Airbnb Bans Chore Lists for Guests Starting November 20
Beginning on November 20, Airbnb hosts will be prohibited from mandating that guests undertake substantial cleaning duties, such as changing linens or washing dishes. This new regulation, revealed on a Tuesday, responds to grievances regarding cleaning fees and hidden chore lists encountered by guests upon arrival. Hosts are expected to be "reasonable" and cannot impose tasks typically handled by cleaning personnel. Properties must be returned in a state that does not require extensive cleaning. While minor requests, like placing dirty dishes in the sink or disposing of trash in specific bins, are permitted, all such requests must be disclosed during booking. Breaches of this policy may result in warnings or removal from listings. Some hosts have voiced frustration, suggesting they might temporarily cancel their properties in protest. Airbnb stresses the importance of guest guidelines and protections for hosts, including AirCover insurance.
Key facts
- Airbnb hosts cannot require guests to wash dishes, change sheets or take out trash from November 20
- The policy follows years of guest complaints about cleaning fees combined with checkout chore lists
- Some chore lists were not shown at booking and were discovered only on arrival
- Hosts must "be reasonable" and cannot assign tasks normally done by cleaning staff
- Limited requests remain allowed, such as placing dishes in the sink or short showers during droughts
- All host requests must be visible at booking and meet reasonableness criteria
- Violations bring warnings, with serious cases leading to listing removal or platform exclusion
- AirCover reimburses hosts up to 3 million dollars for damages
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Fuller
- Simon Letouze
Institutions
- Airbnb
- SOPA Images
- ZUMA Press Wire
- WIRED
- r/airbnb_hosts
- AirCover
Locations
- Italy