Airbnb Regulations

Update : Mars, 2024

We created this article to help Airbnb hosts better understand the responsibilities of hosting and to provide a general overview of the various laws, regulations, and best practices that may affect them. You are required to follow our guidelines, such as our hospitality charter, and to ensure that you comply with the laws and other regulations that apply to your particular situation and region.

The safety and health of hosts, guests, and the public is a top priority for Airbnb. In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Airbnb is introducing an enhanced cleaning protocol for Switzerland. This article provides helpful information for both hosts and guests. If you host guests, it's important to review your cleaning routines to protect yourself and your guests.

We recommend that you do your own research, as this article is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Additionally, as we do not update this article in real time, please check each source and ensure that the information provided has not recently changed.

Security

We attach great importance to the safety of hosts and their guests.You can reassure your travelers by providing them with simple advice, such as instructions to follow in an emergency and informing them of various potential dangers.

Health and cleanliness

General information about Airbnb's deep cleaning protocol are available in the information general information on welcoming travelers.

Please ensure you follow the government's specific Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for your home, as they may outline additional requirements. We've also put together some information useful to consider when traveling to different regions of Switzerland.

Other cleaning recommendations
    • Recommendations on security concepts of the Federal Office of Public Health in German, in french, in italy or in English
    • More information on Covid-19 from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health in German, in french, in italy or in English
    • Switzerland Tourism recommendations on safety concepts and the “Clean & Safe” label in German, in french, in italian ou in English

Countermeasures Resources non-pharmaceutical information on Covid-19 from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (English)

Emergency service numbers

Please provide the following phone numbers :

  • Local emergency numbers
  • Nearest hospital number
  • Your number
  • Number of another contact person (in case travelers cannot reach you)

Also, remember to make sure travelers know the best way to contact you in an emergency. A safe solution is to communicate with them using Airbnb messaging.

Medical equipment

Obtain a first aid kit and let your travelers know where it is. Check it regularly so you can restock it if it runs out.

Fire prevention

If you have gas appliances, follow applicable safety regulations and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Have a fire extinguisher available and have it checked regularly.

Emergency exits

Clearly indicate emergency exits. Provide an evacuation plan to help passengers find their way easily.

Risk prevention

Here are some tips to prevent potential dangers :

  • Inspect your accommodation to identify areas where guests could trip or fall.
  • Take action to eliminate identified hazards or clearly report them.
  • Repair any loose wires.
  • Make sure your stairs are safe and have handrails.
  • Remove or place in a safe place any objects that could be potentially dangerous for your passengers.
Child safety

Some travelers are accompanied by young children and need to know if your accommodation is suitable for them. You can use the section Additional Notes of the Announcement details in your Airbnb account to indicate potential hazards or that your listing is not suitable for children and babies.

Temperature control

Appliances, such as ovens and air conditioners, can greatly affect your guests' comfort during their stay. There are many ways to ensure your guests' comfort:

  • Make sure your home is well ventilated.
  • Provide instructions for using heating and air conditioning safely.
  • Check that the thermostat is working properly and make sure guests know where to find it.
  • Maintain appliances regularly.
Capacity

Set a maximum occupancy limit for safety purposes. Your local authorities may have issued recommendations on this matter.

National taxation

Taxation is a complex subject. Your tax obligations may vary depending on your specific situation. We therefore recommend that you conduct your own research or consult a tax advisor for more specific information.

Generally, the money you earn as an Airbnb host is considered taxable income and may be subject to various taxes such as business property tax, income tax, or VAT.

Tax forms for Switzerland are due by March 31 of each tax year. Contact theSwiss Federal Tax Administration to find out if you need to declare the amount you earn from hosting travelers. You will find this amount in the summary of your host income. It is also recommended to check whether you are entitled to any tax credits, such as tax relief and allowances.

Free tax guide

We want to help you better understand your tax responsibilities as an Airbnb host. So we've partnered with an independent accounting firm to provide you with a free tax guide (available in German, in italian, in French and in english) in which you will find general information concerning taxation in Switzerland.

Reporting obligations

The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) may request Airbnb to provide specific data regarding certain taxpayers. Upon request from the FTA, Airbnb is legally required to provide certain data relating to transactions that take place on its platform.

Local regulations

Select a location below to view specific city, county, or region information. If your geographic area is not listed, you can view the general information on local regulations.

Arosa
Berne
Canton de Bâle-Campagne
Canton de Bâle-Ville
Canton de Fribourg
Canton de Genève
Canton de Neuchâtel
Canton de Vaud
Canton de Zoug
Canton de Zurich
Canton du Tessin
Canton du Valais
Davos
Klosters-Serneus
Zermatt

Regulations and authorizations

It's important to ensure you have the legal right to host guests in your home. For example, contracts, laws, or other local regulations may have certain restrictions. Consult a lawyer or local authorities to learn more about the regulations, restrictions, and obligations specific to your situation.

You can use the general information in this article as a starting point for understanding the regulations and permits for hosting travelers.

