Airbnb Introduces New Policy Prohibiting Hosts from Assigning Chores to Guests

Airbnb's recent policy change has left many hosts fuming online after they lost the right to make their guests clean up after themselves.

The new rule applies to all bookings made on or after November 20, and it sparked immediate outrage among hosts who felt their rights were being taken away. Many took to social media platforms to express their frustration, arguing that they have a responsibility to protect their investments, homes, and personal living spaces.

On Airbnb's official forum for hosts, one user summarized the sentiment: "Airbnb is like an abusive partner." This comment resonated with many others who shared similar views, with some even comparing the platform to a toxic relationship. The frustration was palpable, with one host commenting that they felt powerless against the new policy.

Meanwhile, guests are celebrating the change, which eliminates the need for them to pay hefty cleaning fees and complete a list of chores before checking out. For years, travelers have complained about being required to do extra work during their stay, only to be charged for it afterwards.

Airbnb has introduced new rules that prohibit hosts from assigning chores to guests in their listings. This move is aimed at reducing friction and improving the overall guest experience.

Hosts had previously been able to list tasks such as stripping beds and taking out garbage under the "Requests section of their property descriptions. However, Airbnb's latest policy change means that these requests are no longer allowed.

Airbnb spokesperson Simon Letouze explained that hosts can still make reasonable requests of guests, but they must be clearly communicated in a way that does not assign specific tasks or chores. For example, hosts may ask guests to conserve water during drought-related restrictions or to dispose of trash properly.

One host attempted to circumvent the new policy by editing their property's Requests section, only to find that they were unable to save the changes. They had listed a range of tasks including washing and drying dishes, putting dirty towels in the laundry room, and taking out the trash to a nearby dumpster.

The new policy has left some Airbnb hosts searching for ways to circumvent it, despite clear warnings from the company.

Hosts who attempt to print out lists of rules and ask guests to sign them upon arrival will not be exempt from the policy.

Airbnb has made it clear that any attempts to bypass the rule will result in consequences, which could range from warnings to listing removal or even a ban from the platform.

This has sparked a heated discussion among hosts on social media platforms, where some are exploring alternative solutions.

Airbnb's policy adjustments have left some hosts scrambling for creative ways to enforce their house rules. Some are exploring new methods to communicate their expectations to guests, such as providing a house manual that outlines specific requirements.

Hosts are seeking alternative solutions after discovering that Airbnb's interface may not support certain types of house rules. One example mentioned is the inclusion of a codeword" as proof that guests have read and agreed to the rules. However, it remains unclear whether this approach will be feasible within Airbnb's system.

Unwanted smoking and other serious issues, such as dirty dishes and rotting garbage, are among the concerns voiced by hosts. These problems were previously addressed through host-imposed rules, which Airbnb has said it enforces. Despite these efforts, some hosts feel that the new policy adjustments do not adequately address their needs.

Airbnb's existing ground rules for guests already require them to treat the host's home with respect and care. This includes tasks like disposing of trash properly and not leaving moldy dishes behind. In cases where damage or loss occurs during a stay, guests are expected to pay a reasonable amount to repair or replace the item.

Airbnb's AirCover program offers financial protection to hosts in case of property damage caused by guests, covering damages up to $3 million for items such as furniture and cars.

The program also covers additional cleaning costs, including removing smoke odors or handling pet accidents, further alleviating concerns about potential losses during guest stays.

Hosts are expected to set reasonable cleaning fees that only cover standard tasks like laundry and vacuuming, rather than nickel-and-diming guests for every little chore.