Airbnb limits guest chores to reasonable tasks under new policy

Airbnb announced new house-rule guidelines that will apply to reservations beginning on Nov. 20. Under the policy, hosts may only ask guests to perform "reasonable" cleaning duties and may not require tasks that typically require significant effort or are usually handled by a cleaner, such as stripping beds, taking trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes.

The company said the changes are intended to set clear expectations for guests and ensure host house rules comply with the new standards. While cleaning fees have long been part of Airbnb bookings, the platform previously lacked a universal rule on what tasks hosts could assign to renters.

"So this is pretty major for consumers," said travel-industry expert Clint Henderson, managing editor of The Points Guy. "The complaints have been really ramping up lately with owners asking guests to do the most ridiculous things, like stripping beds, washing dishes, doing all the laundry and taking the trash out."

"Why [stay at an Airbnb] when I can stay at a hotel and not have to do all that busywork?" Henderson added, noting that Airbnb’s fees have become comparable to hotel prices.

Host Gabriel Valk of Greenville, South Carolina, acknowledged that some minor tasks, such as dishwashing and bed stripping, have traditionally been viewed as common courtesy, but said he understands the rationale behind the clearer guidelines.

"I do understand the pushback," Valk said, referencing the cleaning fees that are meant to cover professional cleaning services.

Airbnb indicated that the policy aims to reduce guest frustration and keep the platform competitive with traditional lodging options.