Airbnb Age Requirement: How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent an Airbnb

If you’re planning your first stay on Airbnb or considering becoming a host, one of the first questions you might have is: How old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb? The answer is simple yet important—Airbnb has a minimum age requirement that applies worldwide, with some variations depending on the country or type of booking.

In this guide, we’ll break down Airbnb’s global age policy, explain why certain countries set stricter rules, and show you what to do if you’re underage but still want to travel with Airbnb.

What Is the Minimum Age to Use Airbnb?

Globally, you must be at least 18 years old to create an Airbnb account, whether you want to rent a place as a guest or list a property as a host. This rule ensures that only legal adults can enter into rental agreements and manage bookings.

A few important points to keep in mind:

• The age requirement applies to the account holder only.

• Family members, friends, or co-hosts can help manage a listing, as long as the main account owner meets the age rule.

• Guests under 18 can stay at a property, but the booking must be made by someone who is 18 or older.

So, while minors can travel with their families and stay in Airbnb rentals, they can’t create accounts or book on their own.

Countries With Stricter Airbnb Age Rules

While 18 is the general rule, some countries have stricter guidelines—especially when it comes to renting an entire home or apartment.

For example, in places like:

• Canada

• United States (in certain cities)

• United Kingdom

• Spain

• France

• Japan

Guests must be at least 25 years old to book an entire property.

Why the stricter rule? Airbnb introduced this policy to reduce issues like unauthorized parties, property damage, and safety incidents. The infamous 2019 Halloween party tragedy in California highlighted the risks of underage bookings, which pushed Airbnb to tighten restrictions.

Good to know: The under-25 restriction only applies to entire homes. Guests younger than 25 can still book shared rooms or private rooms.

Airbnb Experiences and Age Limits

Airbnb isn’t just about renting homes—it also offers Airbnb Experiences, where hosts lead activities like tours, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures.

For Experiences:

• Both hosts and participants must be at least 18 years old.

• Some hosts may set higher minimum ages depending on the activity (e.g., wine tasting or extreme sports).

How Does Airbnb Verify Your Age?

Airbnb uses an identity verification system to confirm user details when you create an account or before certain bookings. Here’s what they may ask for:

• Legal name, address, and phone number.

• Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card).

• A selfie photo to match your ID.

In some countries, especially in Europe, you may also need to show your ID at check-in due to local laws.

Other Airbnb Requirements to Keep in Mind

Age isn’t the only requirement when using Airbnb. To keep the platform safe and reliable, Airbnb also enforces these rules:

• You must provide accurate and updated account details.

• Accounts are personal—no transferring to someone else.

• Security of login details is the responsibility of the account holder.

• Airbnb may run background checks using public records and third-party databases.

How to Check if a Listing Has Age Restrictions

Not every property has the same rules. To find out if a host enforces age restrictions:

1. Read the House Rules section of the listing.

2. Use the Contact Host feature to ask directly.
   

This is especially useful if you’re traveling with teenagers or young adults who might have specific restrictions.

What If You’re Under 18?

If you’re not old enough to create an account, you won’t be able to book an Airbnb yourself. However:

• A parent, guardian, or family member who meets the age requirement can book on your behalf.

• You can still stay at the property as long as the booking was made by an eligible adult.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb’s age rules are designed to protect both guests and hosts. The general rule is simple:

• 18+ to book or host on Airbnb.

• 25+ in certain countries if booking an entire property.

If you’re planning to travel as a family or group, make sure the main account holder is of legal age to avoid issues. Always double-check the listing’s house rules, and keep your ID handy when traveling abroad.

By understanding Airbnb’s age requirements, you can book your stay with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises.