Airbnb bans mandatory cleaning tasks for guests

Starting November 20, 2026, Airbnb will prohibit hosts from requiring guests to perform cleaning tasks such as washing dishes, removing bed linens, or taking out trash. This decision, announced on October 22, 2026, aims to end a widely criticized practice, as travelers already pay cleaning fees that often exceed 100 dollars.

New rules apply to all future reservations

According to the BBC, all reservations made starting November 20 will fall under this new regulation. Hosts will no longer be able to add requirements after the reservation through private messages, signs posted in the property, or verbal instructions. All rules must be explicitly stated in the dedicated section of the listing, visible before any transaction.

Specific cleaning tasks are now prohibited

The Verge details the formal prohibition of asking travelers to wash and put away dishes, remove bed linens and pillow covers, run a washing machine, or take out trash outside the property. These requirements were the main source of user dissatisfaction. Airbnb has also warned hosts in an internal message: "Imposing household tasks could harm your ratings."

Some "reasonable" requests remain allowed

Airbnb maintains a gray area around "reasonable" requests. Hosts can still ask guests to place dirty dishes in the sink, gather used towels in a specific spot, or separate waste into designated bins. Specific exceptions apply as well: in case of drought, limiting water consumption becomes acceptable. In bear regions, placing trash in secure containers remains mandatory.

Property owners express frustration

Complaints are rising among property owners. On the subreddit r/airbnb_hosts, Wired reports that some compare the platform to "an abusive partner" and announce their departure after 12 years of collaboration. An anonymous host summarizes: "As hosts, we have the responsibility to protect our investments, our homes, and often our personal living spaces. The problem is that Airbnb expects us to accept the risks while limiting our ability to protect ourselves."

Cleaning costs now fall on hosts

The economic equation becomes more complex for renters. Until now, many relied on travelers' participation to reduce their cleaning costs. Now, the systematic hiring of professional cleaning staff becomes unavoidable. These services cost between 80 and 150 euros per rotation depending on the size of the property. For small property owners managing one or two properties, this fixed cost directly reduces profit margins.

Some hosts may switch platforms

The risk of exodus is becoming clearer. TechCrunch mentions testimonials from hosts ready to migrate to competing platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com, perceived as less restrictive. If this threat materializes on a large scale, the available supply could shrink, causing a mechanical increase in prices for travelers. Paradoxically, the measure intended to improve the customer experience could increase the cost of stays.

Travelers welcome the change

From the users' perspective, relief is predominant. For years, social networks have relayed viral videos showing endless lists of chores: some content creators like Cassie and Jon filmed their meticulous post-departure inspections, generating millions of views and fueling resentment. Paying 100 dollars in cleaning fees while having to scrub the kitchen seemed absurd to many.

Policy clarifies cleaning fee expectations

The new policy finally clarifies the boundary between cleaning fees and mandatory tasks. In 2023, following massive criticism about pricing transparency, 260,000 hosts had already reduced or eliminated their cleaning fees. In May 2025, Airbnb began displaying total prices (excluding taxes) from the search results. Today, the platform takes another step by guaranteeing that these fees correspond to a real service, without shifting the burden to the customer.

Penalties for non-compliant hosts

Airbnb leaves no room for recalcitrants. Hosts violating the policy are exposed to progressive warnings, reduced visibility in search results, or even a permanent ban from the platform. Fox Business notes that the platform also relies on its AirCover program, which covers up to 3 million dollars in damages caused by guests, to reassure property owners worried about degradation risks.

Technology ensures compliance

Technology now monitors listings. Airbnb's interface automatically highlights non-compliant requests in red and prevents their saving. Algorithms scan descriptions, displayed rules, and even messages sent to travelers. If a host attempts to circumvent the prohibition by placing their requirements in another section of the listing, the system detects it and blocks the publication. Simon Letouze, a spokesperson for Airbnb, states that this automation ensures uniform application of the policy worldwide.