Airbnb guests freed from chores like stripping beds and washing dishes under new global rules

Airbnb has rolled out new global guidelines that restrict hosts from requiring guests to perform extensive checkout chores, aiming to alleviate a common source of guest frustration. The updated policy prohibits tasks that demand "significant effort or time," or duties typically handled by a professional cleaner. These now include stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes, starting laundry, and taking trash off-site.

While hosts can no longer mandate these heavier cleaning tasks, they can still make reasonable requests. Guests may still be asked to gather used towels, place dirty dishes in the sink, and sort recycling or trash into designated indoor bins. This ensures guests are still expected to leave the property in a reasonable state without being subjected to a full cleaning checklist.

These changes, announced around October 2026, will apply to all reservations booked on or after November 20, 2026. The new rules seek to provide greater clarity and transparency for guests, requiring all house rules and requests to be disclosed upfront at the time of booking, preventing any surprise chores upon checkout.