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Airbnb will restrict the cleaning and checkout tasks hosts can ask guests to complete under updated rules applying to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026.
Under the new policy, hosts will generally be unable to ask guests to strip beds, take rubbish offsite or wash and put away dishes. Airbnb said these tasks require significant time or would normally be completed by a cleaner.
Hosts can continue to set standard house rules covering areas such as pets, events, smoking, quiet hours, maximum guest numbers and locking the property at checkout. They can also make additional requests, provided Airbnb considers them reasonable.
All house rules and requests must be disclosed in the designated section of the listing before a reservation is made. Hosts cannot introduce new requirements after booking through messages, signs at the property or instructions delivered in person.
Guests are required to follow the property’s house rules, while Airbnb says they are encouraged to comply with additional requests from the host.
Exceptions may be allowed when the circumstances justify them. Airbnb said a host could ask guests to limit shower times during a drought or place rubbish in animal-proof containers in areas where bears are present.
Hosts will not be permitted to impose their own fines or financial penalties for breaking a rule, although they may inform guests about penalties imposed by a homeowners’ association or local authority. They will also be unable to restrict access to features advertised as part of the listing.
Separate rental agreements will be allowed only in limited circumstances, including where they are required by law or homeowners’ association rules, for monthly stays and certain optional amenities.
Airbnb can ask hosts to amend non-compliant listings and may issue warnings, reduce a property’s visibility in search results or take further action against an account for repeated breaches.
The platform has previously advised hosts against asking guests to strip beds or undertake extensive cleaning. The updated policy formalises the distinction between reasonable checkout instructions and work that should be covered by the property’s cleaning arrangements.
Highlights
- Airbnb is limiting the checkout chores hosts can request from guests.
- Guests generally cannot be asked to strip beds or wash and put away dishes.
- Hosts must disclose all rules and requests before a reservation is made.
- Hosts cannot add new requirements through messages or signs after booking.
- Airbnb will not allow hosts to impose their own fines for rule breaches.
- The policy applies to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026.
- Repeated breaches could affect a listing’s visibility on Airbnb.
