Airbnb is introducing new rules that limit the household chores hosts can ask guests to perform before leaving a property, following complaints from users about increasingly demanding checkout instructions.
Under the updated policy, hosts cannot require guests to carry out cleaning duties that would normally be performed by a paid cleaner or that involve significant time and effort.
For example, hosts may ask guests to leave used dishes in the sink, but they cannot require them to wash them and put them away before departure.
Guests are also no longer expected to clean the property themselves before checkout, beyond a few simple and reasonable actions.
Changes to cleaning fees
Airbnb has also clarified that hosts cannot charge guests extra because they failed to complete a task listed in checkout instructions.
The platform said cleaning fees should cover the standard cleaning required between bookings.
This means guests should not be expected to pay a cleaning fee while simultaneously carrying out cleaning work that the fee is intended to cover.
Clearer house rules
The company is also changing how checkout requirements are presented.
Instructions will now be displayed more prominently on property listings, within users' trip details and in booking reminders.
Hosts will still be able to set rules covering:
- Check-in and checkout times
- Maximum occupancy
- Smoking restrictions
- Pet policies
- Quiet hours
- Professional photography and filming
They may also add other instructions, provided they are reasonable and do not amount to requiring guests to perform cleaning duties that should fall to hosts or professional cleaners.
If a host adds a rule that breaches the new policy, Airbnb will flag it and ask for it to be removed. Hosts will be able to appeal the decision.
Why Airbnb is changing the rules
The move follows repeated complaints from users about extensive checkout requirements.
A company spokesperson told Euronews that while property rules are intended to help guests understand expectations, many users found them confusing, excessive and difficult to manage.
Airbnb said the changes are intended to simplify checkout instructions and make them easier to find, ensuring guests know exactly what is expected before and during their stay.
Source: LiFO
