Airbnb to restrict hosts from imposing time-consuming chores on guests

Airbnb to restrict hosts from imposing time-consuming chores on guests

Under the new rules, hosts cannot generally require guests to perform tasks that take significant effort or would normally be handled by a cleaner.

Airbnb will stop hosts from requiring guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes or take rubbish off-site under new rules limiting time-consuming chores imposed on people staying in short-term rentals.

The policy will apply to reservations booked on or after November 20 and will prevent hosts from introducing new house rules after a booking has been made or imposing fines and other penalties on guests. Under the new rules, hosts cannot generally require guests to perform tasks that take significant effort or would normally be handled by a cleaner.

“Ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner, including stripping the bed, taking trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes,” Airbnb said in its policy.

Hosts must also disclose their house rules before guests make a booking, with Airbnb saying they cannot introduce new requirements after a reservation has been made.

“(Rules) be disclosed in the designated section of the listing page at the time of booking, so that guests can evaluate whether the home is a good fit before they book,” Airbnb said.

Guests will still be required to follow house rules that comply with Airbnb's policies, but they will not be obliged to fulfil additional requests from hosts. Hosts can contact the platform for assistance when disputes arise over house rules or requests.

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The policy also allows exceptions where local conditions justify certain requests. In areas facing drought, for example, hosts may ask guests to limit shower time, while properties in areas where wild animals pose a risk may require rubbish to be placed in animal-proof containers.

Hosts who impose rules that violate the policy risk warnings and may be required to amend their listings. Airbnb can also flag listings to alert prospective guests to violations or reduce their visibility in search results if the problems persist.