Airbnb has announced new rules limiting excessive checkout cleaning requirements imposed on guests. Under the policy taking effect November 20, hosts generally will not be able to require tasks normally handled by professional cleaners, such as washing dishes, removing bed linens, doing laundry or taking trash to outside collection areas. The change aims to address longstanding complaints about excessive checkout chores and confusion caused by differing house rules.
Some Airbnb properties have required guests to wash and put away all dishes, strip sheets and place them in a washing machine or start the laundry, and carry trash to outside collection points. Guests have repeatedly complained about being asked to clean after paying separate cleaning fees ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars. Airbnb is limiting checkout instructions to reasonable requests.
The rules do not mean guests have no responsibility to tidy up. Hosts may ask them to gather used dishes in the sink, leave used towels together, and sort trash and recycling into designated indoor bins. Basic requests such as turning off air conditioning and locking doors are also permitted. Washing dishes and putting them back in cabinets, laundering linens or carrying trash to separate locations outside the property generally are not allowed. Exceptions may apply for local conditions, such as requiring bear-resistant trash containers in areas where bears are present.
Another important element is advance disclosure. Hosts must clearly display all house rules and requests in designated fields that guests can review before booking. They may not introduce new cleaning duties or additional rules after a reservation through text messages or notices inside the property. Airbnb has standardized basic house rules in seven areas: occupancy limits, quiet hours, parties and events, pets, smoking, commercial photography and locking up at checkout.
Airbnb expects the change to improve guest satisfaction and narrow the service gap between hotels and short-term rentals. CEO Brian Chesky has acknowledged in past interviews that variations in facilities and management make it difficult for travelers to know what to expect before arrival. Charging separate cleaning fees while also requiring extensive housework has been a recurring complaint among Airbnb users.
Some hosts oppose the change, saying it could increase cleaning labor and operating costs. According to CBS News, an online petition calling for the rules to be withdrawn attracted more than 5,000 signatures shortly after the announcement. Some hosts argue that basic dishwashing and tidying bedding are minimum courtesies rather than professional cleaning work, and worry that added cleaning costs could ultimately increase accommodation prices. Airbnb says properties violating the policy may receive warnings, notices on their listings or reduced visibility in search results.