Guests aren’t cleaners: Airbnb bans chore lists and fines as it tightens rules on hosts

Airbnb tells hosts to stop turning guests into cleaners in new rules that apply to reservations from November 20, 2026. — Unsplash pic

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 10:41 AM MYT

PARIS, Oct 23 — The days of having to take out the trash or wash the dishes before leaving an Airbnb are numbered as the short-term rental platform is tightening rules on what conditions hosts may impose on guests.

“Our rules regarding accommodations allow travellers to receive guidelines from hosts; however, our community has let us know that they can be confusing, restrictive, and difficult to manage,” Airbnb said Thursday to AFP.

New rules published this week that will apply to reservations made from November 20 will seek to reduce that confusion.

In particular the new rules will generally prohibit hosts from asking guests “to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner, including stripping the bed, taking trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes.”

Hosts can still ask guests to put dirty dishes in the sink or separate trash and recyclables.

Hosts will also no longer be able to impose fines or penalties on guests.

Hosts must instead seek compensation for any damage from insurance provided through Airbnb. — AFP