Airbnb limits the checkout chores hosts can ask of guests under a policy starting Nov. 20

As of 8:24 a.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

Airbnb is introducing a house rules policy, taking effect Nov. 20, 2026, under which all requests hosts make of guests must be "reasonable," the company said in a post for hosts.

Under the new policy, Airbnb said, guests shouldn't be asked to wash and put away dishes, but hosts can ask them to put used dishes in the sink. Guests shouldn't be asked to remove sheets from the bed or start a load of laundry, but hosts can ask them to gather used towels, the company said.

Airbnb said hosts shouldn't ask guests to take garbage off-site, but can ask them to separate trash and recycling into designated indoor bins. Guests also shouldn't be asked to avoid using a listed amenity such as air conditioning, though hosts can ask them to turn it off when they leave.

"Asking them to do things a cleaner should handle can negatively affect their stay and your reviews," the company told hosts.

Airbnb said it may grant exceptions based on local factors, giving as examples asking guests to use an animal-proof trash container in bear country or to limit shower time under drought-related water restrictions.

Requests that don't follow the policy will be highlighted in the listing editor, and hosts will get an email and a chance to appeal, Airbnb said. Guests may see an alert on a listing, such as "includes cleaning requests," if an issue goes unresolved, the company said.