Airbnb has introduced updated house rules designed to standardize expectations between property owners and guests. The new guidelines limit hosts to setting seven standard house rules with additional “reasonable” requests permitted. The platform explicitly prohibits hosts from asking guests to complete tasks that would typically fall under professional cleaning services, such as stripping beds, removing trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes. These restrictions apply to all reservations booked on or after 20 November.
The accommodation marketplace stated that the changes were made in response to community feedback indicating that existing house rules were confusing, burdensome, and difficult to manage. A company representative explained that the redesign aims to make rules easier to discover and understand while ensuring requests remain reasonable and avoid unexpected demands on guests.
Airbnb indicated it may permit exceptions in specific circumstances aligned with local conditions. For instance, hosts may request guests limit shower duration in areas experiencing drought-related water restrictions. The platform plans to display property rules more prominently to guests, including in reservation reminders. Hosts will no longer be permitted to impose financial penalties on guests. While hosts retain authority over their house rules and requests, any rules that violate company policy will be flagged, with property owners able to appeal decisions they dispute.
Guests have long expressed frustration about being required to complete extensive cleaning tasks despite paying cleaning fees. Recent viral content from property owners showcasing detailed post-checkout inspections has drawn criticism for overly strict standards, though the creators have stated their videos were misinterpreted.
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