Airbnb announced major changes to house rules Tuesday, with the popular home and vacation rental website saying guests can no longer be asked to complete a number of cleaning chores typically associated with checkout.
The changes, Airbnb said, are meant to help guests better understand host expectations and will be displayed more prominently on listings, with a clearer difference between “standard rules” and “reasonable requests.”
Standard rules include a maximum number of overnight guests, setting quiet hours and policies around pets and smoking. Previously, they may have included asking guests to strip a bed, run the dishwasher or throw out the garbage, even though most bookings already include cleaning fees.
“When adding a request, remember that most guests want to avoid unexpected chores,” Airbnb’s announcement said. “Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews.”
Airbnb also laid out a list of examples of what generally is and isn’t allowed:
- Dishes: Guests shouldn’t be asked to wash and put away dishes, but you can ask them to put used dishes in the sink.
- Laundry: Guests shouldn’t be asked to remove sheets from the bed or start a load of laundry, but you can ask them to gather used towels.
- Trash: Guests shouldn’t be asked to take garbage off-site, but you can ask them to separate their trash and recycling into designated indoor bins.
- Utilities: Guests shouldn’t be asked to avoid using a listed amenity like air conditioning, but you can ask them to turn it off when they leave.
The changes have drawn mixed reactions on social media from both hosts and guests.
According to Airbnb, the new policies take effect on or after Nov. 20, 2026.
