Airbnb has updated its policy to limit the chores guests must do before checkout. This change responds to years of guest complaints about cleaning fees and excessive tasks.
What Changed
Starting November 20, hosts can no longer require guests to strip beds, wash dishes, start laundry, or remove trash.
Guests have long argued that paying a cleaning fee should not mean they’re expected to clean the property themselves.
Hosts Respond with Concern
Some hosts are upset by the new rule. One wrote: Guests are given complete freedom to be lazy while the hosts bear the risk.
They say basic cleaning helps keep homes safe and sanitary. Private homes are personal spaces, not just rental units.
Hosts believe guests should review listings ahead of time and choose whether to accept certain responsibilities.
One host said they might remove their listing if the rules stay in place. They’ve been on Airbnb for twelve years.
Exceptions to the Rule
Airbnb allows limited exceptions. Hosts may ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-proof trash containers in wildlife areas.
These requests support safety and environmental needs without adding chores.
Background: Cleaning Fees and Guest Frustrations
Many hosts charged cleaning fees without clear disclosure.
Airbnb responded by encouraging hosts to drop cleaning fees. Over 260,000 hosts reduced or eliminated them by 2023.
In May 2025, Airbnb began showing total prices — including fees but not taxes — in search results worldwide.
Why This Matters
The update shows a growing tension between guest expectations and host realities.
For guests, it means less post-booking work. For hosts, it may limit their ability to manage daily upkeep.
Limitations and Open Questions
The policy doesn’t apply to shared spaces, rural rentals, or properties with local rules.
It does not clarify whether cleaning fees remain fair or how they are calculated.
There’s no public data on how many hosts will leave the platform. A drop could signal a shift in platform balance.
What to Watch Next
Watch for changes in guest and host behavior. A decline in listings might show loss of trust.
The policy could shape how travelers see Airbnb’s value — especially for home-like experiences.
Source: TechCrunch
Sources & further reading
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