The global accommodation marketplace Airbnb has updated its operating guidelines to limit what property hosts can demand from guests upon departure. The company purports that these adjustments are designed to clear up confusing requirements and address long-standing complaints from consumers regarding excessive demands.

Under the revised policy, guests—who are already mandated to pay a cleaning fee—should allegedly no longer be asked to complete burdensome household tasks typically handled by professional cleaners. This includes washing and putting away dishes, stripping bedsheets, or taking trash offsite. The European and US markets have frequently witnessed friction between strict hosts and dissatisfied travelers over these informal chores.

Critics and observers note that the US regime surrounding short-term rentals has grown increasingly tense, fueled by viral videos of hyper-vigilant hosts inspecting properties down to the misplaced remote control. While the platform will continue allowing hosts to establish standard house rules, unreasonable demands will face administrative flagging and potential appeals.

The updated requirements are scheduled to apply to all reservations booked on or after November 20. Although hosts maintain control over their basic property rules, the platform aims to curb surprises and ensure that cleaning responsibilities remain proportionate to the fees charged.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk