The GVH says Airbnb’s terms, policies, and user guidance on its website and mobile app are often long, fragmented, sometimes contradictory, and in certain cases only available in English. Officials suspect that this could prevent users from fully understanding key conditions, such as how booking requests work or when refunds are available.

The Authority also noted that Airbnb may not be making it clear that some properties listed on its platform can also be booked via other websites or directly with owners – a lack of transparency that could, in their view, mislead consumers and potentially breach fair trading rules.

GVH stressed that launching a competition oversight procedure does not mean the company has been found guilty of wrongdoing. The purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts and decide whether any laws have been broken. The process is initially set to last three months, but may be extended twice by up to two months each time if needed.

This is not Airbnb’s first encounter with GVH scrutiny. An earlier investigation, launched in 2016 and concluded in 2018, ended with the company agreeing to a series of commitments. However, a 2021 review found these had only been partly met, resulting in a fine of HUF 40 million (about EUR 100,000).

The GVH has stepped up its oversight of the online accommodation market in recent years, including a rapid market review in 2023 that produced several recommendations to strengthen both consumer protection and fair competition.

Founded in San Francisco in 2008, Airbnb now offers more than two million listings in 34,000 cities across 191 countries.

In Hungary, the platform remains popular, with its Hungarian-language site drawing over 500,000 visits per month between April and June 2025.
 

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.