Airbnb Restricts Guest Checkout Chores, Drawing Criticism From Hosts

Airbnb is banning hosts from requiring guests to handle tasks like stripping beds and washing dishes for bookings made on or after November 20.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 22, 2026 · 3:16 AM 2 min read 246

Key takeaways

Airbnb is banning hosts from requiring guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry, or remove trash.

The new guideline applies to reservations made on or after November 20.

Exceptions allow hosts to ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-proof trash containers in wildlife areas.

In 2023, Airbnb reported that over 260,000 hosts had reduced or eliminated their cleaning fees.

Airbnb began displaying total prices by default in search results worldwide in May 2025.

Airbnb is taking action to restrict the checkout tasks that property owners can demand from visitors, solving a frequent complaint from clients who pay cleaning fees while facing extra chores. Starting with reservations booked on or after November 20, the updated guidelines ban property owners from requiring guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry, or take out the trash.

This update arrives following years of complaints about heavy-handed departure instructions and large penalties for failing to throw away garbage. Numerous visitors have complained online about performing cleaning duties despite paying cleaning fees.

Conversely, property owners are unhappy with the update. Members of Airbnb online forums argue that basic cleaning is necessary for cleanliness and property protection, noting the practical challenges and expenses of turning over rentals for incoming visitors.

One host voiced worry that the updated rules push the platform toward a hotel standard, removing the distinct charm of Airbnb.

"Guests are given complete freedom to be lazy while the hosts bear the risk," the host wrote. "The major distinction between commercial hotels and my private home is the personal touch. Guests can certainly be expected to wash their dishes or put them in the dishwasher and remove their dirty linens. In exchange, they enjoy a personal connection and a unique environment that a hotel simply can't provide. Plus, every potential guest has the opportunity to read the listing beforehand and decide what they prefer. If these restrictions are removed, it could lead me to withdraw my listing and bid farewell to Airbnb after twelve years."

Still, the company specified certain exceptions to the new guidelines. Property owners can still instruct visitors to save water during droughts or use bear-proof garbage bins in regions where animals present a danger.

The policy adjustment shows the difficulty the corporation encounters in balancing customer and owner expectations. The firm faced scrutiny in 2024 regarding price transparency when owners added cleaning fees after bookings. In 2023, the platform reported that over 260,000 owners lowered or removed cleaning fees. By May 2025, Airbnb started showing total prices by default globally in search results.

Time will reveal how many owners find the new rules make the platform unappealing. Meanwhile, the update might attract travelers seeking rental convenience without paying for cleaning while still doing housework.

Questions and answers

When does the new Airbnb checkout chore policy take effect?

The new guideline applies to reservations made on or after November 20.

What chores are hosts no longer allowed to require?

Hosts are prohibited from mandating that guests strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry, or remove trash from the property.

Are there any exceptions to the chore restrictions?

Hosts may still ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-proof trash containers in areas where wildlife poses a risk.