1. How the review system works

After checkout, both host and guest have 14 days to leave a review. The system is double-blind: neither party sees the other's review until both submit or the window expires. Once published, reviews cannot be edited.

1.1 What guests rate

Guests score on a 1-5 star scale across: overall experience, cleanliness, accuracy, communication, check-in, location, and value. Your overall rating is most visible and most important for ranking.

1.2 The 2025 algorithm change

Airbnb now weights recent reviews far more heavily than historical ones. A single recent 1-star review can noticeably reduce visibility even with years of perfect ratings. The algorithm also analyses review text sentiment, not just star numbers. Enthusiastic language ("amazing", "spotless", "could not fault it") boosts ranking more than a bland 5-star review.

1.3 Superhost threshold

You need a 4.8+ overall rating to qualify for Superhost. Airbnb reports Superhosts earn 60% more RevPAR. For more on earnings, see the guide to Superhost earnings.

2. Responding to reviews

You have 30 days to post a public response. Responses publish instantly and cannot be edited or deleted.

2.1 For positive reviews

Thank the guest by name and reference their stay. Keep it brief. This shows future guests you are engaged and appreciative.

2.2 For negative reviews

• Lead with empathy. Acknowledge the experience. Apologise where appropriate.
• Explain corrective actions. "We have since replaced the mattress" or "we have added a second heater."
• Keep it professional. Future guests read your response to judge how you handle problems, not to referee the dispute.
• Avoid: emotional language, arguing point by point, sarcasm, disclosing private guest details.

A calm, professional response to a bad review often builds more trust than the review itself damages. For removal options, see the guide to deleting Airbnb reviews. For strategies to prevent bad reviews, see the guide to getting more 5-star reviews.

3. Getting more 5-star reviews

• Accurate listing: match photos and description to reality. Guests who feel misled leave bad reviews.
• Spotless cleaning: the number one review driver. Professional cleaning with a consistent checklist.
• Fast communication: respond within 1 hour. Send proactive check-in instructions and a mid-stay check-in.
• Small touches: welcome note with the guest's name, local recommendations, good coffee. These generate the enthusiastic review language the algorithm rewards.
• Ask politely: a friendly post-checkout message mentioning you would appreciate a review. Most satisfied guests simply forget.

Professional property managers maintain Superhost-level review scores across portfolios because they systematise all of the above. For more on what management includes, see the guide to costs of running a holiday let.

4. Review disputes and removal

4.1 When Airbnb will remove a review

Airbnb will only remove a review if it violates their content policy. Grounds for removal include:

• Discriminatory language or hate speech.
• Threats or harassment.
• Content that is clearly about the wrong listing or person.
• Extortion (guest threatening a bad review to get a refund).
• Reviews left by someone who did not actually stay.

Airbnb will not remove a review simply because you disagree with it, even if you believe it is unfair or inaccurate.

4.2 How to dispute a review

1. Go to the review in your dashboard.
2. Click "Report" and select the reason it violates the content policy.
3. Provide evidence (screenshots of messages, booking details).
4. Airbnb reviews the case and decides within a few days.

If Airbnb declines your dispute, the review stays. Your best response is to post a professional, factual public reply that addresses the guest's concerns without being defensive. For more on managing negative reviews, see the guide to Airbnb guest review strategies.

4.3 The retaliatory review problem

Because reviews are double-blind (neither party sees the other's review until both are submitted or the 14-day window closes), retaliatory reviews are less common than hosts fear. However, if a guest leaves a review that appears retaliatory after a dispute, you can report it under the extortion/retaliation policy.

5. How reviews affect Superhost status

Airbnb's Superhost programme has specific review-related criteria assessed every quarter:

• Overall rating: 4.8 or above across all reviews.
• Number of stays: at least 10 trips (or 3 trips totalling 100 nights) in the assessment period.
• Cancellation rate: less than 1% (excluding extenuating circumstances).
• Response rate: 90% or above.

The 4.8 threshold means you need consistently excellent reviews. A single 1-star review can drop your average below 4.8 if you have fewer than 20 total reviews. The more reviews you accumulate above 4.8, the more resilient your rating becomes.

Superhost status gives you a badge on your listing, priority placement in some search results, and access to Superhost-only promotions. It also builds trust with guests, which improves conversion rate. For earnings context, see the guide to how much Airbnb Superhosts make.

6. How management companies handle reviews

Professional management companies treat review management as a core operational function, not an afterthought.

6.1 What they do

• Proactive guest experience: fast communication, accurate listing descriptions, and consistent cleaning reduce the chance of negative reviews before they happen.
• Review every guest: management companies leave a review for every guest promptly, which encourages guests to review in return.
• Respond to every review: professional, measured responses to both positive and negative reviews. No defensive or emotional replies.
• Dispute when appropriate: flagging reviews that violate Airbnb's content policy for removal.

6.2 Why this matters for your income

Properties managed by professional companies consistently maintain higher review scores than self-managed properties. A 4.8+ rating compounds over time: better search ranking, higher conversion, and the ability to charge premium nightly rates. The review management alone often justifies the management fee. For the full picture, see the guide to costs of running a holiday let.

This guide is general information based on Airbnb's current review system. Platform features and policies may change.