Airbnb host was a bit weird

I think I did my first Airbnb online booking 7 years ago. Last summer, I went to Budapest and stayed in a very central apartment. The host had asked for money down and I was not surprised since my Airbnb booking was saying so. I gave him and he gave me back when I was leaving. I do not know if this is allowed since this hand2hand situation does not sound very professional to me. Has anyone experienced such a host situation in Airbnb accommodations?