Host asking for a city tax not included in the listing

[Viktor63]

Hi,

I booked an apartment for 4 persons in Rome via instant book couple of days ago. There was no mention of extra fees in the listing (description, house rules...) and I booked since the price was within my budget. Now, 10 days before the check in, the host sent me a message that I need to pay city tax - €3.5/person/day at check in. What are my options here, can ABB force the host to withdraw the request? I don't want to cancel since the price is acceptable but with the  city tax included it is above my budget.
On top of this, we are staying 3 nights and the host is asking for a city tax for 4 days.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Viktor63

Are you sure the host has not mentioned in the full description that a tourist tax will be payable in cash? Hosts are allowed to collect this separately.

As for the charge - a quick Google search reveals the per day charge.

Rome City Tax. The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels which is charged and collected by your hotel. The tax requires a contribution of 4.00 Euros per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, 6.00 Euros per person per night for 4 star hotels and 7.00 Euros per person per night for 5 star hotels.

[Viktor63]

I confirmed that the listing does not include the city tax, I saved a copy. And yes, I am aware that the city tax is mandatory. But in this case I would assume that it is already included in the price of booking, since it is not mentioned in the listing.

[Viktor63]

I just found this - https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/318/how-do-taxes-work-for-guests

...We ask that hosts explain any taxes they may be required to collect in their listing description and their communication with guests prior to booking.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Viktor63

My parents were in Rome a couple years ago and even hotels collect the city tax separate from the booking payment from guests at check-out based on actual no. of nights stayed. 

 http://www.turismoroma.it/news/contributo-di-soggiorno?lang=en

While I agree that the host should have mentioned it in their listing description, they are only following rules and personally, I'd think anyone travelling to Rome would easily find info that they are required to pay city tax wherever they stay. IMO, the right thing to do in your situation would be to pay the correct sum for the city tax according to actual no. of nights you stayed.