Airbnb Cracks Down on Cleaning Demands After Holidaymaker Complaints

Airbnb is introducing new rules that will stop holidaymakers being expected to complete lengthy cleaning chores before checking out, following complaints about guests being asked to do household jobs despite paying cleaning fees.

From 20 November 2026, hosts will generally no longer be allowed to demand that guests strip beds, wash and put away dishes or take rubbish away from their holiday accommodation. The changes will apply to new reservations made through Airbnb, including bookings for UK staycations and overseas holidays.

The announcement is likely to be welcomed by travellers who have grown frustrated with lengthy checkout instructions, although some property owners have criticised the decision and warned that it could lead to higher accommodation costs.

What Cleaning Jobs Are Airbnb Guests No Longer Expected to Do?

Under Airbnb’s updated policy, hosts will generally be prohibited from requiring guests to undertake tasks that take considerable time or would normally be carried out by professional cleaners.

This includes stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes and transporting rubbish away from the property. It also means holidaymakers should no longer find themselves facing an extensive cleaning checklist before heading home.

However, the policy does not mean guests can leave accommodation in any condition they choose. Hosts can still make reasonable requests, including asking visitors to place used dishes in the sink, gather towels, separate recycling and lock the property when leaving.

Airbnb has also acknowledged that exceptions may be necessary in certain circumstances, including areas where rubbish must be secured against wildlife or where local water restrictions apply.

Airbnb Explains Why It Is Changing Its Rules

In an official statement, Airbnb said: “House rules help guests understand what hosts expect, but we’ve heard from our community that they can be confusing, onerous and hard to manage.”

The company added: “So we’ve redesigned them to make them easier to discover and clearer to set, alongside a new policy that keeps requests reasonable, with no surprises.”

As part of the changes, hosts can select from seven standard house rules covering matters such as guest numbers, smoking, pets, events and quiet hours. They can also include additional reasonable requests that are clearly displayed before a reservation is made.

Importantly, property owners will no longer be permitted to introduce new requirements through messages, signs inside accommodation or verbal instructions after guests have booked.

The changes are intended to give holidaymakers a clearer understanding of their responsibilities before they commit to paying for a stay.

Will Airbnb Cleaning Fees Be Scrapped?

Despite the restrictions on checkout chores, Airbnb has confirmed that cleaning fees will remain. Property owners can still charge guests for the cleaning required between reservations, but they cannot generally expect holidaymakers to complete the same work themselves.

The issue has attracted criticism from travellers who have questioned why they should pay substantial cleaning charges while also being asked to wash dishes, remove bedding and complete other household tasks.

Hosts will also be prohibited from imposing their own fines for breaking house rules, although Airbnb’s existing guest responsibilities and damage protection arrangements will continue to apply.

Some Airbnb Hosts Have Criticised the Decision

Not everyone is happy with the announcement. Some Airbnb property owners have argued that washing dishes and dealing with rubbish are basic expectations when staying in self-catering accommodation, rather than unreasonable cleaning demands.

Speaking to Australia’s ABC News, Airbnb host Nadia Di Martino, who operates three listings in Townsville, described the changes as “infuriating”. She explained that she cleaned her properties herself and did not charge a cleaning fee, but expected guests to wash their dishes.

Other hosts have raised concerns that additional cleaning work could increase turnaround costs, potentially resulting in higher accommodation prices. However, there is no evidence yet that the policy will lead to widespread price increases.

The disagreement highlights the different expectations of guests and property owners, particularly when holiday accommodation is privately managed rather than operated like a traditional hotel.

What Happens If Airbnb Hosts Ignore the New Rules?

Airbnb says hosts who include unreasonable requirements could receive warnings and be asked to amend their listings. Continued breaches could result in notices appearing on their accommodation pages, reduced visibility in search results or further action under the platform’s terms of service.

Holidaymakers who encounter requests that appear to breach the policy can report them to Airbnb for review.

The new rules apply to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026, meaning travellers with existing bookings should check the terms agreed when making their reservation.

For anyone planning a weekend break, family holiday or longer stay abroad, the changes should offer greater clarity about what is expected at checkout. Guests will still need to respect the properties they visit, but the responsibility for preparing accommodation for its next occupants should generally rest with the people managing it.