Airbnb updated its global house rules from 20 November to prohibit hosts from asking guests to perform tasks normally done by cleaners, including washing dishes, stripping beds and removing rubbish off-site. Hosts can now set only seven standard house rules plus other "reasonable" requests.
The change has divided the short-term rental community. Guests like Jessica Newhook welcome the shift, saying they faced lengthy checkout lists alongside hefty cleaning fees. Newhook paid $250 for a Florida property and was still asked to wash and fold towels, clean bedrooms and kitchens, and mop floors. She says rising fees and rules have made hotels more appealing.
Hosts express concern about increased costs and mess. Welsh host Lisa Clewes says her property was left with broken glasses, food debris and fish guts after a recent checkout. She charges a cleaning fee covering 75% of professional cleaner costs and worries that unrestricted mess will force her to hire extra cleaners. North Yorkshire cabin operator Anthony Marsh says the new rules effectively permit guests to leave properties in poor condition. He is reducing his Airbnb listings from five to two properties in response.
Some hosts view the dispute as a matter of basic respect. Laura Lewis, who runs a directory for holiday-let owners, says most of her clients are unhappy with the change, arguing guests should wash dishes as a courtesy. Lewis plans to remove her three treehouses from Airbnb and pursue direct bookings instead.
Krissi Foskett, who runs a cleaning company and rents Airbnb properties, distinguishes between considerate guest behaviour and being asked to prepare a property for the next guests. She says professional cleaning is a business cost hosts should absorb. Data shows 63.2% of Airbnb listings charge cleaning fees, averaging £55.
Not all hosts oppose the update. Matt Prosz, who manages multiple Airbnb properties full-time, believes the change will improve guest experience without altering most guests' behaviour.