Airbnb has introduced a new policy that sets clear limits on the cleaning tasks guests can be asked to do before checking out of a rental.
Under the updated policy, hosts are allowed to make “requests” of guests, but those requests “must be reasonable.” The policy page explains that hosts should not “ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner.”
The company offered examples to show where the line is drawn. Asking guests to strip bedsheets or run loads of laundry would be deemed unreasonable. On the other hand, asking guests to collect used towels would be fine.
The change is part of a larger overhaul of Airbnb’s host rules. Hosts will now select from a set of seven standard rules for their property and can add further notes as requests. These rules and requests may only be shared with guests in a dedicated section of the rental listing. Hosts are banned from passing them along after booking “by message, signs in the home, or in person.” The company hopes this will put an end to the passive aggressive signs that have become common in many Airbnbs.
Airbnb noted that exceptions may be granted for unique situations. For instance, hosts in areas with known bear populations could require trash to be placed in an animal-proof container.