Airbnb Hosts Revolt Over New Chore Rules, Threaten to Leave Platform

Airbnb hosts worldwide are voicing strong opposition to the short-term rental platform's new rules, which prohibit hosts from requiring guests to complete extensive housekeeping duties such as washing dishes, stripping beds, or removing garbage. These changes, set to take effect on November 20, have led many hosts to threaten leaving the platform.

In a communication to hosts, Airbnb stated, "When adding a request, remember that most guests want to avoid unexpected chores. Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews." The company is also limiting hosts to seven categories of standard house rules, with any additional instructions needing to be deemed reasonable requests.

However, hosts have reacted with dismay on Airbnb's community forums. One host expressed concern that the new rules would lead to properties being left in a state of disarray, stating, "They will rob us of toilet paper, destroy our towels and linens, leave holes and dents in walls. And now you are ALLOWING guests to come in and be slobs."

Some hosts feel the platform is pushing them away. "I get the feeling that Airbnb is asking me to leave the platform and look for alternative solutions, because everything is getting worse," wrote a host from Rio de Janeiro. Concerns were also raised about hygiene and potential increases in cleaning costs.

Despite the host backlash, Airbnb's message suggests a shift towards a more guest-centric approach. The company noted that asking guests to perform tasks typically handled by cleaning staff could negatively impact their experience and subsequent reviews. While hosts are expressing significant discontent, the platform is also emphasizing that certain minimal guest responsibilities, such as placing dirty dishes in the sink, gathering used towels, separating recycling, and switching off air conditioning, may still be requested.

This policy change comes amidst a broader shift in sentiment surrounding Airbnb. What was once known as a budget-friendly travel option has evolved into a major platform where soaring costs and numerous fees have become common. Despite these changes, Airbnb has reported strong growth in recent quarters. Nevertheless, many travelers have expressed fatigue with paying high prices only to be expected to perform cleaning duties themselves, with some noting that they would prefer hosts either forgo cleaning fees or not impose extensive guest chores.