- The company said the changes are intended to make house rules clearer and prevent guests from being burdened with unexpected chores during their stays.
Online homestay service provider Airbnb is changing its house rules, with guests set to be protected from being required to carry out a range of cleaning chores before checking out of a property.
Under the new policy, which will apply to reservations booked on or after November 20, 2026, hosts will not be allowed to require guests to change bed sheets, do laundry, clean dishes or take garbage off-site.
The company said the changes are intended to make house rules clearer and prevent guests from being burdened with unexpected chores during their stays.
However, guests may still be asked to place used dishes in the sink, gather used towels and separate rubbish and recycling into designated indoor bins. Hosts can also request that guests switch off amenities such as air conditioning when leaving the property.
Airbnb said such requests should be reasonable and appropriate to the type of accommodation and local circumstances, provided they do not compromise the comfort of a guest.
“When adding a request, remember that most guests want to avoid unexpected chores. Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews,” Airbnb said.
The company is also simplifying how hosts set and communicate their requirements.
Seven standard house rules, which include quiet hours, commercial photography, smoking, pets, events, lock up at checkout and maximum overnight guests, will now be available in a 'Listing editor', alongside other reasonable requests.
Airbnb said requests that violate the new policy will be flagged in the Listing editor, allowing hosts to make changes.
The company will also notify affected hosts by email and guide on resolving the issue, with an appeal option available.
The company said exceptions may be considered where local conditions make a request reasonable, including requests such as asking guests to limit shower time in regions facing drought-related water restrictions.
Listings with unresolved violations could carry an alert warning guests that they include cleaning requests.