Starting from late next month, guests using Airbnb accommodations will have fewer responsibilities to fulfill before their departure. The popular short-term rental platform has revised its regulations to limit the extent of cleaning tasks hosts can assign to guests at the end of their stay. These updated guidelines are applicable to reservations made on or after November 20.
Under the new policy, hosts are urged to exercise “reasonableness” across various aspects. Specifically, hosts are no longer permitted to request guests to perform tasks that are labor-intensive, time-consuming, or typically handled by professional cleaners. These duties include tasks like changing bed linens, transporting trash to offsite locations, or washing and storing used dishes. Consequently, Airbnb’s cleaning fee should solely encompass basic cleaning duties between guest turnovers, and hosts are prohibited from charging guests if all tasks on the checkout list are not completed.
The timing of this change by Airbnb is significant due to prolonged discussions on the division of cleaning responsibilities. While hosts have recounted stories of guests leaving messy accommodations, some have showcased the state of properties post-checkout through social media platforms like TikTok. On the other hand, guests have expressed discontent over paying cleaning fees only to be confronted with a list of cleaning tasks upon departure.
Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, highlighted the discord between hosts charging cleaning fees and the expectation for guests to participate in post-stay cleaning. This misalignment differs from the hotel experience where guests are not typically required to engage in extensive cleaning activities. Airbnb has been approached for comment on the rationale behind the policy adjustment.
Apart from cleaning guidelines, the new policy stipulates that hosts cannot restrict guests from utilizing advertised amenities or impose fines or penalties, as they are already safeguarded by AirCover in the event of property damage. Furthermore, all house rules and requests must be clearly outlined in the listing at the time of booking, with no post-booking additions allowed. These rules encompass information on check-in/out times, smoking policies, pet regulations, noise restrictions, guest limits, and photography or video guidelines.
While hosts can introduce “reasonable” requests that may be modified as necessary, Airbnb will evaluate the appropriateness of these requests based on several factors, including property type and local considerations. The platform acknowledges the uniqueness of each property, allowing for tailored requests such as conserving water during drought periods or utilizing animal-proof trash containers in wildlife areas.
Mody expressed anticipation regarding host reactions and the enforcement of the new regulations by Airbnb. He noted that the open-ended definition of “reasonable” provides hosts with some flexibility, aiming to ensure a positive hosting experience and maintain host autonomy. This approach seeks to strike a balance between host satisfaction and guest-centric service delivery.
It will be intriguing to observe how hosts adapt to these changes and how Airbnb upholds compliance with the updated rules, considering the platform’s dual commitment to host satisfaction and guest experience.