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Airbnb is changing its rules for hosts, restricting the cleaning tasks they can require guests to complete before checking out after years of complaints about excessive demands.<\/strong><\/p>\n The new guidelines will apply to all bookings made from November 20, 2026, according to the company\u2019s announcement.<\/p>\n The changes aim to make checkout expectations clearer and prevent guests from being asked to carry out time-consuming cleaning duties, particularly when they have already paid a separate cleaning fee.<\/p>\n Under the updated policy, hosts will be able to establish seven basic house rules and make additional requests, provided those requests are considered reasonable.<\/p>\n Read more: Velouchi Villages: 5 Autumn Escapes Beneath Fir-Clad Peaks<\/p>\n However, hosts will generally be unable to require guests to complete chores that involve significant time or effort, or tasks that would normally be handled by a professional cleaner.<\/p>\n These include:<\/p>\n The changes address a long-running source of frustration for travellers who say they are sometimes expected to clean accommodation extensively despite paying cleaning fees as part of their booking.<\/p>\n Airbnb told the BBC that house rules should help guests understand what hosts expect, but acknowledged feedback that some requirements have become confusing, excessive and difficult to manage.<\/p>\n Airbnb will still allow certain additional requests in specific circumstances.<\/p>\n For example, hosts in areas experiencing drought or water restrictions may ask guests to limit their shower time.<\/p>\n The platform will also make property rules more prominent during the booking process and include them in reservation reminders, giving guests a clearer understanding of their obligations before arrival.<\/p>\n Additional contractual requirements will be permitted only in limited circumstances, such as when they are required by law or by a homeowners association.<\/p>\n Hosts will also be prohibited from imposing fines for breaches of house rules under the updated policy.<\/p>\n They will retain control over their property\u2019s rules and requests, but requirements that do not comply with Airbnb\u2019s policy may be flagged, with hosts given an opportunity to appeal.<\/p>\n The policy change follows years of complaints from guests about strict checkout instructions, particularly when cleaning fees are charged separately.<\/p>\n The debate has also gained attention on social media, where videos from American hosts Cassie and Jon, who operate properties in Georgia, have attracted widespread discussion.<\/p>\n In one video, the couple criticised guests for allegedly failing to follow house rules, including leaving a television remote in a different location.<\/p>\n Their detailed inspections and strict expectations prompted a backlash, while the couple argued that viewers had misinterpreted their content.<\/p>\n Other creators subsequently produced satirical videos highlighting what they viewed as unreasonable demands placed on short-term rental guests.<\/p>\n The revised rules are intended to establish clearer boundaries between reasonable checkout expectations and cleaning work that should be handled by hosts or professional cleaners.<\/p>\n For guests, the changes could mean fewer departure chores and greater clarity about what is expected before they leave.<\/p>\n For hosts, the policy means reviewing existing house rules to ensure their requirements comply with Airbnb\u2019s updated standards.<\/p>\n The central issue is the balance between asking guests to leave accommodation in an appropriate condition and expecting them to undertake substantial cleaning work before departure.<\/p>\n With the new rules applying to bookings made from November 20, travellers and hosts will need to pay closer attention to the platform\u2019s updated requirements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nAirbnb Limits Checkout Cleaning Demands<\/h2>\n
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Exceptions Remain Under the New Policy<\/h2>\n
Viral Videos Fuel Debate Over Airbnb Rules<\/h2>\n
What the Changes Mean for Travellers<\/h2>\n