Frequently Asked Questions

Fairvisit is an intermediary — not a dealer. The accommodation contract exists directly between you and the host. We charge significantly less commission than the large platforms, use no tracking and store no payment data. At the same time, we offer a safety net: if there are problems with cancellations or refunds, we can step in and mediate.

We charge a commission of just 4%, fairly split between guest and host — until at least September 2026. After that, our regular rate of 9% applies, still significantly less than the 15–20% that large platforms charge. You can see the exact amount before booking. As a platform Pioneer, you continue to pay only 4% after that. For partner stays, you pay nothing to Fairvisit — we're compensated by the partner.

We use no tracking, no analytics tools and do not sell any data. Your payment data is processed exclusively by our payment service provider. You can export your data at any time via self-service and request the deletion of your account. We comply with legal retention requirements — for example, invoice data must be retained for 10 years.

Yes. Our team is based in Aachen, our servers are located in Germany and our payment service provider is a European company. For maps, we use OpenStreetMap and European services. Your personal data is processed and stored exclusively in European data centres. We are self-funded with no external investors — we make our own decisions.

As a host, you are the direct contractual partner of the guest — Fairvisit only intermediates. This means: you are responsible for the accuracy of your listing, compliance with local regulations and fulfilling the accommodation contract. We support you with tools, templates and mediation when needed.

You as the host. The accommodation contract exists between you and the guest — we only intermediate. If a guest books and the accommodation doesn't match the listing, you are liable to the guest. Therefore, keep your listing current and accurate.

Depending on severity, your listing may be deactivated or your account suspended. We will inform you in advance and give you the opportunity to respond — unless immediate action is necessary to protect guests.

Refunds are automatically deducted from your balance by the payment service provider. If your balance is insufficient, the amount is offset against future incoming payments. In emergencies, the platform can compensate the guest directly and reclaim the amount from you afterwards.

Yes — you can register now and list your property. Currently, accommodations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are supported. More countries will follow. If you join now, you permanently secure the Pioneer commission discount.

EU Regulation 2024/1028 introduces a registration requirement for short-term rentals. You must register your accommodation with your municipality and include the registration number in your listing. Platforms like Fairvisit are required to block listings without a valid number and transmit booking data to authorities. Each member state implements the regulation nationally — in Germany, for example, through the Short-Term Rental Data Exchange Act (KVDG) with the Federal Network Agency as the central access point. Whether your municipality has already set up a registration process, you can find out from your local administration. If you need help with registration, get in touch — we're happy to support you.

Social media often claims that a permit will "soon" be required. That's not quite right as a blanket statement. In most EU countries, a permit has always been required when residential space is used regularly for short-term rental — in Germany, for example, as a building use change (Nutzungsänderung), in Austria through building or spatial planning regulations. What's new: the EU registration requirement from May 2026 (EU Regulation 2024/1028) makes it easier for authorities to uncover existing violations. Whether you're affected depends on your situation — occasional private rental of your own home generally does not require a permit. However, the EU registration requirement applies to all accommodations offered through a platform — even for occasional rentals. Additionally, local regulations may apply, such as housing misuse ordinances in Germany or tourism zoning rules in Austria. If in doubt, contact your local municipal authority.

Yes — ideally, talk to your landlord first. In most cases, an uncomplicated solution can be found, especially if you occasionally rent out your room while on holiday. With an individual agreement, you can also arrange to make a profit. If your landlord resists: in many EU countries, tenants have a legal right to sublet — in Germany, for instance, landlords generally cannot refuse subletting for cost coverage. The exact rules vary by country. Our tip: talk first, assert rights later. We're happy to help you with a suitable wording for your landlord. For property owners, these restrictions don't apply at all.

Occasional private rental of your own home is generally not considered commercial. It typically becomes commercial when you offer hotel-like additional services (e.g. breakfast, daily cleaning) or permanently rent out multiple properties. When exactly a trade or tax registration is required varies by country — the boundaries are fluid and depend on your individual situation. If in doubt, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

That depends on your location. Many municipalities and cities levy a tourist tax, bed tax or visitor's levy — the name, amount and rules vary widely. In some places, you as the host are required to collect the amount from your guest and remit it to the municipality. Check with your local authority whether and how much tax applies to your location. In your Fairvisit listing, you can show the tourist tax as a separate item so your guests know in advance. If you're unsure where to find the right information — get in touch, we're happy to help.

Your personal liability and household insurance typically does not cover renting to guests. For short-term rental, you should check the following:

• Property owner's liability insurance — protects you if a guest is injured at your property (approx. €50–150/year)
• Contents insurance — covers furniture and equipment against damage, theft and water damage (approx. €100–300/year)
• Check your building insurance — many standard policies exclude short-term rental. Failure to disclose to your insurer can void your coverage entirely

Some insurers offer holiday rental packages that cover all three areas. Operating without required permits can also put your insurance at risk.

If a guest causes damage:

• Document immediately — photos with timestamps, overview and close-up shots
• Report the damage to your insurer within a few days
• Keep damaged items as evidence
• Be aware of short limitation periods — in Germany, for example, just six months from handover

If you have questions about the right coverage, we recommend contacting your trusted insurance provider.