Airbnb to limit checkout cleaning requests from November

Airbnb is changing its rules to make them clearer for guests and limit the cleaning tasks hosts can ask them to complete before checkout.

The new policy, announced on October 20, is set to take effect on bookings made from November 20 and should assist in putting an end to a long-standing issue between guests and hosts.

Many Airbnb users had previously voiced frustration on social media regarding checkout procedures, where, despite having paid a cleaning fee, they were asked to carry out household chores.

Under the new rules, hosts cannot ask guests to wash and put away dishes, strip beds or start a washing machine.

However, they can ask guests to put dirty dishes in the sink and gather used towels in one place. Hosts can also ask guests to sort rubbish and recycling into the bins provided inside the property, rather than take it outside.

Hosts can set clearer rules

The changes also simplify how hosts set out their expectations, bringing house rules and checkout instructions together in one section of the listing.

Hosts can choose from seven standard rules covering:

• The maximum number of guests allowed

• Quiet hours

• Whether events are permitted

• Whether pets are allowed and how many

• Smoking, including vaping and e-cigarettes

• Commercial photography and filming

• Whether guests must lock the property when leaving and where to leave the keys

Hosts can also include reasonable requests for guests during their stay and before departure. For example, they can ask visitors to switch off air conditioning when leaving the property.

What counts as reasonable will also depend on the type of accommodation and local circumstances. In areas affected by drought, for example, hosts may be able to ask guests to limit the length of their showers.

Cleaning fees spark debate online

The changes have already attracted attention in online host groups, highlighting tensions between guests who want a relaxing stay and property owners who want their accommodation left in good condition.

In a post shared in the Facebook group AirBnB Hosts - Tips & Tricks, one host questioned whether owners would now have to accept properties being left messier after checkout and asked whether they should raise prices or leave polite notes asking guests to tidy up.

Responses varied:

“Guests are tired of being charged a high cleaning fee then being expected to do the cleaning,” one person commented.

“Honestly why I still prefer hotels, I don't have the anxiety I did to leave it spotless like I did with our AirBnB stay,” another said.

“I absolutely pass on the listings that have excessive rules and requirements,” one added.

Others were more balanced:

“Dishes and trash should be common sense,” one said.

“Prices will increase, check in and checkout times will change to allow for extra cleaning or hosts will go elsewhere to list their properties,” another added.

“I shouldn't need to do anything (but I do anyway as a courtesy),” another comment read.

Restrictions on guest contracts

Airbnb is also tightening the circumstances in which hosts can require guests to sign a separate contract.

These agreements will only be permitted in certain cases, including when required by law or co-ownership (copropriété) rules, for monthly rental agreements, for Airbnb Luxe properties or for optional amenities such as golf carts.

Where contracts are allowed, hosts must upload them to the designated section of their listing settings.