Airbnb will enforce new regulations prohibiting hosts from requiring guests to perform extensive cleaning tasks, such as stripping bed linen, taking out the rubbish, and washing dishes. These changes will take effect on November 20 and apply to all bookings made through the platform. The aim of these updated guidelines is to clarify house rules and prevent guests from being burdened with cleaning responsibilities after paying for their stay.

The decision follows numerous complaints from travellers who have encountered situations where they were charged cleaning fees yet still expected to complete various chores before checking out. In an official policy update, Airbnb stated that hosts will “generally” be prohibited from asking guests to undertake tasks that “require significant effort or time or would typically be performed by a cleaner.”

Clarifications on Acceptable Guest Responsibilities

Under the revised rules, hosts are not permitted to ask guests to strip beds, dispose of rubbish offsite, or wash and put away dishes. However, guests may be requested to leave used dishes in the sink, which is considered a minimal requirement. This distinction aims to alleviate the burden on guests while still allowing hosts some level of expectation regarding property upkeep.

Additionally, the guidelines stipulate that hosts cannot introduce new house rules or requests after a booking has been confirmed. Guests must have access to all relevant rules at the time of reservation, ensuring transparency and clarity. Airbnb has committed to reviewing any requests that do not align with its policy, requiring hosts to either remove such requests or appeal the decision.

The platform has also clarified that cleaning fees should adequately cover routine cleaning between guest stays, preventing hosts from imposing extra charges for failing to complete checkout tasks. This measure aims to standardise expectations and enhance guest satisfaction.

Updated Communication of House Rules

In conjunction with the restrictions on cleaning tasks, Airbnb has revised how hosts can communicate their property rules. They can now select from seven standard categories of house rules, which include check-in and check-out times, the number of allowed guests, smoking policies, pet regulations, quiet hours, and guidelines for commercial filming and photography. All rules must be fully disclosed at the time of booking.

These house rules will be displayed on property listing pages, within the Trips section of the app, and in reservation reminders, ensuring that guests are well-informed prior to their arrival. Hosts are still allowed to make reasonable requests based on local conditions, such as limiting shower time in areas facing water shortages or requiring the use of animal-proof rubbish containers.

The updated policy also prohibits hosts from denying access to advertised amenities or imposing fines and penalties on guests. Airbnb’s existing AirCover programme provides protection for hosts against damages caused by guests, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to fair practices.

Response to Guest Feedback

Airbnb has stated that the new rules aim to simplify the expectations for guests while ensuring that hosts can still set reasonable conditions for their properties. In a statement shared with Euronews Travel, the company acknowledged that house rules can often be confusing and burdensome, and thus have been redesigned for clarity and ease of understanding.

The changes come in response to increasing criticism from travellers regarding demanding checkout procedures, especially when they have already paid cleaning fees. Many guests have shared their experiences of strict house rules and thorough post-checkout inspections on social media, prompting Airbnb to take action.

Ultimately, the updated guidelines are intended to provide guests with a clear understanding of their responsibilities prior to booking, while allowing hosts to maintain reasonable expectations for their properties.

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