Airbnb hold back all of the LTR rent income payouts, except for the first month.
This method must have been deep in the fine print.
I am frustrated by this because they have already collected all of the rent for 3 months and their fees but don't release our income. We have bills to pay for the house for renovations that were just completed before our guests arrived. They are earning the interest on the money when we should be.
Your experience on this matter will be appreciated.
Investor · Charleston, SC · Member since 2018 · 192 posts · 80 votes
2mo
The cash flow issue is the real problem, not the booking channel.
If they collected 3 months but release monthly, I would treat the held amount like a receivable and track each payout date against the booked rent, not count it as cash until it lands.
Before using the platform again, I would ask support for the written payout schedule and compare it to VRBO in writing, because that float changes how much reserve the property needs.
Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 535 posts · 310 votes
2mo
I can understand why that would be frustrating, especially if you were expecting the rent to help cover renovation costs and ongoing expenses.
One thing I've learned is that payout timing is just as important as the fee structure when choosing a platform. Cash flow can look very different depending on when funds are actually released.
Before switching platforms, I'd compare not only the payout schedule but also cancellation policies, support, and how each platform handles longer-term stays. Sometimes the trade-offs aren't obvious until you've hosted a few bookings.