Airbnb limits chores hosts can require of guests before checkout

Short-term rental platform Airbnb has announced a policy change that limits the chores hosts can demand of guests before checkout. Hosts will no longer be allowed to require guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry or remove trash from the property. The rules will apply to reservations made on or after November 20.

The change responds to years of complaints from customers about overly burdensome checkout instructions and heavy fines for not disposing of trash. Many guests have asked on social media why they should do cleaning tasks after already paying a cleaning fee.

Host objections

Not all hosts support the new approach. In Airbnb's community forums, some argue that basic cleaning duties are essential for keeping properties sanitary and protecting them. They add that hosts carry the costs and practical work of preparing homes for the next guests.

One host said the platform is moving toward a hotel-like model and losing what makes Airbnb distinctive. The host wrote that guests are given complete freedom to be lazy while hosts carry the risk, and said the change could lead them to leave the platform after twelve years.

Exceptions

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

Earlier steps

The update is part of Airbnb's wider effort to address guest concerns. In 2024 the company faced scrutiny over price transparency, as hosts added cleaning fees after guests had booked. In 2023, Airbnb said more than 260,000 hosts had reduced or eliminated their cleaning fees. Since May 2025, search results worldwide have shown total prices by default, including fees but excluding taxes.