In a major policy update taking effect on November 20, 2026, Airbnb is banning hosts globally from asking guests to complete time-consuming cleaning tasks before checkout.
The new guidelines address growing traveller frustration over being charged mandatory cleaning fees while still being expected to perform extensive household chores.
New Rules on Checkout Chores
Under the revised global policy, hosts will generally be prohibited from demanding that guests carry out tasks requiring significant effort or time that would typically be handled by a professional cleaner. Specifically, hosts can no longer require visitors to:
- Strip bed linen
- Take rubbish off-site
- Wash and put away dishes (though guests can still be asked to leave used dishes in the sink)
Furthermore, hosts are barred from introducing new house rules or requests after a booking has already been finalized, ensuring all applicable rules are fully visible to guests at the time of reservation. Airbnb will review non-compliant requests, requiring hosts to either remove them or appeal the decision.
Standardized House Rules and Fee Clarifications
The platform has streamlined how hosts communicate property guidelines by introducing seven standard categories: check-in and check-out times, guest limits, smoking, pets, quiet hours, and commercial filming and photography. These rules will be prominently displayed upon booking, in reservation reminders, and within the app’s Trips section.
Airbnb clarified that cleaning fees must cover routine cleaning between stays, and hosts cannot impose additional charges or penalties on guests for failing to complete checklist tasks. While general penalties are banned, hosts can still make reasonable localized requests—such as limiting shower times during water shortages or disposing of rubbish in animal-proof containers. Property damage will continue to be handled through Airbnb’s AirCover protection program rather than arbitrary fines.
