Doing the dishes [123rf]
Doing the dishes [123rf]

Airbnb has introduced new rules to resolve a long-running source of friction between hosts and guests over cleaning expectations.

The home-sharing platform revised its policy Wednesday (local time), according to the BBC and other media, barring hosts from requiring guests to perform cleaning tasks that demand significant time or effort.

Under the updated rules, hosts may not ask guests to wash dishes, strip bed linens, or carry out other tasks typically handled by cleaning staff. Taking out trash or putting away washed dishes is also prohibited.

However, hosts may still make simple requests — such as leaving used dishes in the sink or gathering towels in one place. Guests can also be asked to sort trash and recyclables into designated bins inside the property.

In areas facing drought-related water restrictions, asking guests to shorten their showers may also be considered a reasonable request.

The new rules apply to bookings confirmed after Nov. 20. Listings that include requests violating the policy will be flagged for revision in the host management interface, and hosts will be given an opportunity to make corrections. If the issue is not resolved, a notice may appear on the listing page indicating that it contains cleaning-related requirements.

Airbnb told the BBC that while house rules help guests understand what hosts expect, some had found them confusing, burdensome and difficult to manage. "We've introduced a new policy to keep requests at a reasonable level so guests don't encounter unexpected situations," the company said.

Airbnb guests have consistently complained about being required to complete chores such as washing dishes or tidying bedding before checkout, even after paying for their stay. The practice of charging a separate cleaning fee while still expecting guests to handle multiple tasks on departure has been particularly controversial.

The issue gained fresh attention recently when a TikTok video posted by an Airbnb host couple in the US state of Georgia went viral. The pair inspected their property after guests checked out and flagged a house-rule violation — the TV remote had not been returned to its designated spot. After the strict rules and high cleaning standards drew widespread criticism, the couple said the video had been misunderstood.


bbo@heraldcorp.com