Airbnb is updating its house rules policy to prohibit hosts from requiring guests to perform time-consuming chores before checking out. The new rules, which apply to reservations booked on or after November 20, state that hosts cannot ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or that would typically be performed by a professional cleaner.
Under the updated guidelines, hosts are restricted to making only “reasonable” requests of their guests. According to the company, this includes simple tasks such as placing dirty dishes in the sink. The policy aims to reduce the burden on travelers when they depart from a rental property.
To improve transparency, Airbnb is now displaying host requests more prominently in a dedicated “rules and requests” section on property listings. If a host continues to include chore requests in their listing after the policy takes effect, the platform will display an “includes cleaning requests” warning to potential guests. Hosts are also prohibited from adding extra rules through private messages or via signs posted around their property.
The policy change has faced some opposition from hosts on Airbnb forums. Some argue that the restrictions could pose health risks and suggest that guests should simply choose not to book properties with strict house rules. However, Airbnb noted that there will be exceptions to the new limits, such as allowing hosts to request that guests “dispose of trash in an animal-proof container in bear country.”
