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Airbnb sets checkout chore limits: no stripping beds, no hauling trash
A revised host policy taking effect November 20 spells out which clean-up requests are reasonable and which are not, and it bans rules sprung on guests after booking.
What the new policy says
Airbnb is codifying some of the clean-up guests can be asked to do before leaving a property. [1] Under the revised policy, hosts can make requests of guests, but those requests must be reasonable. [1]
The update is part of a broader change to Airbnb host rules that was first noticed by Euronews. [1] The revised policy takes effect on November 20. [1]
What hosts can and cannot ask
For dishes, guests should not be asked to wash and put away dishes, but hosts can ask them to put used dishes in the sink. [2] For laundry, guests should not be asked to remove sheets from the bed or start a load of laundry, but hosts can ask them to gather used towels. [2]
For trash, guests should not be asked to take garbage off-site, but hosts can ask them to separate trash and recycling into designated indoor bins. [2] For utilities, guests should not be asked to avoid using a listed amenity like air conditioning, but hosts can ask them to turn it off when they leave. [2]
Airbnb allows exceptions based on unique situations, such as requiring trash to be placed in an animal-proof container where bear populations are known. [1] Airbnb says exceptions to the checkout chore limits are possible, such as asking guests to dispose of trash in an animal-proof container in bear country. [2]
Where rules now appear
Hosts will be able to pick from a set of seven standard rules for their property and then add further notes as requests. [1] Airbnb now displays hosts' requests more prominently in a new rules and requests section on listings. [2]
Rules and requests may only be communicated to guests in the dedicated portion of a rental listing, and hosts may not share them after booking by message, signs in the home, or in person. [1] Hosts are not allowed to slip extra rules into messages to guests or onto signs around the property. [2] The restriction on sharing rules after booking is expected to end passive-aggressive signage posted at many Airbnbs. [1]
Host pushback
Some hosts pushed back on the restrictions in Airbnb's forums, saying they pose health risks and that guests can choose not to stay at overly strict listings. [2]
What it means for you
If you book a stay, check the dedicated rules portion of the listing, because that is the only place hosts may communicate rules and requests to guests. [1] Listings may show a cleaning requests warning if a host leaves chore requests in the listing after the new policy takes effect. [2]
If you are a host, requests must be reasonable, and you can ask guests to put used dishes in the sink or gather used towels. [1][2] You cannot add rules after booking by message, signs in the home, or in person. [1]
Sources
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