Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout

Airbnb has introduced a new policy that will relieve guests from certain checkout responsibilities, including washing dishes, stripping beds, and taking out the trash. This change, announced earlier this week, will come into effect on November 20.

The updated guidelines limit the chores that hosts can require from guests at checkout to what Airbnb describes as "reasonable" requests. While guests may still be asked to leave dirty dishes in the sink, gather used towels, and sort trash and recyclables, hosts are no longer permitted to impose tasks that would typically be handled by professional cleaning services.

In a video outlining the new policy, Airbnb encouraged hosts to consider the guest experience and to be mindful of what might be deemed unreasonable expectations. This change aims to address ongoing frustrations among guests who often feel burdened by checkout tasks, particularly when they are already paying cleaning fees.

Airbnb has recognized that these cleaning fees can lead to differing expectations between hosts and travelers. The company has made it clear that certain exceptions might still be applicable. For instance, in regions where bears are prevalent, hosts may require guests to dispose of trash in bear-proof containers.

Another significant aspect of the new policy is the requirement for hosts to clearly outline all house rules and requests in a specific section of their listings prior to guest bookings. Hosts are prohibited from adding additional requirements through private messages, signs within the property, or other parts of the listing after the booking has been made.

To further streamline the guest experience, Airbnb is standardizing house rules into seven specific categories. These categories will cover various topics such as overnight guests, quiet hours, pet policies, smoking regulations, and whether guests are expected to secure the property upon checkout.

This policy update is part of Airbnb's ongoing efforts to enhance the predictability of the rental experience for travelers. In a statement earlier this year, CEO Brian Chesky acknowledged that the diverse range of properties available on Airbnb can create uncertainty for guests. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that guests have a clear understanding of what to expect when they book a stay.

"A lot of guests have described booking Airbnb, once they check in, it’s a moment of truth. Is the house exactly what they expected?" Chesky told The Associated Press. "We don’t want this to be a moment of truth. We want you to know exactly what you’re going to get before you book."