How to Unlist Your Airbnb: A Host’s Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve decided to unlist your Airbnb. Maybe you’re taking a break, switching to long-term rentals, or selling the property. Whatever the reason, the process is straightforward, but there are a few nuances to consider. In essence, to unlist your Airbnb, you’ll need to either snooze your listing (temporarily) or deactivate it (permanently) through your Airbnb account. Here’s how you do it: Log into your Airbnb account, go to “Listings,” select the listing you want to unlist, then navigate to “Listing Status.” From there, you can choose to either “Snooze” your listing for a set period or “Deactivate” it altogether. Let’s delve into the specifics and related considerations.

Understanding Your Options: Snoozing vs. Deactivating

Before jumping in, it’s critical to understand the difference between snoozing and deactivating your listing. They’re not interchangeable and have distinct implications.

Snoozing Your Listing: A Temporary Pause

Think of snoozing as hitting the “pause” button. It temporarily removes your listing from search results. This is perfect if you’re going on vacation, renovating, or simply need a break from hosting.

• Duration: You can snooze your listing for a specific period, ranging from 24 hours to six months.
• Impact on Bookings: Existing reservations will be honored. However, no new bookings can be made during the snoozed period.
• Reactivation: Reactivating your listing is easy. Just end the snooze period early or wait for it to expire automatically.

Deactivating Your Listing: A Permanent Departure

Deactivating your listing is a more permanent step. It effectively removes your listing from the Airbnb platform. Consider this carefully, as it involves a bit more commitment.

• Duration: Deactivation is indefinite. Your listing will be completely removed until you choose to reactivate it.
• Impact on Bookings: Similar to snoozing, existing reservations will be honored. However, no new bookings can be made.
• Reactivation: Reactivating a deactivated listing requires more steps than unsnoozing. You may need to review and update your listing details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlisting Your Airbnb

Regardless of whether you choose to snooze or deactivate, here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Log in to Your Airbnb Account: Access your account through the Airbnb website or mobile app.

2. Navigate to “Listings”: Find the “Listings” section, typically located in the menu or dashboard.

3. Select the Listing: Choose the specific listing you want to unlist.

4. Go to “Listing Status”: This section controls the visibility of your listing. It’s usually found within the listing settings.

5. Choose Your Action:

   • To Snooze: Select “Snooze Listing,” then choose the duration (from 24 hours to 6 months). Confirm your choice.
   • To Deactivate: Select “Deactivate Listing.” Airbnb may ask for a reason for deactivation. Confirm your choice.

6. Review and Confirm: Double-check your selection before finalizing the process. Ensure you understand the implications of your choice.

Important Considerations Before You Unlist

Before you click that final button, take a moment to consider these essential points:

• Existing Bookings: Always honor existing reservations. Canceling confirmed bookings can lead to penalties and negatively impact your host reputation.
• Cancellation Policy: Familiarize yourself with your cancellation policy. Be prepared to handle any potential cancellations gracefully.
• Guest Communication: Inform upcoming guests of any changes well in advance, especially if you are deactivating and need to find alternative accommodations for them (if applicable based on your cancellation policy).
• Financial Implications: Consider any financial implications, such as refunds or penalties, associated with canceling bookings.
• Future Plans: Think about your long-term plans for the property. Will you eventually relist it? If so, snoozing might be the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlisting Your Airbnb

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of unlisting your Airbnb:

FAQ 1: What happens to my reviews when I deactivate my listing?

Your reviews remain associated with your account and are visible if you reactivate your listing in the future. They are not deleted when you deactivate.

FAQ 2: Can I reactivate my listing immediately after deactivating it?

Yes, but be aware that it might take some time for Airbnb to fully process the reactivation request. Check your listing regularly to ensure it’s visible and searchable. You may need to review your listing details before it goes live again.

FAQ 3: Will I lose my Superhost status if I snooze my listing?

Snoozing your listing can affect your eligibility for Superhost status if it significantly reduces your hosting activity. Superhost status requires maintaining certain metrics over a 12-month period, so prolonged inactivity could impact your qualifications.

FAQ 4: How do I delete my Airbnb account entirely?

Deleting your entire Airbnb account is a separate process from unlisting. You’ll need to contact Airbnb support directly to request account deletion. Be aware that this action is permanent and irreversible.

FAQ 5: What happens to my calendar when I snooze my listing?

Your calendar will be blocked during the snooze period, preventing any new bookings from being made. Existing confirmed bookings will remain in place.

FAQ 6: Can I still access my listing information after deactivating it?

Yes, you can still access your listing information, including photos, descriptions, and pricing, even after deactivating. However, the listing won’t be visible to the public.

FAQ 7: What if I have overlapping bookings when I try to snooze or deactivate?

Airbnb will typically prevent you from snoozing or deactivating if you have overlapping bookings. You’ll need to resolve any scheduling conflicts before proceeding. This usually involves honoring the existing bookings or finding alternative accommodations for your guests and following your cancellation policy.

FAQ 8: Is there a limit to how many times I can snooze my listing?

There is no official limit to how many times you can snooze your listing. However, frequent and prolonged snoozing may affect your search ranking and overall visibility on the platform.

FAQ 9: How long does it take for my listing to disappear from search results after snoozing or deactivating?

It usually takes a few hours for your listing to be completely removed from search results after snoozing or deactivating. However, it may take slightly longer in some cases.

FAQ 10: Can I reactivate my listing if it was deactivated due to a policy violation?

If your listing was deactivated due to a policy violation, you’ll need to contact Airbnb support to resolve the issue before you can reactivate it. The reactivation process may involve providing additional information or taking corrective actions.

FAQ 11: What is the difference between “hiding” my listing and “snoozing” it?

The term “hiding” a listing is not an official Airbnb function. Snoozing is the correct way to temporarily make your listing unavailable.

FAQ 12: If I deactivate and then reactivate my listing, will it affect my search ranking?

Yes, reactivating a listing after deactivation can affect your search ranking. While Airbnb’s algorithm is complex, consistently active listings tend to perform better. Deactivating and reactivating can reset some ranking factors, requiring you to rebuild momentum. Maintaining consistent availability is generally better for long-term visibility.

Unlisting your Airbnb is a relatively simple process, but it’s essential to understand the implications of each option. Whether you choose to snooze or deactivate, careful planning and consideration of your existing bookings will ensure a smooth transition. Remember to prioritize guest communication and adhere to Airbnb’s policies to maintain a positive hosting experience. Good luck!