Airbnb hosts are reacting with anger after the online marketplace updated its house rules and requests, with some branding the changes "psycho." The new rules take effect next month and apply to all reservations booked on or after November 20, 2026.
Airbnb now states that guests should generally not be asked to complete tasks normally done by a cleaner or that require significant effort or time. This includes stripping the bed, taking rubbish offsite, or washing and putting away dishes.
What the new rules say
Airbnb is urging hosts to be "reasonable" in their requests. The company's ground rules still require guests to treat the host's property like their own, and guests are expected to leave the listing in a state that doesn't require excessive or deep cleaning, such as moldy dishes, soiled carpets, or stains from pets.
Cleaning fees set by hosts are meant only to cover the cost of standard cleaning between reservations, including laundry and vacuuming. Hosts may not charge guests for failing to perform specific cleaning or checkout tasks, but they may leave ratings and reviews based on cleanliness.
Hosts push back
The update has drawn mixed reactions online. One upset host wrote on Reddit: "This might be a new low for what is already one of the worst companies in the world. Airbnb sent an email an hour ago saying they're updating their house rules policy.
"And one of the updates is that we hosts are not allowed to even request that renters wash their dirty dishes, nor put the dishes away. The most we can do is ask them to put the dirty dishes in the sink."
The host added: "Airbnb has been a terrible company for years, but is becoming psycho."
Another person grumbled: "It's unreasonable to ask guests to wash their dishes? Are you joking?? That is literally our ONLY rule other than locking the door and letting us know they checked out.
"We don't ask them to strip the bed or do anything with the trash- but I am not washing my guests’ gross, crusty dishes. For Airbnb to flat out say that is an unreasonable rule is mind-blowing."
Guests welcome the change
While some hosts are unhappy, other users have welcomed the change, with some noting it may be too late as many travellers have returned to hotels. One traveller wrote: "You know who has never asked me to do dishes/laundry/chores or left a list of ridiculous rules? Hotels."
Another added: "Hotels are back, baby. Why would I stay someplace that I must appease the Boomer landlords before leaving?"
