This information page can help you, whether you're a host or co-host, get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your services and experiences on Airbnb.
Please understand that this information page is general, not comprehensive, and is not legal advice. These pages are intended to give you an idea of the types of rules that may apply to your services and experiences and to help you understand some of the things to consider in relation to your service or experience.
Different countries, states and cities have different licensing requirements and rules and it's your responsibility as a host or co-host to make sure you comply with local laws and regulations. These pages are not intended to be an explanation of the specific rules that apply in your jurisdiction, or your particular situation, nor are these pages a substitute for seeking legal advice. If you're unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your services and experiences, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.
Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the laws or procedures have not changed recently.*
Most countries have health and safety rules around the handling and serving of food and it’s a good idea to keep your health and safety, and that of your guests, at the top of your mind. For example, it’s a good idea to:
If you're thinking of serving home-cooked food to paying guests, or serving food at a location where food is not normally prepared (such as a 'pop up' or outdoors), an important question to ask yourself is whether this triggers regulations under your local laws.
In most jurisdictions, activities that involve handling, serving or selling food, or providing food-related services, to members of the public are regulated activities. This means that in some places, in order to carry out such activities, it may first be necessary to register with, or obtain a certification or licence from, a public or local health department. In most cases, you may need to meet sanitation criteria. In some jurisdictions, food service regulations may also apply, even if you're not preparing the food yourself, and even if you're offering it for free.
Yes, but you’ll need to check with your local authorities to be certain you’re meeting all local requirements before you host.
In some jurisdictions, it may be necessary to obtain a general business licence in order to be able to sell food to members of the public. Below are some examples, but this isn't a comprehensive list.
It's a good idea to check with your local zoning board or planning authority to find out whether any local rules limit the ways in which the property for your service or experience may be used.
You may also want to look into what tax rules may apply to your activity, and check whether you're legally required to obtain special insurance cover.
If your service or experience will involve combining food with another activity (for example, providing a food tour of restaurants), please take a look at our other information sections such as Responsible Hosting for tour or travel-related services and experiences to determine if any other rules may apply to your activity.
Dealing with food can be tricky. If you are unsure about anything relating to your service or experience, we encourage you to check with your local department of health directly, or speak to a lawyer, to discuss your experience and confirm your service or experience complies with local laws including health, tax and insurance requirements.
* Please note that Airbnb has no control over the conduct of hosts and co-hosts and disclaims all liability.
Airbnb is not responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).
Failure of hosts or co-hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb website.