Airbnb's 15.5% host fee: what Caribbean hosts keep now
Since September 15, 2026, Airbnb charges most independent hosts outside the EU a 15.5% host-only fee, taken from every payout. It replaces the old split fee, where hosts paid about 3%. On HostLeed, hosts pay 5% and guests pay a separate 7% service fee.
What changed on Airbnb
Under the old split fee, hosts paid about 3% and guests paid a service fee at checkout of roughly 14 to 16.5%. Under the host-only fee, the host pays 15.5% of the booking subtotal (nights, cleaning and other host fees, not taxes), and guests see no separate service fee. Software-connected hosts moved in April 2026; non-EU independent hosts moved on September 15, 2026.
What a host keeps: one Carnival-week example
A 3-night stay at TT$750 a night plus a TT$200 cleaning fee: a subtotal of TT$2,450.
| Airbnb (host-only fee) | HostLeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Host fee | 15.5% = TT$379.75 | 5% = TT$122.50 |
| Host keeps | TT$2,070.25 | TT$2,327.50 |
| Guest pays | TT$2,450 (no separate fee) | TT$2,621.50 (incl. 7% service fee) |
On this stay the host keeps TT$257.25 more on HostLeed. Over 30 such stays a year, that's about TT$7,700.
Why list on HostLeed as well
- Keep 95% of your nightly rate and cleaning fee.
- Get paid your way: local bank transfer, PayPal, Western Union, MoneyGram or international wire, with processing times shown before you request.
- Protected bookings: guests pay upfront; your payout is released 24 hours after check-in.
- Local and diaspora guests booking for Carnival, family visits and staycations.
- The Host Hub: a private network of verified hosts in your country.
If you also list on Airbnb or Booking.com, block your booked dates on HostLeed (Hosting → Listings → Calendar) to avoid double bookings. Two-way calendar sync is coming next.
A note on tax in Trinidad & Tobago
Hosts are responsible for their own taxes. Trinidad & Tobago's Landlord Business Surcharge (Finance Act 2025) charges 2.5% of gross quarterly rental income up to TT$20,000 and 3.5% above that, with a one-time TT$2,500 registration fee. Check with an accountant whether it applies to your short-term rental.
Common questions
What is Airbnb's host-only fee in 2026?
15.5% of the booking subtotal, deducted from the host's payout. Non-EU independent hosts moved to it on September 15, 2026.
How much does HostLeed charge hosts?
5% of the booking subtotal (nightly rate plus cleaning fee). Guests pay a separate 7% service fee.
How do HostLeed hosts get paid?
From their HostLeed balance, by local bank transfer, PayPal, Western Union, MoneyGram or international wire. Payouts are released 24 hours after the guest checks in.
Host on HostLeed and keep 95% of every booking. Free to apply; we review every host.
Start hostingSources: Hostfully: Airbnb host fees 2026 · T&T Ministry of Finance: Landlord Business Surcharge