Services related to massage and spa treatment

If you are providing a service on Airbnb, it’s important to be familiar with the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your service listing.*

It’s important to note that different countries, states and cities have different licensing requirements and rules. It’s your responsibility as someone providing a service on Airbnb to make sure you comply with local laws and regulations.

Basic principles for any services related to massage or spa treatment

Many countries have certification or licensing requirements for a therapist to provide massage or spa treatment services. Since these services involve close engagement with a guest, it’s pertinent to keep both your health and safety, and your guests’, front of mind. For example, it’s a good idea to:

• Familiarise yourself with official sources or seek legal advice to understand the rules that apply to providing services related to massage or spa and wellness to a guest
• Ask your guests in advance about any preferences or considerations to ensure their comfort and safety during the service
• Certain types of massages and spa services are not permitted, such as:
  • Medical massages or spa treatments aimed at treatment of specific health conditions diagnosed by a doctor
  • Massages advertising sexual activity
  • Use of needles or laser treatments in massage or spa-related services
  • Non-surgical fat reduction treatments
  • Chemical peels and dermal fillers

If you want to provide massage or spa treatments to guests outside of your salon or studio.

If you want to provide massage or spa treatments outside of a salon or studio, such as in the guest’s home, find out if this triggers additional regulations or requirements under your local laws.

NOTE: Some jurisdictions may prohibit you from providing these types of services outside of a licensed business establishment or require you to obtain specific outcall permits or permissions to carry out such activities. Check your local city, state or national (if applicable) requirements for restrictions on where these services may be performed.

Additional things to think about when providing massage or spa treatments

You’ll need to check with your local authorities to be certain you’re meeting all local requirements before you provide a service.

In some jurisdictions, it may be necessary to obtain a general business licence in order to be able to provide spa treatments or massage services to members of the public. Below are some examples (note this is not a comprehensive list):

• Check with your local zoning board or planning authority to find out whether any local rules limit the ways in which the property for your service or experience may be used
• Find out what tax rules may apply to your activity and check whether you’re legally required to obtain special insurance cover

If you’re unsure about anything relating to your service, check with your local licensing board directly or speak to a lawyer to discuss and confirm your service complies with local laws including health, tax and insurance requirements.

*Airbnb isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third-party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations). Airbnb also doesn’t have control over the conduct of those who provide a service on Airbnb and disclaims all liability.

Failure of hosts or co-hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb website.