Traveler registration

If you operate as a host in Switzerland, you may be legally required to collect and retain the registration information of your guests, whether Swiss or foreign. You can consult the legislation relating to tourist accommodation in your canton or contact the relevant authorities for more information on guest registration.

Traveler registration can be carried out using notification certificates issued by the competent cantonal authority. Some cantons allow you to submit traveler registration information by completing an electronic form.

Consult the Federal Law on Foreigners for more information on the legal basis for the declaration of foreign travelers.

If you wish to keep a record of your travelers, you will need to comply with all applicable data protection laws, including the Swiss Federal Data Protection Act. Furthermore, remember to protect your guests' data from third-party access and to process it only within the framework of the Swiss reporting system. To learn more about the data protection legislation that applies to you as a host, consult the relevant authorities, specialist lawyers, or associations involved in the tourist accommodation sector.

Contractual agreements and authorizations

Sometimes, rental agreements and other contracts, building regulations, and other local rules contain restrictions on subletting or hosting guests. Review all contracts you have signed or contact your landlord, local council, or other authority.

You can add an amendment to your lease or contract to clarify the responsibilities of all parties and address their concerns. Learn more on this procedure.

Restrictions on a mortgage loan

If your home is secured by a mortgage (or any other type of loan), check with the lender to ensure there are no restrictions on subletting or hosting guests.

Restrictions on subsidized housing

Subsidized housing is generally subject to regulations that prohibit unauthorized subletting. If you live in subsidized housing and are interested in becoming a host, consult your housing authority or your condominium management company.

Roommates

If you share your home with others, consider entering into a formal agreement with your roommates to outline the terms and conditions for hosting guests. Roommate agreements can include information such as frequency of stays, house rules, and income distribution.

National collective labor agreement for the hotel and restaurant industry

If you employ staff as part of your hospitality business, such as cleaners or receptionists, you must comply with the "National Collective Labour Agreement for the Hotel and Restaurant Industry" (CCNT). For more information, see this website (available in German, French and Italian). If you have any questions, please contact theControl office concerned.

EU consumer protection legislation

Under EU consumer law, when you offer goods or services online, you must provide specific information to your customers. Hosting on Airbnb is considered a service. We have information and tools to help you decide whether or not you should identify yourself as a business host, and to better understand your consumer protection responsibilities within the EU.

Misuse

If you receive a report of potential misuse, we will take appropriate action. We have procedures in place to assist local authorities in report misuse of accommodation.

 

Courtesy

As a responsible host, it's your responsibility to explain local rules and culture to your guests. By doing so, you help ensure everyone has a great experience.

Building rules

If your building has common areas or shared amenities, inform guests about the rules to follow in these areas.

Internal regulations

You can include your house rules in the section Additional Notes of the Announcement details of your Airbnb account. Guests generally like to know in advance what you expect from them.

Neighborhood

It's generally a good idea to let your neighbors know that you're planning to host guests. This gives them the opportunity to share any concerns or questions they may have.

Noise

Guests book on Airbnb for many reasons, including vacations and special occasions. For everyone's comfort, inform your guests as early as possible about the impact of noise on the neighborhood.

If you have concerns about noise disturbances to your neighborhood, there are several ways to limit noise:

  • Implement a rule prohibiting noise at certain times.
  • Do not allow pets.
  • Indicate that your accommodation is not suitable for children or babies.
  • Ban parties and additional undeclared travelers.
Parking

Communicate the parking rules for your building and neighborhood to your guests. Examples of possible parking rules :

  • Parking only permitted in a reserved space.
  • No parking on the left side of the street on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to cleaning services.
  • Street parking permitted only between 7pm and 7am.
Pets

First, check the rules of your lease or building to make sure there are no restrictions on pets. If you allow pets, consider informing guests where they can walk their pets and dispose of their waste. Have a backup plan, such as the number of a nearby kennel, in case your guest's pet bothers the neighbors.

Privacy

Always respect your travelers' privacy. Our rules on systemse monitoring clearly state what we expect from hosts, but some territories have additional laws and regulations that you should be aware of.

Smoke

If your accommodation is non-smoking, we suggest posting a few signs to remind your guests. If smoking is permitted, make sure there are ashtrays in the designated areas.

Insurance

Contact your insurance agent or company to determine the type of obligations, restrictions and protections that apply to your situation.

Guest Damage Guarantee and Guest Liability Insurance

AirCover for Hosts includes the Guest damage guarantee andGuest liability insurance, which provide you with liability insurance and basic coverage for certain damages. However, they are not a substitute for home insurance (renter's or owner's) or appropriate liability insurance. You may also be required to comply with other insurance requirements.

We strongly encourage all hosts to carefully read and understand the terms of their insurance policy. Not all insurance plans cover property damage or loss caused by a guest renting your property.

Learn more about AirCover for Hosts

Liability and basic coverage

Check your homeowners or rental insurance policy with your agent or insurance company to ensure you have adequate liability coverage and property protection.

Other information on welcoming travelers

Consult our frequently asked questions about welcoming travelers to learn more about hosting on Airbnb.