Airbnb limits guest chores like laundry, drawing host backlash

The online booking platform announced this week that guests shouldn't have to perform tasks like stripping beds or starting laundry, which Airbnb says "require significant effort or time" and would typically be done by a professional cleaner. The company believes such chores could negatively impact guest experience and lead to negative reviews that ultimately harm property owners.

Host pushback

The policy change has sparked significant backlash among hosts, with more than 5,000 people signing a Change.org petition calling on Airbnb to reverse the rules. The signatories argue that the policy goes too far and is "unreasonable."

Specific guidelines

Airbnb has clarified which requests are "reasonable" under the new policy, which applies to reservations booked on or after November 20. Hosts can ask guests to put used dishes in the sink but cannot request they wash or put them away. They can request guests separate trash and recycling but cannot ask them to deposit garbage at an off-site facility.

Airbnb warned that hosts who repeatedly violate the rules could face reduced visibility for their listings or notices to guests about the host's violation. The company stated that "most guests want to avoid unexpected chores" when adding requests.