Airbnb bans guests from washing dishes and stripping beds
Airbnb is banning hosts from asking guests to wash dishes, strip beds or take out trash under new global rules effective 20 November.
Airbnb has announced sweeping changes to its house rules, banning hosts from requiring guests to perform tasks such as washing dishes, stripping beds, or taking out rubbish. The new policy, effective for all bookings on or after 20 November, applies globally and aims to address long-standing complaints from travelers who feel burdened by chores after paying cleaning fees [1].
Under the updated guidelines, hosts may only set seven standard house rules—such as check-in/check-out times, quiet hours, pet policies, and guest limits—and can add other 'reasonable' requests based on local conditions [2]. Examples of acceptable requests include limiting shower time during water shortages or disposing of trash in bear-proof containers [4].
Tasks deemed to require 'significant effort or time' or typically performed by professional cleaners are now off-limits [2]. This includes stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes, and removing trash from the property. However, hosts may still ask guests to leave dishes in the sink or gather used towels [4].
Airbnb said the changes follow feedback from its community, with guests citing confusion and frustration over inconsistent expectations [1]. The company has also removed the ability to add last-minute rules via messages or signs, requiring all rules to be disclosed in a dedicated section before booking [4].
The move builds on earlier efforts to standardize listings, including removing visible cleaning fees since April 2025 [2]. CEO Brian Chesky previously acknowledged that guests often face a 'moment of truth' upon arrival, which Airbnb now aims to eliminate [4].
While hosts can still enforce rules, any request violating Airbnb’s policy will be flagged, and owners may appeal if they disagree [1]. Exceptions are permitted in cases of local environmental or safety concerns, such as wildlife protection [2].
The policy shift comes amid broader scrutiny of short-term rental platforms, including a £56m fine imposed on Airbnb by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties [1]. The story was first reported by BBC News and The Guardian.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- BBC News: Airbnb hosts can no longer make guests strip beds and wash dishes under new rules
- The Guardian: Airbnb guests freed from chores involving ‘significant effort’ under new global rules
- Sky News: Airbnb hosts can't ask guests to do 'chores' anymore in rule change
- The Independent: Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout
