Airbnb limits guest chores under new global policy following complaints

Airbnb has introduced a new global policy effective November 20 that prohibits hosts from requiring guests to perform chores involving significant effort, such as stripping beds or washing dishes.

The new rules, which were unveiled this week, specify that hosts should only make reasonable requests of guests. According to Deutsche Welle, the short-term rental platform stated that tasks typically performed by a professional cleaner—including taking trash offsite and putting away dishes—will no longer be allowed. While guests can no longer be forced to wash and dry dishes, The Guardian reports that hosts may still ask them to place used items in the sink or gather used towels.

The platform's updated guidelines now allow hosts to set seven standard house rules, such as check-in times and pet policies, which must be clearly displayed during booking. Airbnb told hosts that asking guests to handle heavy cleaning tasks can lead to negative reviews and affect their overall experience. Under the new policy, hosts are also barred from banning the use of listed amenities like air conditioners or issuing fines directly to guests for minor issues.

Certain exceptions remain based on local conditions. For example, Deutsche Welle and The Guardian both noted that hosts can still require guests to use animal-proof trash containers in areas with bears or limit shower times during local droughts. NBC News reported that the policy change has already drawn mixed reactions from users, as the platform attempts to simplify the checkout process.

Regarding financial disputes, Deutsche Welle reported that hosts must now seek compensation for damages through the insurance provided by the platform rather than fining guests. This follows a previous shift in how costs are presented; since April 2025, Airbnb has allowed hosts to integrate cleaning costs into the total price rather than showing them as separate fees.

Background

The policy change follows long-standing complaints from guests who were often charged high cleaning fees while still being expected to complete a list of chores. Additionally, the move comes as the European Commission proposed stricter regulations on short-term rentals amid housing shortages in major cities.