Airbnb new guidelines: What travellers need to know before booking a vacation rental

Airbnb is changing a key policy from November 20. Under the new Airbnb guidelines, hosts are prohibited from asking guests to perform time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks that are typically handled by professional cleaners. However, Airbnb has clarified that hosts can still ask guests to complete certain minor tasks before checking out. The revised policy aims to prevent unreasonable cleaning demands and make house rules clearer for travellers booking vacation rentals.

Airbnb new rules: What chores can hosts ask guests to do?

The updated Airbnb policy distinguishes between reasonable requests and chores that require significant time or effort. Under the revised guidelines, hosts cannot ask guests to strip beds before checking out, take out the rubbish, or wash and put away dishes.

However, this does not mean guests can leave a property in any condition. Hosts can still ask guests to complete reasonable tasks, such as placing used dishes in the sink, gathering used towels, or separating rubbish and recycling into designated indoor bins.

Airbnb's new house rules for guests

Alongside the restrictions on host requests, Airbnb has announced changes to help travellers understand their responsibilities before booking a rental property.

Under the new section, titled “House Rules and Requests,” guests will be able to find an organised list of “Host Requests” and “House Rules” in the Trips tab and reservation reminders.

Airbnb allows hosts to select from seven standard categories of house rules when setting up a listing. These cover common expectations that guests may need to follow during their stay.

The rules can address check-out procedures, the maximum number of occupants, noise restrictions, pet policies, conditions regarding parties and gatherings, photography, and smoking.

Can Airbnb guests report hosts for unreasonable cleaning demands?

Under the updated guidelines, guests can report hosts who make unreasonable requests that violate Airbnb's policy. Hosts can also report guests who significantly breach established house rules.

Airbnb has warned that repeated violations or serious disregard for property rules can have consequences for guests.

The changes do not give travellers permission to ignore house rules or leave a property in an unreasonable condition. Instead, they aim to ensure that expectations are proportionate and communicated clearly.

Certain exceptions may also apply depending on the location. For example, restrictions on shower time could be justified in areas experiencing drought or facing specific water-use regulations.

What should you check before booking an Airbnb?

Before reserving a vacation rental, travellers should read the listing's house rules, review the check-out instructions, and check any additional conditions that could affect their stay.

Travellers should also examine the total booking cost, including cleaning fees and other applicable charges, rather than focusing only on the nightly rate.

If a host requests extensive cleaning tasks that appear inconsistent with Airbnb's policy, guests can document the request and contact Airbnb for assistance.