and improved reporting options.
  • Various warning signs help you quickly recognize a scam. Requests for payment outside of Airbnb, excessive haste in communication, review profiles with a suspicious number of negative entries or no reviews at all, and an unusually low price for a sought-after location may indicate fraud.
  • Protect yourself from fraud with a few important tips. Always check the reviews and pay attention to the reliability of the hosts, the cleanliness of the accommodation, and the communication. Also, check the profile and photos.

Landlords must observe various legal aspects and tax obligations when offering accommodation via Airbnb.

  • Especially in large cities, there are prohibitions on misuse and licensing requirements. In Berlin, for example, a maximum of 90 days of rental per year is permitted without a special permit.
  • Since 2025, accommodations in the EU must be centrally registered, and authorities can directly access booking data. Violations of the prohibition on misuse or lack of a permit can result in high fines (up to €500,000).

    Income from Airbnb rentals is generally taxable and must be reported to the tax office. Landlords should therefore observe the reporting and registration requirements and, if in doubt, check the local guidelines and obtain the necessary permits in advance.

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