Airbnb's New Chore Rule Has Hosts Spiraling — But Could Guests Pay The Price?
On October 20, 2026, Airbnb announced a new rule that has left some hosts reeling. No longer will hosts be allowed to give guests a mile-long checkout chore list that involves tasks typically handled by cleaners. While it seems like great news for guests, some wonder whether the change will ultimately cause more problems for hosts and guests alike.
Airbnb remains a popular option for travelers, despite certain criticisms. While Rick Steves has pointed out a crucial reason to avoid staying at Airbnbs, others have warned about the hidden dangers of vacation rentals. Another common complaint is high cleaning fees coupled with the requirement to do tons of chores before checking out. After all, why should travelers have to do the dishes if they're already paying for cleaning? Under Airbnb's new policy, hosts can still make reasonable requests, but they can no longer require guests to perform time-consuming cleaning duties. The change sounds like good news for travelers, but some hosts aren't happy. They worry that the additional work could result in higher cleaning fees or rental prices, meaning guests may ultimately pay the price.
The days of doing dishes and laundry before checking out of your Airbnb are almost over
If you've ever stayed at an Airbnb, you've likely received a list of rules for the rental from the host. Some hosts include lengthy lists of chores guests are expected to complete before leaving. Personally, I've received long to-do lists that included things like starting a load of laundry with linens and towels, doing the dishes and putting them away, sweeping, and taking out the trash, even though I was already paying a rather exorbitant cleaning fee.
These chores were difficult to complete when I had to leave for the airport at the crack of dawn. The cleaning fees, along with the cleaning requirements, were crucial considerations that often influenced my decision to choose a hotel over an Airbnb. It seems as though the company finally caught on. The new policy applies to reservations booked on or after November 20, 2026. According to the announcement posted on Airbnb's website, hosts generally can't require ask guests to wash and put away dishes, strip beds, start laundry, or take garbage off-site. Hosts also can't impose their own fines or penalties on guests. The policy prohibits tasks that "require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner."
Since Airbnb announced the new policy, some hosts have been up in arms. Multiple comments below the official announcement show how upset hosts are about the change. "Telling hosts they cannot require guests to maintain a hygienic environment during their stay undermines our ability to protect our own property," one wrote. Some warn they may have to increase cleaning fees or nightly rates to account for additional work, which means guests could ultimately pay more. Others have suggested scaling back the kitchen equipment they provide, although hosts must still deliver the amenities advertised in their listings. For now, whether the changes will actually lead to higher prices remains to be seen.
Guests are still expected to follow house rules, and hosts can still make reasonable requests
Under the new policy, hosts can choose from seven standard house rules that guests are required to follow. These cover the maximum number of overnight guests, quiet hours, whether guests can host events, pet and smoking policies, commercial photography or filming, and whether guests must lock up at checkout. All rules and requests must also be disclosed in the designated section of the listing before booking, so guests won't be surprised by additional requirements afterward.
In addition to these rules, hosts can include a list of reasonable requests for guests. They can still ask you to put dirty dishes in the sink, sort trash and recycling into provided indoor receptacles, or gather used towels. They can ask you to put the cover back on a hot tub, but they shouldn't ask you to test the chlorine or add a chlorine tablet. Hosts can also ask you to turn off the air conditioning before leaving, but they can't ask you to avoid using an amenity that's advertised as part of the rental.
Airbnb noted that there may be exceptions to the new policy on a case-by-case basis. Examples include requiring guests to place trash in animal-proof containers where bears are common or asking guests to take shorter showers during a drought. Even though the rules are getting more relaxed for guests, it's still important to be respectful of your vacation rental. Airbnb's ground rules for guests still require travelers to leave properties in a condition that doesn't require excessive cleaning. Hosts can leave you a bad cleanliness review if you leave the place a total mess, which could affect your ability to book Airbnbs in the future. Guests may also be responsible for damage or unexpected cleaning costs. The new policy may mean fewer chores at checkout, but it doesn't mean guests can leave their rentals in any condition they please.