As of the end of next month, guests using Airbnb will face reduced cleaning responsibilities before checking out. The popular short-term rental platform has revised its guidelines to limit the extent to which hosts can request guests to perform cleaning tasks before departure. These updated regulations will impact reservations made on or after November 20.
Under the new policy, hosts are urged to exercise “reasonableness” across various aspects outlined in the fresh guidelines. Hosts will no longer be permitted to assign tasks that require significant effort, time, or tasks typically handled by professional cleaners. Such tasks include changing bed linens, disposing of garbage off-site, or washing and storing used dishes. Consequently, Airbnb’s cleaning fee should now only encompass basic cleaning services between guest stays. Additionally, hosts are prohibited from charging guests extra if they do not complete all cleaning tasks on the checkout list.
The issue of cleaning responsibilities in Airbnb accommodations has been a contentious topic for some time. Hosts have shared anecdotes about guests leaving untidy spaces, while social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok have been flooded with stories and videos highlighting guests’ dissatisfaction with cleaning fees and additional chores. Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, emphasized that guests have often expressed frustration with cleaning requirements despite already paying cleaning fees, contrasting the standard hotel experience.
In addition to the cleaning-related changes, the updated guidelines specify that hosts cannot restrict guests’ access to amenities advertised in their listings. They are also prohibited from imposing fines or penalties on guests, as AirCover insurance already protects hosts in case of property damage by guests. All house rules and requests must be transparently displayed on the listing at the time of booking, with no new rules added post-booking. These regulations cover various aspects such as check-in/out times, smoking policies, pet regulations, noise restrictions, guest limits, and guidelines for commercial photography or video shoots.
While hosts can introduce “reasonable” requests that can be updated as needed, Airbnb will evaluate the appropriateness of such requests based on factors like property type and local considerations. The policy acknowledges the uniqueness of each property, allowing for context-based requests such as conserving water during droughts or managing trash in wildlife areas.
Mody anticipates how hosts will adapt to these changes and how Airbnb will enforce the updated rules. He suggests that Airbnb has purposely kept the definition of “reasonable” broad to give hosts flexibility, recognizing hosts as valuable customers crucial for Airbnb’s success. The platform aims to strike a balance between host satisfaction and guest experience, ensuring hosts maintain a sense of control over their properties.
