Airbnb limits chores for guests, sparking backlash from hosts

Airbnb is restricting the checkout tasks that property hosts can require of guests. The update addresses long-standing customer complaints about doing chores despite paying cleaning fees. Under the new policy, hosts cannot force guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry, or take out the trash.

The rules apply to reservations booked on or after November 20. Airbnb has made exceptions for regional issues, allowing hosts to request water conservation during droughts or the use of bear-proof trash bins. The decision follows years of guest complaints on social media about burdensome checkout chores and fines.

However, the update has drawn backlash from some hosts in community forums. Critics argue the changes increase host risks and push the platform toward a hotel model, with one long-term host warning they may leave the service. The platform has previously adjusted fee policies to address customer frustration.

In 2023, Airbnb reported that over 260,000 hosts had reduced or eliminated cleaning fees, and the company began displaying total upfront prices globally in May 2025.