Airbnb Sets New Rules for Guest Clean-Up Requests

Airbnb is changing the rules for what hosts can ask guests to do before they leave a property. The update, which was first noticed by Euronews, is part of a wider set of changes to Airbnb's host rules. According to Engadget, the new policy will take effect on November 20.

Under the revised policy, any request a host makes to a guest must be reasonable. Engadget reports that the examples given show asking guests to remove bedsheets or do loads of laundry is not reasonable. Gathering used towels, however, is acceptable under the new rules.

Hosts should also avoid asking guests to finish tasks that need a lot of effort or time. The policy says tasks that would normally be done by a cleaner should not be passed on to guests.

Hosts can choose from a set of seven standard rules for their property. They can also add more notes as extra requests. These rules and requests may only be shared with guests in the dedicated section of a rental listing.

Hosts are not allowed to share rules or requests after a booking has been made. This means they cannot pass them on by message, through signs in the home, or in person.

Airbnb does allow some exceptions for unusual situations. One example given is a requirement to put trash in an animal-proof container in areas where bear populations are known.