Tired of paying cleaning fees only to clean up yourself? Well, Airbnb is finally making some changes.
Airbnb is introducing new rules that will prevent hosts from forcing guests to complete household chores before checking out.
The changes, which take effect on November 20, 2026, will apply globally and come after years of complaints from travelers who have been expected to clean their accommodations despite already paying hefty cleaning fees.
Under the updated policy, hosts will no longer be allowed to demand that guests complete tasks that would normally be handled by professional cleaners.
No More Washing Dishes or Stripping Beds
According to Airbnb's updated guidelines, hosts will generally be prohibited from asking guests to perform chores that require significant time or effort.
This includes stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes, and taking garbage off the property. However, that doesn't mean guests can leave their accommodations in complete disarray.
Hosts can still make "reasonable" requests, such as asking guests to place dirty dishes in the sink, gather used towels, or separate garbage into designated bins.
There are also exceptions for certain circumstances, including properties in areas where wildlife poses a risk or where water conservation measures are in place.
Airbnb explained that the changes were introduced following feedback from its community. "House rules help guests understand what hosts expect, but we've heard from our community that they can be confusing, onerous and hard to manage," the company told the BBC.
They added, "So, we've redesigned them to make them easier to discover and clearer to set, alongside a new policy that keeps requests reasonable, with no surprises."
Hosts Aren't Too Happy About the Changes
The announcement hasn't been welcomed by everyone, especially some Airbnb hosts who believe the new restrictions could increase operating costs.
Several hosts have expressed frustration with the policy, with some even threatening to move to competing platforms or increase their prices.
Importantly, the changes won't eliminate cleaning fees, as hosts will still be allowed to charge guests for cleaning their properties.
Airbnb is also introducing clearer house rules that must be displayed when guests make their bookings, preventing hosts from surprising travelers with additional requirements afterward. Hosts who fail to comply could have their listings flagged, potentially affecting their visibility on the platform.