Airbnb is moving to address one of the platform’s most persistent guest complaints: checkout chore lists imposed by some hosts. Under a new policy, hosts can no longer require guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry or take out the trash.
The change applies to reservations made on or after November 20 and marks a shift in how Airbnb balances guest expectations with hosts’ responsibilities. For many travelers, paying a cleaning fee only to face a list of chores before departure has become a source of frustration.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
A Longstanding Complaint Gets A Formal Response
Travelers have long criticised checkout instructions on social media, particularly when hosts charge substantial cleaning fees but still expect guests to handle tasks associated with preparing a property for its next arrival.
The policy suggests Airbnb sees the issue as more than a customer service concern. By setting clearer limits, the company is seeking to prevent checkout requirements from feeling like unpaid work.
Hosts Push Back On A More Hotel-Like Model
Some hosts have criticised the change, arguing that basic cleanup requests help maintain sanitary conditions and protect their homes and furnishings. They say they bear the operational burden and costs of preparing properties for new guests.
One host argued in Airbnb’s community forums that the policy risks making the platform more like a hotel and weakening the appeal of staying in a private home. The host also warned that it could prompt a departure from the platform after more than a decade of hosting.
“Guests are given complete freedom to be lazy while the hosts bear the risk,” the host wrote, arguing that guests should still be expected to take care of their dishes and linens in exchange for a more personal stay.
Limited Exceptions Remain
Airbnb is not removing every guest responsibility. Hosts can still ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-proof rubbish containers in areas where wildlife poses a safety risk.
These exceptions allow the platform to retain practical measures for protecting properties while removing chores that have become a point of tension.
Part Of A Broader Price-Transparency Campaign
The policy follows Airbnb’s broader efforts to address concerns about pricing and transparency. In 2024, the company faced criticism over cleaning fees that were not always clear during booking. A year earlier, it said more than 260,000 hosts had reduced or eliminated their fees.
In May 2025, Airbnb also made total prices standard in search results worldwide, including fees but excluding taxes, helping travelers compare listings and avoid unexpected costs.
What This Means For Airbnb’s Business
The key question is whether the restrictions will alienate enough hosts to affect the platform, or strengthen its appeal among travelers seeking the flexibility of a rental without feeling they are paying twice for cleaning.
Tighter guest protections could strain relationships with some hosts, but they may also build trust, reduce friction and make Airbnb more competitive with hotels on convenience and transparency. As travelers place greater emphasis on clear pricing and a hassle-free stay, the company is betting that a better guest experience will pay off.
