From 20 November 2026, Airbnb’s updated rules limit mandatory checkout chores, clarifying expectations for guests and hosts. (Image by Gantas Vaičiulėnas)
The last thing anyone wants after a relaxing holiday is a list of household chores. From stripping beds to washing dishes, some Airbnb guests have found themselves cleaning up despite paying a cleaning fee. Now, Airbnb is tightening its checkout rules, but not everyone is happy about the changes.
What are Airbnb’s new checkout rules?
Effective for reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026, Airbnb’s new policy generally prohibits hosts from requiring guests to complete time-consuming chores, including stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes, starting a load of laundry, or taking rubbish off-site.
However, reasonable requests remain acceptable, such as placing dirty dishes in the sink, gathering used towels, sorting rubbish into designated indoor bins and securing the property before leaving. Exceptions may apply depending on the type of property or stay and relevant local circumstances.
The changes build on Airbnb’s 2023 update, which made checkout instructions visible before booking and allowed guests to flag excessive requests during the review process. Listings receiving repeated low ratings for unreasonable chores could be removed from the platform. Airbnb’s 2023 announcement outlines the earlier measures.
Under the new policy, hosts must disclose their house rules and requests in the designated section of their listings before guests book. They cannot introduce new requirements through messages, signs or verbal instructions after a reservation is confirmed. Hosts also cannot impose fines or other penalties for failing to complete specific checkout tasks, although cleaning fees remain permitted.
Why are some hosts pushing back?
Not everyone welcomes the change. On the Airbnb Community Centre, hosts have expressed frustration over potentially higher cleaning costs and concerns about guests leaving excessive mess behind.
Some argue that washing dishes and disposing of rubbish are basic responsibilities rather than excessive chores. Others worry that they may need to hire additional cleaning help or raise prices to cover the cost of preparing their properties for incoming guests.
The backlash has included threats by some hosts to leave the platform or organise a boycott. However, potential price increases and widespread departures from Airbnb have yet to be established.
What should guests know before booking?
The new rules offer greater clarity on what hosts can reasonably expect. Guests should check house rules, checkout instructions and cleaning fees before confirming a stay.
If a host introduces new requirements after booking, guests can refer to the original listing and contact Airbnb support. If a request appears to violate the policy, they can document it and report it to the platform.
Airbnb says it may ask hosts to amend non-compliant rules or issue warnings. Continued violations could result in a notice on the listing, reduced visibility in search results or other action under its terms of service.
What can hosts do instead?
Hosts can revise their checkout instructions, factor routine cleaning into their pricing and communicate reasonable expectations before guests book. They can still expect visitors to respect the property, follow house rules, and avoid leaving excessive mess.
The policy does not remove guests’ responsibility to care for their accommodation, nor does it prevent hosts from seeking appropriate remedies for damage. Instead, it draws a clearer line between reasonable guest responsibilities and cleaning tasks that should generally be handled between stays.
