Airbnb bans hosts from requiring guests to perform cleaning chores

Airbnb announced on Wednesday that, beginning with bookings made on or after Nov. 20, hosts may not require guests to perform chores such as stripping beds, taking out trash, or washing dishes. The company said the rule also blocks hosts from listing such tasks in the “Requests” section or from handing guests printed rule sheets or separate contracts, except where local law or specific amenities demand it. Hosts who violate the policy could receive warnings, have their listings removed, or be banned from the platform.

The change sparked strong reactions on host forums and social media. One host wrote on Airbnb’s official forum that the policy limits their ability to protect their property, while another on Reddit likened the platform to “an abusive partner.” Some hosts discussed raising prices or organizing a strike, and a few suggested moving prohibited requests to other listing sections or using a “house manual” with a code word, though Airbnb has not confirmed whether such workarounds are permissible.

Many guests welcomed the move, noting that cleaning fees have long been a point of contention. A guest on a subreddit said they are willing to run the dishwasher or strip the bed as long as fees remain reasonable. Airbnb spokesperson Simon Letouze told WIRED that hosts may still make “reasonable” requests, such as asking guests to place dirty dishes in the sink or to follow local water-restriction guidelines. The company also reiterated that its existing guest-responsibility rules require travelers to treat the host’s home respectfully and that its AirCover protection program covers standard cleaning-related damages.