Airbnb Limits Checkout Chores and Bans Guest Fines in New Policy
The updated platform rules prohibit hosts from demanding major cleaning tasks from guests who already pay cleaning fees.
Airbnb has announced a major update to its platform rules that will limit the checkout chores hosts can require guests to complete. Starting November 20, the updated policies aim to address long-standing complaints from travelers who have grown frustrated by paying expensive cleaning fees while still being asked to perform household chores before departure.
Under the new guidelines, hosts will generally be prohibited from asking guests to carry out tasks that demand significant time and effort or that would typically be handled by a professional cleaner. Specifically, travelers will no longer be expected to strip beds, take trash to offsite dumpsters, or wash and put away dishes.
An Airbnb spokesperson explained the reasoning behind the shift in a statement to reporters, noting that while house rules are important, community feedback indicated they had become confusing and overly demanding. The company redesigned the system to ensure requests remain reasonable and transparent.
In addition to restricting checkout tasks, the platform introduced two other crucial regulations. Hosts are now barred from restricting access to any features advertised as part of the property listing and are prohibited from imposing fines or penalties on guests.
The policy changes have sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, dividing travelers and property owners. Many guests welcomed the adjustment, expressing relief that they will no longer have to manage burdensome chores after paying steep fees for their stays.
Tyler T, CEO of the Peachybbies Slime Company, voiced his support on social media, writing that he was glad to see the platform end the practice of charging high fees while simultaneously demanding that visitors change sheets, do dishes, and handle garbage.
Conversely, property owners expressed discontent with the upcoming regulations. Representatives for the Hewn Hotel in Yorkshire, England, shared their frustration and disappointment on social media, questioning whether they should continue using the platform following the announcement.
Guests will still be expected to respect general house guidelines established by hosts during their stay, but the updated policies intend to eliminate unpleasant surprises at checkout time for all reservations booked moving forward.