Why Accessibility Matters for Vacation Rental Hosts
As a short-term rental host, you’re already familiar with the importance of building a warm space. But how welcoming is your property—truly? With 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability, accessibility isn’t a nicety; it’s an important component of exceptional hospitality.
Accessible tourism is growing rapidly, and many tourists (primarily elderly Baby Boomers and their family members) deliberately seek out properties that are accessible to mobility or sensory disability. Whether it’s a wheelchair user, a guest with limited mobility, or someone with hearing or visual impairments, everyone should have a comfortable and safe experience. In this post, we’ll explain what the American Disabilities Act is, why accessibility matters in the short-term rental world, and how small changes can make a big impact on your guests and your bottom line.
Understanding ADA Compliance for Airbnb Hosts
What is ADA Compliance?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal act enacted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal access to public accommodations, employment, transportation, and government services. The ADA covers businesses and organizations selling goods and services to the public and are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
When it comes to short-term rentals like Airbnb, ADA compliance is a bit more complicated. While standard hotels and motels are required to be ADA-compliant, Airbnb rentals are not necessarily under the same legal requirements—but there are important considerations for vacation rental hosts to keep in mind.
The ADA primarily applies to “public accommodations,” including hotels, motels, and comparable businesses that provide lodging to the public. Short-term rentals, however, are typically considered private homes and not public accommodations. For this purpose, most stand-alone Airbnb rentals are exempted from ADA compliance by law.
While most private Airbnb hosts are not legally bound under the ADA, Airbnb has taken steps to be accessible and inclusive. The company offers accessibility filters and sets certain standards for hosts who claim to offer accessible features.
Airbnb and Accessibility
Airbnb launched its Accessbility Review in November 2021, which gave visitors confidence that accommodations labeled ADA-compliant by owners met standards and were checked by an Airbnb representative. Owners can add photos of accessibility amenities in their listings to the Airbnb site, which are reviewed by a trained team of Airbnb representatives.
Filters available to add to your Airbnb listing include:
- Lit path to guest entrance
- Step-free guest entrance
- Step-free route to the guest entrance
- Guest entrance greater than 32 inches
- Accessible car parking space
- Step-free bedroom entrance
- Minimum 32-inch wide bedroom entrance
- Step-free bathroom entrance
- Minimum 32-inch wide bathroom entrance
- Grab bar in the shower
- Grab bar at the toilet
- Step-free shower area
- Shower or bath seat
- Ceiling or mobile hoist
- Swimming pool or hot tub hoist
Adding Accessibility Features
Adding accessibility features to your listing on Airbnb is easy. First, make sure your listing is published. Then, you’ll be able to edit your listing by room and highlight each accessibility feature with at least one clear photo. Airbnb offers a guide to photographing accessibility features. Once your features are confirmed against the photo guidelines, they’ll be shown on your listing’s Accessibility features section.
Implementing Accessibility Renovations to Your Short-Term Rental
Benefits of Accessibility in Your Airbnb
- Bigger Guest Pool: Disabled travelers, elderly guests, and mobility-disabled families are often underrepresented within the short-term rental market. Making your property available to them opens up your market to a broader and diverse audience.
- Greater Booking Potential: Accessibility features can attract more potential guests to your listing, especially if few other listings offer them. Travelers looking for accommodations with Airbnb’s accessibility filters are more likely to book when they find properties that exactly fulfill their needs.
- Potential for Higher ADR (Average Daily Rate): Clearly described, quality listings with amenities available can command a higher per-night rate, especially for clients who value convenience and comfort. Most travelers will pay extra for amenities that save them time or allow them to travel.
- Enhanced Guest Satisfaction & Reviews: Guests who experience an exceptional, accessible visit are more apt to write great reviews, lifting your overall rating and visibility. Accessibility is often associated with hospitality and welcome—values that appeal to many types of travelers.
- Future-Proofing the Property: With expanding aging populations and more travel to more diverse demographics, accessibility will be increasingly expected and perhaps a competitive necessity. Renovating now can balance expenses later if legislation or demand is altered.
Challenges to Creating an Accessible Airbnb
- Upfront Costs: Renovations, such as doorway expansion, ramp installation, bathroom reconfiguration, etc, are not cheap. Materials, labor, and permits (if needed) can add up quickly. The national average cost of renovating a home to meet disability standards ranges from $5,000 to $20,000.
- Space Limitations: Smaller homes or apartments may not have the physical space to fit some of the accessibility requirements, like a clear turning radius for a wheelchair. You may have to compromise or limit the extent of changes.
- Unreliable Return on Investment: Your ROI will vary depending on your market. In other markets with a minimal demand for accessibility, the upgrades will not translate to many additional bookings. It may take years to recapture the dollars in increased revenue.
