Airbnb is changing its checkout rules to clarify which tasks hosts can require guests to complete. For reservations made on or after November 20, hosts may not require guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry or take out the trash.
The policy responds to guest concerns about being asked to clean after paying a cleaning fee. Some hosts, meanwhile, say basic cleanup helps maintain their properties and prepare them for the next visitors.
Limited exceptions remain: hosts may ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-resistant trash containers where wildlife is a concern.
The updated rules underscore the challenge of balancing guest convenience with hosts' responsibilities. Over time, clearer expectations could help shape a more transparent and consistent experience for both sides of short-term rentals.
