What Does “Property Turned Off” Mean on Airbnb? A Host’s Guide

Ever stumbled across the phrase “Property Turned Off” on Airbnb and felt a pang of confusion? You’re not alone. In the often-opaque world of vacation rentals, understanding the lingo is crucial for both hosts and guests. Simply put, “Property Turned Off” means that the listing is currently inactive and unavailable for bookings on the Airbnb platform. This is a deliberate action taken by the host, effectively hiding the property from public view.

Delving Deeper: Why a Property Might Be Turned Off

The reasons behind a host turning off their property can be multifaceted, ranging from simple maintenance to strategic business decisions. Understanding these reasons can provide valuable insights into managing your own Airbnb listing or interpreting the status of a listing you’re interested in booking.

Common Reasons for a “Property Turned Off” Status:

• Maintenance and Renovations: This is arguably the most frequent reason. If a property is undergoing repairs, renovations, or even deep cleaning, the host will likely turn it off to avoid accepting bookings they can’t fulfill. Imagine trying to enjoy your vacation amidst the sound of jackhammers!
• Personal Use: Hosts may occasionally want to use their property for personal vacations, family visits, or simply a break from hosting. Turning off the listing ensures no bookings clash with their personal plans.
• Seasonal Closures: Some properties, particularly those in seasonal destinations (like ski resorts or beach towns), might be turned off during the off-season due to lower demand or inclement weather.
• Legal or Regulatory Issues: Local regulations or permit issues can sometimes force a host to temporarily suspend operations. Turning off the property protects them from potential fines or legal complications.
• Change in Management: If the property is switching management companies or undergoing a change in ownership, the listing will likely be turned off to facilitate the transition.
• Strategic Pricing and Calendar Adjustments: While less common, some hosts might turn off their property briefly to readjust pricing, update their calendar extensively, or re-evaluate their overall hosting strategy. They might be trying to optimize for a high-demand period.
• Long-Term Rental Conversion: If a host decides to convert their short-term rental into a long-term rental, they’ll turn off the listing to avoid overlapping bookings.
• Simple Inactivity: In some cases, a host might have simply become inactive on the platform due to changing circumstances or a lack of time to manage the property.

Impact on Guests and Potential Bookings

For potential guests, encountering a “Property Turned Off” status means disappointment, but it doesn’t necessarily signal a permanent loss. The property could become available again in the future. It’s advisable to:

• Check back later: See if the property becomes active again.
• Contact the host (if possible): Some listings still allow you to contact the host even when turned off. Politely inquire about the property’s future availability.
• Explore alternative listings: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! There are likely plenty of other great properties in the area.

For Hosts: Best Practices When Turning Off Your Property

If you’re a host planning to turn off your property, here’s how to do it the right way:

• Communicate with existing bookings: If you have any confirmed bookings that will be affected, contact the guests immediately to explain the situation and offer alternative solutions, such as a refund or relocation to another comparable property.
• Update your calendar: Before turning off the property, ensure your calendar is blocked off for the relevant dates to prevent any accidental bookings.
• Leave a clear message (if possible): Some settings allow you to leave a message on your listing explaining why it’s currently unavailable. This can help manage guest expectations and prevent unnecessary inquiries.
• Consider “Snooze” Feature: Airbnb has a “Snooze” feature that allows you to temporarily deactivate your listing for a specific period without losing your listing details or reviews. This is ideal for short-term closures.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the “Property Turned Off” status on Airbnb:

1. How long does a property typically stay “turned off” on Airbnb?

There’s no fixed timeframe. It could be a few days for minor repairs, several weeks for renovations, or even indefinitely if the host decides to pursue other options. The duration depends entirely on the host’s reasons and circumstances.

2. Can I still contact the host of a “turned off” property?

It depends on the host’s settings. Some hosts allow inquiries even when the property is deactivated, while others don’t. Look for a “Contact Host” button on the listing page.

3. Will I lose my Superhost status if I turn off my property for a while?

Turning off your property temporarily won’t automatically strip you of your Superhost status. However, if you don’t meet the Superhost criteria (including minimum stays and response rate) during the evaluation period, you could lose your status.

4. What’s the difference between “turning off” a property and “deactivating” a listing?

“Turning off” a property is a temporary measure that hides the listing from search results but keeps all the information intact. “Deactivating” a listing, on the other hand, permanently removes the listing from Airbnb. Deactivation is irreversible (you’ll need to create a new listing if you change your mind).

5. Can Airbnb turn off a property without the host’s consent?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Airbnb might turn off a property if it violates their terms of service, receives multiple negative reviews, or poses a safety risk. This is usually a last resort.

6. How do I turn my property back on after it’s been turned off?

In your Airbnb host dashboard, navigate to your listing. You should see a toggle or button that allows you to reactivate the property. Make sure to review your calendar and pricing before doing so.

7. Is it better to turn off my property or adjust my availability if I’m going on vacation?

If you’re only going on vacation for a short period (e.g., a week or two), adjusting your availability in your calendar is usually the best option. This allows you to keep your listing active and visible in search results. Turning it off is better for longer periods of unavailability.

8. Does turning off my property affect my search ranking when I turn it back on?

Potentially. Prolonged inactivity can sometimes negatively impact your search ranking. However, providing excellent service and maintaining a high occupancy rate after reactivating your listing can help you regain your position.

9. Can I schedule my property to automatically turn off and on at specific times?

Unfortunately, Airbnb doesn’t currently offer a built-in feature to automatically schedule property deactivation and reactivation. You’ll need to manually turn it off and on.

10. What happens to pending booking requests when I turn off my property?

Pending booking requests will typically be canceled automatically when you turn off your property. It’s courteous to inform the guests who submitted the requests beforehand.

11. Is there a limit to how many times I can turn off and on my property on Airbnb?

No, there’s no specific limit. However, frequent deactivation and reactivation could potentially impact your search ranking and visibility.

12. If a property is turned off, does it affect my ability to leave a review if I previously stayed there?

No. Turning off a property does not affect a guest’s ability to leave a review within the review window after their stay. Guests will still have the opportunity to share their experience.