Airbnb hosts can’t make guests do chores under new rules

Airbnb has announced new rules effective November 20, 2023, that prohibit hosts from requiring guests to perform housekeeping tasks during their stay. Previously, hosts could ask guests to do various chores such as washing dishes, stripping beds, and removing trash, but this is no longer allowed under the updated policy.

However, hosts are still permitted to request guests to perform light tidying tasks, such as leaving used dishes in the sink or separating trash into designated indoor bins. They may also ask guests to turn off amenities like air conditioning when they leave.

The new rules aim to clarify what tasks are acceptable for guests to perform during their stay and to ensure that all house rules and requests are clearly stated in the listing when a reservation is booked. This change addresses the frustration many travelers have experienced when discovering unexpected cleaning requirements after their stay is already paid for.

Airbnb argues that these changes also affect its bottom line, as hosts are currently able to charge cleaning fees that include a cut taken by the company. By limiting the types of tasks hosts can require, Airbnb seeks to prevent hosts from raising cleaning fees to cover additional work.

While the announcement has been met with some celebration from travelers who find the new rules more reasonable, others have expressed disappointment, noting that Airbnb's high prices and extensive list of house rules have already eroded the service's appeal. The company has faced criticism for requiring guests to perform extensive cleaning tasks even after paying a cleaning fee, and some users have found alternatives like hotels more appealing.

However, despite the online backlash, Airbnb's revenue continues to grow, reporting a 17% increase in second-quarter 2026 results to $3.6 billion.