Airbnb has announced changes to its guest rules, effective November 20, 2026, limiting what hosts can ask guests to do when it comes to cleaning. Under the updated policy, guests will no longer be required to wash dishes or strip the bed before leaving.
The short-term holiday-let platform has revised its 'house rules' policy, giving hosts a choice of seven standard rules plus the option to add 'reasonable requests'. The standard rules cover maximum overnight guests, quiet hours, events, pets, smoking, commercial photography, and lock up at checkout.
What hosts can and cannot ask
Airbnb provided examples of what is and isn't allowed under reasonable requests. Hosts cannot ask guests to wash and put away dishes, remove sheets from the bed, or start a load of washing. However, they can ask guests to place used dishes in the sink and gather used towels. Reasonable requests can also be made regarding rubbish and utilities.
Guests should not be asked to take rubbish off-site, but they can be asked to separate rubbish and recycling into indoor bins. Regarding utilities, hosts cannot stop guests from using a listed amenity such as air conditioning, but they can request that it be turned off when guests leave.
Reasonable request criteria
Airbnb stated: "When adding a request, remember that most guests want to avoid unexpected chores. Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews."
A request is deemed reasonable depending on the type of listing and "relevant local factors". For example, limiting shower time in areas with drought-related water restrictions. Requests that do not follow the new policy will be flagged and potentially adjusted, with hosts able to submit an appeal.
Mixed reactions from hosts and guests
The changes have divided guests, who pay a cleaning fee as part of their stay, and hosts on social media. On Reddit's 'airbnb_hosts' subgroup, one user claiming to be a super host said they support the new rules, noting that as a guest they disliked strict demands. Reddit user alionis_dw added: "This works and any hosts complaining should leave AirBnB."
Some hosts expressed concern that the changes would remove their competitive edge. Pure-Statement-8726 said: "Only thing I don't like is that I've been doing this for years and it's earned me 100% 5 star rating. Now that distinction is gone as everyone will be forced to do what I've already been doing."
Many agreed that asking guests to do chores should not be part of the experience. BlackberryJey4072 said: "I agree with this honestly, guests are there to relax not do a bunch of chores after paying a cleaning fee. Simple things like putting towels in the tub and keeping trash inside makes sense. Some hosts just ask for way too much and its not fair. Cleaning should be part of the job Not make guests feel like they are working too lol."
