Airbnb Prohibits Guests from Doing Dishes or Taking Out Trash

Checking out of your next Airbnb just got a lot easier, thanks to a new policy that prohibits hosts from imposing time-consuming chores on guests. Starting with reservations made on or after November 20th, Airbnb’s updated house rules state that hosts cannot require guests to perform tasks that demand significant effort or are typically handled by cleaning staff. Here’s what that means:

* **Dishes**: Guests are not expected to wash and put away dishes, but they can be asked to place used dishes in the sink.
* **Laundry**: Guests shouldn’t have to strip beds or start laundry, but they can be asked to gather used towels.
* **Trash**: Guests are not required to take garbage off-site, but they can be asked to sort their trash and recycling into designated indoor bins.
* **Utilities**: Guests shouldn’t be told to avoid using amenities like air conditioning, but they can be asked to turn it off when they leave.

Airbnb is now highlighting hosts’ requests in a new “rules and requests” section on listings. If a host includes chore requests after the policy takes effect, you might see a warning indicating “includes cleaning requests.” Additionally, hosts cannot add extra rules through messages or signs around their property.

Some hosts have voiced concerns about these restrictions on forums, claiming they could lead to health risks and suggesting that guests can simply avoid listings with overly strict rules. However, Airbnb notes that there may be exceptions, such as asking guests to dispose of trash in bear-proof containers in certain areas.