Airbnb scraps check-out chores for guests under new rules

Airbnb has revised its rules to prevent hosts from including check-out chores such as stripping bed linens or disposing of bins. According to the updated community policy, guests will no longer be required to perform tasks that demand significant effort or time that would typically be handled by a cleaner. Examples of prohibited tasks include washing and organizing dishes, but hosts can still request guests to place used tableware in the sink.

Airbnb explained that house rules can often be confusing, burdensome, and challenging to manage. The company has responded by redesigning these rules to be more discoverable, clearer, and easier to set, while introducing a new policy to ensure requests are reasonable and free of surprises.

Now, house rules are displayed across the listing page, in the trips tab, and in reminder notifications. Seven standard house rules are now predefined, covering check-in and check-out times, guest limits, smoking, pet policies, quiet hours, and commercial filming or photography. Hosts can also add "reasonable" requests, which can be adjusted at any time.

Airbnb will flag any requests that violate the new policy, requiring hosts to remove them or appeal the decision. The cleaning fee is intended to cover a basic tidying up between guest stays, and hosts are barred from charging guests for failing to complete tasks listed in the checkout requirements.