Airbnb has announced new measures to restrict the chores that hosts can insist guests complete before checking out, responding to ongoing complaints from users who often face cleaning fees alongside a long list of checkout tasks.
Under the updated policy, effective for reservations made after November 20, hosts will no longer be allowed to require guests to strip beds, wash or put away dishes, do laundry, or take out the trash.
This revision arises from years of criticism regarding excessive checkout requirements and heavy penalties for not following trash disposal protocols. Many guests have taken to social media to express their discontent, questioning the fairness of being tasked with cleaning after having already paid a cleaning fee.
However, some hosts have expressed dissatisfaction with the new regulations. In Airbnb’s community forums, several hosts argue that basic cleaning tasks are crucial for maintaining hygiene and safeguarding their properties. They highlight the necessity of managing costs and logistical aspects when preparing spaces for incoming guests.
A concerned host remarked that the direction of the new policy mirrors a hotel-like experience, potentially detracting from the distinctive charm that Airbnb offers.
“Guests should not be allowed to be complacent while hosts take all the risks,” the host noted. “The key difference between a hotel and my home is that personal touch. Guests should be responsible for washing their dishes or loading the dishwasher, as well as managing their dirty linens. In return, they enjoy a unique environment and personal connection that hotels lack. Moreover, any potential guest has the opportunity to assess the listing in advance and choose what best suits their preferences. If these guidelines are removed, I may reconsider my listing and potentially leave Airbnb after a twelve-year relationship,” the host added.
Airbnb has specified that there are exceptions to the new rules. Hosts may still request guests to conserve water during droughts or utilize bear-proof trash containers in wildlife-prone areas.
This policy alteration underscores the balancing act Airbnb must perform between the expectations of guests and hosts, representing an effort to address guest grievances. In 2024, the company was under scrutiny for price transparency as hosts were adding cleaning fees post-booking. In 2023, it was reported that over 260,000 hosts had lowered or eliminated their cleaning fees. Additionally, in May 2025, Airbnb began showing total prices — including fees but excluding taxes — by default in search results globally.
It will be pertinent to observe how many hosts perceive the new restrictions as detrimental to the appeal of the platform. Conversely, this shift might attract more travelers seeking rental convenience without the dual burden of paying for cleaning and performing the tasks themselves.
