If you’ve stumbled upon a listing while searching for a vacation rental on Airbnb, only to discover that it’s marked as “Property Turned Off”, you might be left scratching your head. What does it mean when an Airbnb property is turned off? Is something wrong with the listing, the host, or perhaps Airbnb itself?
Understanding what this status entails can provide both prospective guests and current hosts with valuable insights into the workings of Airbnb and how listing availability is managed. In this article, we’ll break down what “Property Turned Off” means, why it happens, who is responsible for it, and what your next steps should be whether you’re a traveler or a host.
What Does “Property Turned Off” Mean?
When a property on Airbnb is labeled as “Turned Off”, it typically means that the listing is no longer visible to the public or available for booking. This doesn’t necessarily mean the property is gone for good — rather, it’s temporarily or permanently deactivated. This status may appear due to either host action or Airbnb’s moderation policies.
Types of “Turned Off” Status
“Turned Off” can mean several different things based on who initiated it:
- Host Decision: The host may have chosen to temporarily or permanently deactivate their listing.
- Airbnb Intervention: Airbnb might have removed the listing due to a policy violation, complaints, or account review.
- Automated System Holds: Airbnb’s system may temporarily unlist a property if it detects suspicious activity or if the host fails to meet certain requirements.
Reasons a Property Might Be Turned Off
Let’s dive deeper into some of the common reasons why a property might be turned off on Airbnb.
1. Host Temporarily Deactivates the Listing
Hosts often turn off their listings for personal reasons. These could include:
- Going on vacation or otherwise unavailable
- Renovating or repairing their property
- Taking a break from hosting
- Reevaluating pricing or policies
In such cases, the listing can often be reactivated at a later time. It’s a strategic pause rather than a permanent removal.
2. Airbnb Suspends or Delists the Property
Airbnb has strict community guidelines and quality expectations. A listing may be turned off due to:
- Guest complaints (cleanliness, safety, misinformation)
- Violation of Airbnb’s policies (discrimination, misrepresentation)
- Safety concerns or regulatory issues
If Airbnb intervenes in this way, the listing may be under review or permanently removed depending on the severity of the issue.
3. Inactivity or Lapse in Host Requirements
Sometimes, Airbnb turns off listings because hosts haven’t met minimum standards or have been inactive for too long. Common triggers include:
- Lack of response to inquiries
- Low ratings or reviews
- Inconsistent booking patterns
Airbnb uses algorithms to detect low-performing listings and may turn these off automatically. Hosts can often rectify the situation and get the listing turned back on by addressing Airbnb’s concerns.
What Does This Mean for Guests?
If you are a guest trying to book a stay and come across a “Property Turned Off” notice, here’s what you should know:
1. You Can’t Book It
No matter how perfect the property looks or how great the reviews are, if the listing is turned off, it’s off-limits. You can’t book, save, or interact with the listing until it’s reactivated — if it ever is.
2. Existing Bookings May Be at Risk
If you’ve already booked a stay at a property that later becomes turned off, Airbnb will usually reach out. Depending on whether the host or Airbnb initiated the deactivation, you may:
- Still be able to complete your stay
- Receive a cancellation notice along with a refund or rebooking assistance
Keep a lookout for emails or app notifications, and reach out to Airbnb support if you’re worried about your booking.
3. Alternatives Will Be Offered
If your stay is canceled due to the property being turned off, Airbnb’s customer service generally offers help in finding a comparable listing. In some cases, they may even cover the difference in cost or offer travel credits.
What Does This Mean for Hosts?
For Airbnb hosts, having your property turned off can significantly impact your business. Understanding why it happened is the first step toward remediation.
1. Check Your Dashboard
If your listing has been turned off, Airbnb typically notifies you through the host dashboard or via email. You will likely see messages such as:
- “Your listing has been deactivated due to policy issues”
- “Your listing is hidden until you meet certain requirements”
Click on the notifications to find out more specific reasons and steps you can take.
2. Evaluate and Correct Issues
Fixing a turned-off listing often involves:
- Updating calendar availability
- Responding to guest inquiries more promptly
- Improving your property’s cleanliness, safety, or description accuracy
- Completing any required verifications or trainings
In many cases, once corrective actions have been taken, the system will allow you to reactivate the listing.
3. Appeal to Airbnb
If you believe your property was unfairly turned off, or if it’s been disabled by mistake, you can file an appeal with Airbnb’s customer support. Provide all relevant evidence to back up your position, and a support representative may offer solutions or escalate the issue for further review.
Conclusion: A Temporary Pause or a Permanent Goodbye?
Seeing “Property Turned Off” next to a listing on Airbnb can mean different things depending on the context. For guests, it signals that the property is currently unavailable — but not necessarily gone for good. For hosts, it’s a prompt to inspect, revise, or potentially defend a listing. The good news? In most circumstances, a turned-off listing can be turned back on with appropriate actions.
Whether you’re planning your next getaway or managing a successful Airbnb property, understanding the meaning behind a “Turned Off” listing can help you navigate the platform with more confidence and less confusion. Make sure to stay informed, follow Airbnb’s guidelines, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed — after all, transparency and communication are vital to the Airbnb community experience.