In brief
Airbnb has updated its house‑rules policy to prohibit hosts from requesting guests perform cleaning tasks such as washing dishes, stripping beds or emptying trash. New guidelines allow hosts to set up to seven standard rules plus other reasonable requests but forbid chores that would normally be done by a cleaner, reflecting growing backlash over mandatory cleaning fees. The changes take effect on bookings from 20 November and come after a wave of social‑media videos highlighting the strict demands of some hosts. While hosts retain control of their listings, they cannot impose fines or restrictive contracts, and violations can be flagged for appeal. The update aims to reduce surprise costs and clarify expectations for both hosts and travellers.
Airbnb has just rolled out new rules that say hosts may no longer ask guests to strip beds, wash dishes or take out the trash. The change follows a spate of complaints from travellers who felt forced into tasks while still paying a cleaning fee.
From bookings made on 20 November, hosts can set up to seven standard house rules, with the option to add extra “reasonable” requests. However, the policy specifically bars any tasks that normally would be carried out by a cleaner: stripping bed linens, emptying waste or handling dishes.
Airbnb said the move was designed to make rules clearer and easier to discover, preventing “surprises” and helping guests understand what’s expected of them. The platform will display host rules prominently in reservation confirmations and reminders.
Exceptions are limited – for example, water‑restriction requests during droughts – and contracts may only be enforced when required by law or a homeowners association. While hosts still control listings, they cannot impose fines.
The new policy comes after several viral TikTok videos from hosts in Georgia, who were criticised for demanding guests vacuum or clean up tiny messes after departure. The videos showed hosts inspecting properties and accusing guests of “disrespecting house rules,” sparking both support and parody from other creators.
If a host’s request violates the new guidelines, Airbnb will flag it and the host can appeal. The updates aim to strike a balance between host expectations and the growing demand for clearer, fairer policies in the vacation‑rental marketplace.
