Can I transfer a vacation rental or retreat booking to someone else?
Airbnb bookings can't be transferred. Directly booked rentals and retreats sometimes can. What to check and what to ask.
Updated 2026-10-18. Quoted facts link to their sources; everything else is general information. Not legal advice.
Sourced facts
Airbnb: “It's not possible to transfer a reservation to someone else. If you can't make a trip, you'll need to cancel the booking and ask the other guest to rebook.” Cancellation costs depend on the host's policy.Source: Airbnb Help Center (checked 2026-10-18)
Platform bookings vs. direct bookings
Because Airbnb says reservations can't be transferred, we don't list Airbnb stays. Other platforms set their own rules, so check your booking terms. Rentals and retreats booked directly with an owner, manager or retreat organizer are different: the owner decides, and many would rather swap the guest name than leave the dates empty.
What to ask the host or organizer
“We can't make our dates. Would you allow another guest to take over our booking? Is there a fee, and what would the new guest need to sign?” Get the answer in writing, naming the new guest.
Doing it safely
The host should confirm the new guest directly. The new guest should only pay (the host, or you as reimbursement) after that confirmation. Never hand over door codes or check-in details without the host knowing.
Listing it on Unrefundable
List directly booked rentals and retreats when the host allows a guest change. We'll review your confirmation and charge 8% only if the host confirms the swap.