Starting from the end of next month, individuals booking an Airbnb accommodation will encounter reduced responsibilities before their departure. The popular short-term rental platform has implemented updated regulations limiting the extent to which hosts can request guests to engage in pre-checkout cleaning tasks. The revised guidelines, effective for reservations made on or after November 20, advocate for hosts to exhibit reasonableness in their expectations.
Under the new policy, hosts are no longer permitted to assign tasks involving significant effort or time, or duties typically handled by professional cleaners. These chores include tasks like changing bed linens, transporting garbage to offsite locations, or washing and storing used dishes. Consequently, Airbnb’s cleaning fees are expected to cover only basic tidying between guest stays, and hosts cannot charge guests for unfinished cleaning tasks on the checkout list.
The adjustment in Airbnb’s cleaning protocols comes amidst longstanding debates surrounding guest responsibilities. Hosts have shared anecdotes of guests leaving behind messy accommodations, while some have showcased property conditions post-checkout on platforms like TikTok. Conversely, guests have voiced discontent over paying cleaning fees only to be presented with a list of chores to complete themselves.
Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, highlighted the dissatisfaction among guests regarding cleaning expectations. The company has been approached for comments regarding the timing of this policy alteration.
In addition to cleaning specifications, the policy prohibits hosts from limiting access to advertised amenities and imposing fines or penalties on guests. Notably, AirCover safeguards hosts against property damage by guests. All house rules and requests must be transparently outlined in the listing at the time of booking, with no additional rules introduced thereafter. These regulations encompass details on check-in/out times, smoking policies, pet accommodations, noise restrictions, guest limits, and commercial photography permissions.
While hosts are allowed to introduce “reasonable” requests that are subject to periodic updates, Airbnb will evaluate the appropriateness of these requests based on various factors such as property type and local circumstances. The company emphasizes the uniqueness of each property, citing examples like water conservation measures or wildlife trash disposal requirements in certain regions.
Mody expressed curiosity about how hosts will adapt to these changes and how Airbnb will enforce the updated policies. He suggested that the broad interpretation of “reasonable” was intentional to grant hosts flexibility while maintaining a balance between host and guest satisfaction.