Airbnb Curbs Host-Mandated Cleaning Chores Under New House Rules Effective November 20

Airbnb (ABNB) is revising its house rules to bar hosts from requiring guests to perform extensive cleaning tasks before checkout, following years of complaints about burdensome departure requirements. Under the policy, hosts may select from seven standard house rules and add other reasonable requests, but generally cannot require guests to strip beds, remove rubbish offsite or wash and put away dishes — work typically handled by professional cleaners. The changes apply to reservations booked on or after November 20, with exceptions allowed in some cases, such as limiting shower times during local drought restrictions. House rules will be displayed more prominently and included in reservation reminders. Hosts will be barred from imposing fines, and separate contracts will generally be permitted only when required by law or homeowners association rules. The update follows complaints from guests, particularly when properties also charge cleaning fees.