Starting in the latter part of next month, individuals lodging in an Airbnb accommodation will encounter reduced responsibilities before their departure. The popular short-term rental platform has implemented updated regulations limiting the extent of cleaning tasks hosts can request from guests upon checkout. These new guidelines, effective for reservations made on or after November 20, emphasize the importance of hosts being reasonable in their expectations.
Under the revised policy, hosts are no longer permitted to require guests to perform tasks that would typically be handled by professional cleaners or that would involve significant effort or time. Such tasks include changing the bed linens, transporting garbage to an offsite location, or washing and storing used dishes. Consequently, the cleaning fee charged by Airbnb should only encompass a basic cleanup between guest stays, and hosts are prohibited from levying additional charges if guests do not complete tasks outlined in the checkout list.
The adjustment in Airbnb’s cleaning policies comes amid longstanding debates regarding cleaning duties within the platform. Hosts have shared anecdotes about guests leaving untidy conditions, while some have showcased the aftermath of guest stays on platforms like TikTok. Conversely, guests have voiced discontent over being charged cleaning fees and subsequently being tasked with cleaning duties themselves.
Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, highlighted the discord between hosts charging cleaning fees and expecting guests to partake in cleaning tasks, a practice uncommon in traditional hotel stays. Airbnb has been approached for comments regarding the timing of these policy changes.
In addition to cleaning-related information, the guidelines stipulate that hosts cannot limit guests’ access to advertised amenities or impose fines or penalties, as hosts are already covered by AirCover in cases of property damage by guests. Any house rules or requests must be clearly stated in the listing at the time of booking, with no new rules permitted post-booking. These regulations encompass details on check-in/out times, smoking policies, pet rules, quiet hours, guest limits, and guidelines regarding commercial photography or video shoots.
While hosts can introduce “reasonable” requests that can be updated as needed, Airbnb will evaluate the reasonableness of such requests based on various factors, including the property type and local circumstances. The platform acknowledges the uniqueness of each property, allowing for tailored requests such as conserving water during droughts or securing trash in bear-prone areas.
Mody expressed curiosity about hosts’ responses to the policy change and Airbnb’s enforcement of these new rules. He suggested that Airbnb intentionally kept the definition of “reasonable” broad to provide hosts with flexibility while ensuring a positive hosting experience and maintaining host autonomy within the platform.