Airbnb has updated its house rules to make holidays easier for guests, introducing a limit on what hosts can ask them to do. The new rules aim to cut out hidden chores and strict checkout demands that have frustrated travellers for years.
Hosts now have seven standard house rules to choose from, and Airbnb has added a 'Reasonable Requests' policy. This policy bans asking guests to wash dishes or strip beds, but allows leaving dishes in the sink or gathering towels in a pile.
What the new policy covers
Under the new policy, hosts should not ask guests to take rubbish off-site but can still ask guests to separate rubbish and recycling into the correct indoor bins. Guests should not be told to avoid using listed amenities like air conditioning, although hosts can ask guests to turn it off when they leave.
In the update, Airbnb has confirmed: “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.”
Exceptions and guest reactions
To decide whether a request is reasonable, Airbnb considers the listing type and local factors. Sometimes, exceptions are allowed. For example, in bear country, guests might be asked to use animal-proof rubbish bins, or, in drought-stricken areas, to limit shower time.
Posts on social media sites like X and Reddit show that Airbnb guests are happy about this update. Many have been frustrated for years by high cleaning fees and long checkout chore lists. People say they have paid high cleaning fees but still had to follow strict checkout rules, like starting the dishwasher, vacuuming, washing linens, and scrubbing counters before leaving. Guests have also shared stories about binders full of strict rules, bans on cooking after 6pm, and even hidden cameras in bedrooms.
How Airbnb will enforce the rules
To prevent hosts from hiding chores in their descriptions, Airbnb is adding an automated system. If a host adds custom cleaning demands, their listing will get a public warning tag that says "includes cleaning requests." This helps guests spot and avoid chore-heavy listings before booking.
If a host sends a long list of chores or threatens a security deposit or rating, guests can tell them that Airbnb's policy bans required cleaning chores like stripping beds or washing dishes. If the host keeps insisting or threatens a bad review, guests can contact Airbnb Support.
