Airbnb will ban hosts from asking guests to complete time-consuming cleaning tasks — including stripping bed linen, taking out the trash and washing dishes — under new rules coming into effect on November 20.
The updated guidelines apply globally to bookings covered by the platform’s policy. They aim to make house rules clearer and prevent guests from being asked to carry out extensive cleaning despite paying for their accommodation.
Hosts cannot impose additional charges on guests for failing to complete checkout tasks listed by the host. Alongside the restrictions on cleaning chores, Airbnb has revised how hosts communicate their property rules. Airbnb has faced complaints from travellers who have been charged cleaning fees and still been expected to complete a list of chores before checking out. (Also read: Airbnb host shows state of ₹ 1.05 crore apartment after guests leave: ‘This isn’t a hotel room’ ) The platform has also clarified that cleaning fees should cover routine cleaning between stays.
Airbnb says new rules will be easier for guests
The changes follow growing criticism from travellers over demanding checkout instructions, particularly when they have already paid cleaning fees. In recent years, some guests have also shared their experiences of strict house rules and detailed post-checkout inspections on social media.
In a statement shared with Euronews Travel, Airbnb said: “House rules help guests understand what hosts expect, but we’ve heard from our community that they can be confusing, onerous and hard to manage.
