Guests who were forced to wash, clean, and take out the trash themselves before leaving rented accommodation can finally get some relief. Airbnb is tightening rules regarding hosts who expect guests to perform certain cleaning duties before handing over keys, including making beds, washing and putting away dishes, and taking out trash from the premises.
This step comes amid growing dissatisfaction with departure requirements, especially when guests have already paid cleaning fees during their stay. Under the new policy, hosts generally cannot demand tasks that require significant effort or time and which are usually performed by a professional cleaner.
The new rules will take effect for bookings made on November 20, 2026. Airbnb representatives noted that while house rules help guests understand host expectations, they can be confusing, burdensome, and difficult to manage. Therefore, the company has revised these rules to make them more understandable for guests.
What departure tasks will be restricted under the updated rules?
Under the updated terms, guests are generally not allowed to make beds, start laundry, wash and clean dishes, or take trash outside the property. However, hosts retain the right to make reasonable requests.
What do these reasonable requests include?
Permissible requests include asking guests to place used dishes in the sink, collect used towels, separate trash, and put it into designated internal recycling bins. The policy also does not allow hosts to restrict access to advertised amenities, such as air conditioning, or impose their own fines and sanctions on guests.
What are the consequences for hosts for breaking the rules?
Airbnb is also changing how house rules are displayed, making them more accessible to guests before booking. Hosts must state their rules and requests in a specific section of their listing during the booking process. They are not allowed to introduce new requirements later via messages, signs inside the property, or verbal instructions.
The company will flag requests that do not comply with the policy, giving hosts an opportunity to resolve the issue or appeal. Airbnb warned that persistent violations could lead to a notification on the listing, reduced visibility in search results, or further action under the platform's terms of service. This policy does not mean, however, that guests can leave the accommodation in an unacceptable condition; they are still expected to respect the property and may be held responsible for damage or excessive cleaning caused during their stay.