- Wrongful Implementation Risk: Unless renovations are properly implemented or follow best practices (e.g., inappropriate location of grab bars, too much slope), they will fail to serve their intended purpose and can even confuse visitors. This could lead to poor reviews or claims.
- Regular Maintenance: Features such as ramps, shower chairs, or elevators can be subject to periodic maintenance to stay safe and operational. Replacing or repairing equipment with specialized needs incurs long-term maintenance expenses.
Accessibility Effects on Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Occupancy
Including ADA-accessible amenities in a short-term rental will impact the Average Daily Rate (ADR) and occupancy—typically in positive ways, especially when carefully done and marketed.
Average Daily Rate
Features or amenities that are in short supply in most markets, especially beyond urban centers, can command a premium. Travelers with accessibility needs value comfort, safety, and functionality over price and are likely to pay more for peace of mind. Accessibility features can also enhance the perceived value in the guest’s mind and the platform’s algorithm, improving your visibility and leading to better placement in search. A host with a roll-in shower, step-free entrance, and wide doorways might be able to charge more than similar non-accessible listings, depending on demand and the local market.
Occupancy
In terms of occupancy, not only are you accommodating people with disabilities, but you’re also opening your doors to older adults and seniors, families with elderly family members, patients rehabilitating from surgery, parents using strollers, etc. In areas where there’s minimal demand for accessibility, the occupancy effect may be null unless your listing attracts more than only those in need of accessibility. If part or poorly constructed accessibility upgrades are put in, guests will not wish to remain—leading to missed opportunities.
Navigating Recent Changes in ADA Guidelines
Updates from the Department of Justice
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the withdrawal of 11 guidance documents under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in an attempt to streamline business compliance resources. The best way to stay up to date on ADA guidelines is to:
- Consult Legal Experts: Consult legal experts who specialize in ADA compliance to ensure constant compliance with the law.
- Stay Informed: Keep informed about official DOJ releases and reliable industry sources for any breaking news or new developments on ADA compliance.
- Proactive Compliance: Act proactively with best practices in accessibility, beyond the law, to provide an accessible environment for all your customers.
Best Practices for Hosting Guests with Accessibility Needs
Be Transparent and Detailed in Your Listing
Document all your accessibility amenities in simple language (e.g., step-free entry, grab bars, roll-in shower, wide doorways) and avoid using vague language. Ideally, you want to be as descriptive as possible. For example, instead of saying “accessible bathroom,” say something like “toilet with grab bars at both sides” and “roll-in shower with shower seat.” You’ll also want to photograph key accessibility features from different viewpoints and add measurements where applicable.
Be Proactive in Communicating with Guests
Once a reservation has been confirmed, call to ask if your guest has any special needs or desires. Be prepared to answer layout, furniture, or equipment on hand (shower chairs, roll-in ramps). Disclose any limitations (no elevator, narrow hallway).
Example Message: “Hello [Guest], I noticed that you utilized some accessibility filters. I just wanted to touch base—do you have any specific mobility or equipment needs I can help with before your visit?”
Maintain Accessibility Features in Good Working Condition
Check ramps, railings, door handles, and assistive devices between each guest stay and clear hallways and passageways of obstacles—don’t allow furniture to push into pathways. If anything is broken, ensure that the issue is handled right away. Consistent check-ups allow you to provide a safe space for future guests.
Provide Additional Accessibility Aids (Where Necessary)
Aside from the features listed on the Airbnb app, consider providing additional accessibility aids if necessary. Things like portable ramps, non-slip mats, bed risers or low beds, easy-open utensils, or visual doorbells can help elevate the guest experience. You can also choose to keep a flashlight, a nightlight, and emergency contact details readily accessible for guests.
Educate Yourself and Co-Hosts
Learn some basic disability etiquette: don’t guess what a guest needs—ask. Teach co-hosts or cleaning personnel not to block accessible paths or move adaptive devices and be ready to provide alternative communication methods (e.g., text rather than phone).
Create an Inclusive, Stress-Free Environment
Make check-in directions clear and simple—include photos or video instructions if helpful. If possible, offer flexible check-in/check-out times for guests who may need a bit of extra time. As always, be warm, friendly, and welcoming as you would any guest.
Open the Door to Everyone: Accessibility Is Hospitality
As an Airbnb host, understanding and embracing ADA compliance and accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about meeting people where they are. Prioritizing accessibility is a powerful way to offer inclusive, thoughtful hospitality that makes every guest feel welcome.
Opening up your property more to allow more people in not only improves the guest experience but also gets your upgraded listings seen, improves reviews, and attracts more travelers. With some considerate updates, your doors can open wider to more travelers—and toward a more inclusive travel community for everyone.
