Starting from late next month, guests using Airbnb will have reduced cleaning responsibilities before checking out. The short-term rental platform has implemented updated guidelines limiting the cleaning tasks hosts can assign to departing guests. These new regulations will affect bookings made on or after November 20.
Under the fresh policy, hosts are urged to exercise reasonableness on various fronts, particularly concerning cleaning expectations. Guests will no longer be required to perform tasks that demand significant time or effort, or tasks traditionally handled by professional cleaners. Activities like stripping the bed, disposing of garbage offsite, or washing and storing used dishes are now excluded from guest responsibilities.
The alteration ensures that Airbnb’s cleaning fee covers only basic tidying between guest stays, with hosts prohibited from charging guests for incomplete cleaning tasks listed upon checkout.
The adjustment in cleaning protocols comes after prolonged debates regarding Airbnb cleaning duties. Hosts have shared anecdotes about guests leaving messy accommodations, while others have showcased property conditions post-checkout on platforms like TikTok. Conversely, guests have voiced discontent over paying cleaning fees and being tasked with various cleaning chores.
Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, highlighted the discord between hosts charging cleaning fees and expecting guests to clean, a practice divergent from traditional hotel experiences.
Further stipulations within the policy prohibit hosts from restricting the use of listed amenities or imposing fines on guests, as AirCover safeguards hosts against guest-induced property damage. House rules and requests must be transparently displayed on listings during booking, with no post-booking additions permitted. These guidelines encompass details on check-in/out times, smoking policies, pet regulations, noise curfews, guest limits, and photography/video permissions.
Hosts can incorporate reasonable requests that Airbnb will evaluate based on listing type and local context. The open-ended definition of “reasonable” offers hosts flexibility, aiming to balance host satisfaction and guest experience.
The implementation of these new rules will be closely monitored to observe host responses and Airbnb’s enforcement practices, as the company aims to maintain a balance between host satisfaction and guest-centered service.