California’s New Vacation Booking Law: No More Hidden Fees

Starting July 1, 2025, California travelers are in for a welcome surprise: a significant new consumer protection law—AB 2202—ensures that cleaning fees and other mandatory charges for short‑term rentals are disclosed before the booking is confirmed.

What is AB 2202?

• Full transparency on cleaning costs. Online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Expedia are now required to list any mandatory cleaning fees and explain required cleaning tasks up front, not hidden in the checkout phase or after you book Wherewolf+2Setyan Law+2Patch+2.

• Civil penalties for violations. Platforms and hosts who omit these fees can be fined up to $10,000 per violationhklaw.com+3Setyan Law+3MAK Properties+3.

• 24‑hour penalty‑free cancellation. Bookings can be canceled without a fee within 24 hours, provided cancellation occurs at least 72 hours before check‑in .

How It Builds on Existing Laws

This change is California’s latest step in combating “drip pricing,” where advertised rates are deceptively low:

• SB 478 (“Honest Pricing Law”), effective July 2024, mandates that hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, ticket sellers, and online retailers include all mandatory fees in the initial price. Only optional extras and taxes can be added later Setyan Law+6Valerian Law, P.C.+6hoteljolt.com+6.

• SB 644 (also July 2024) provides a 24‑hour cancellation window and requires refunds within 30 days for standard reservations (as long as booked at least 72 hours before check‑in) hklaw.com.

  
  

Why Travelers Will Thank California

• Clearer comparisons. No more sticker shock—now you can easily compare total prices between different rentals.

• Budget-friendly planning. Upfront pricing helps avoid surprises and makes travel budgeting more predictable.

• Greater accountability. Platforms are now held responsible and face serious penalties for sneaky fees.

  
  

What Hosts and Platforms Should Do

• Revise pricing displays to include mandatory fees from the first listing.

• Explain cleaning expectations clearly in your listing description.

• Simplify cancellation policies to allow full refunds within 24 hours.

• Ensure transparency across your website, app, and any third-party booking channels.

Final Takeaway

As of July 1, 2025, Californians booking short‑term rentals will no longer face surprise cleaning fees—everything is laid out clearly before you book. This is part of a broader push across California to end hidden‑fee tactics and bring full transparency to travel pricing. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or managing rentals, this law means no more last‑minute sticker shocks—just honest, upfront booking.

Feel free to embed this post directly on your site — and enjoy more straightforward, stress‑free vacation planning!