New Delhi: A new Airbnb rule has come as a sigh of relief for guests, who will no longer have to strip beds, wash dishes or take out trash before checking out. Guests will no longer be required to do burdensome chores that can dampen their holiday experience.
The changes will apply to Airbnb reservations covered by the platform’s global policy and take effect on or after 20 November.
This also comes in the backdrop of complaints by guests saying that they had to pay cleaning fees that amounted to hundreds of dollars.
“Since April 2025, cleaning fees have not been shown to guests. Instead, hosts have been allowed to choose to factor cleaning costs into the total price of the stay,” reported the Guardian.
The new policy has drawn criticism from hosts, who are airing concerns that it increases costs and pressures on them. Some hosts are calling the policy outrageous; others are terming the new policy an attempt to take control of their houses. A few have already deactivated their houses from the platform.
“When adding a request, remember that most guests want to avoid unexpected chores. Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews,” read Airbnb’s community centre policies.
“They can’t say they’re providing air-conditioning, but if the guest uses it too much, they’re going to tack on a $20 fee,” Points Guy editor-in-chief Nick Ewen told The Washington Post.
‘Laundry and rubbish’
The company’s updated policy also states the tasks which should not be asked of a guest.
“Guests should not be asked to wash and put away dishes, but you can ask them to put used dishes in the sink.”
Another rule that Airbnb has added in its updated policy is about “laundry and rubbish.”
The homestay company said that the guests should not be asked to remove sheets from the bed or start a load of washing. However, guests can be asked to gather used towels.
“Guests shouldn’t be asked to take rubbish off-site, but you can ask them to separate their rubbish and recycling into designated indoor bins,” the policy reads.
Also Read: Airbnb tells us how Indian youth is travelling. It’s the ultimate ‘anti-itinerary’ generation
What hosts are saying
In its statement, Airbnb said that the updated policy is an attempt to “quell complaints” that hosts’ house rules can be confusing, onerous and hard to manage.
But the hosts don’t view it as such. Ken, a host, commented on Airbnb’s website, saying that it was frustrating to see the company controlling their houses.
“Wow, another frustrating example of OUR homes and businesses being controlled by AIRBNB. Very concerning. How do you plan on hijacking the way I run my business next?”
Another comment by Sandrine calls the policy outrageous.
“This new policy is outrageous…I clean the place myself between guests, with beds made and everything ready! Doing the dishes is a matter of decency. How can you re-rent the place on the same day if there are several days’ worth of dishes to do? With dried-on grime! Please explain.”
Host Rita has since removed her house from the platform.