Airbnb has changed its rules to restrict what property hosts can ask guests to do, including tasks related to cleaning. The updated guidelines say hosts may now set seven standard house rules and add other “reasonable” requests. Guests, who are required to pay a cleaning fee, should not generally be asked to do jobs normally carried out by a cleaner.
The new rules will apply to all reservations booked on or after 20 November on the accommodation marketplace. Airbnb said the changes were made after feedback from its community that house rules could be confusing, onerous and hard to manage.
New limits on chores and house rules
Under the new requirements on the Airbnb website, hosts are generally not allowed to ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or that would typically be done by a cleaner. The examples given include stripping the bed, taking rubbish off site, and washing and putting away dishes.
Airbnb said it may allow exceptions in some circumstances. For instance, guests can be asked to limit their shower time where local drought-related water restrictions are in place.
House rules will also be displayed to guests more prominently and will appear in their reservation reminders. Contracts will be permitted only in limited circumstances, such as when required by law or by homeowners association rules.
Fines, appeals and how disputes are handled
Hosts will not be able to impose fines, but the company said they remain in control of their own house rules and requests. If a request does not follow Airbnb policies, the issue will be flagged, and the owner can appeal if they disagree.
Airbnb said the changes respond to years of guest complaints about unreasonable tasks required before departure, particularly when cleaning fees are also charged.
Viral host videos prompt parodies
The rules follow attention on TikTok videos from Airbnb hosts Cassie and Jon, who film themselves closely inspecting their rental property in the US state of Georgia after guests leave. One video accuses guests of “disrespecting the house rules” for leaving a television remote out of place.
The couple have been criticised for their strict rules and high standards. In response, they said their content had been misinterpreted. Their videos have also inspired other content creators to parody demanding hosts.
