Airbnb is tightening checkout rules to limit hosts from requiring lengthy cleaning tasks, as a petition opposing the change argues that added cleaning costs could affect guests.
The policy covers bookings made starting Nov. 20. Airbnb says hosts cannot assign guests extended cleaning work, including stripping beds, starting laundry, or washing and putting away dishes. Hosts may ask guests to leave used dishes in the sink or sort trash and recycling, but cannot require them to take garbage to an off-site facility.
Airbnb says the change is meant to prevent cleaning demands from harming guests’ stays. The company also said negative reviews related to such tasks could hurt property owners. Repeated violations could lead Airbnb to place a notice for guests on a listing page or reduce that page’s visibility in search.
CBS News reported that a Change.org petition opposing the policy had gathered more than 5,000 signatures. The petition described the rules as unreasonable and argued that hiring cleaners could raise hosts’ expenses. It said those added costs might contribute to higher rates for guests.
