Starting late next month, individuals utilizing Airbnb accommodations will be required to complete fewer tasks before checking out.
The short-term rental platform has revised its policies to limit the cleaning responsibilities that hosts can impose on their guests at the end of their stay.
Here’s what you need to understand about the updated regulations, which will be effective for reservations made on or after November 20.
What are the new cleaning policy details?
The revised guidelines essentially advise hosts to “be reasonable” regarding various cleaning tasks.
Regarding cleanup, hosts can no longer request that guests complete any chores that require “significant effort or time, or that would usually be carried out by a cleaner.”
Such tasks include stripping the beds, transporting trash to an offsite location, or washing and storing used dishes.
With this adjustment, Airbnb’s cleaning fee should only cover a basic tidying up between guests — and hosts are prohibited from charging guests if they do not complete a cleaning task on the checkout checklist.
What prompted this change?
Cleaning responsibilities on Airbnb have been a contentious issue for some time.
Hosts have shared experiences regarding the messes left by guests, while others have posted TikTok videos showcasing the condition of properties after guests check out. Meanwhile, guests have voiced frustrations for years regarding cleaning fees when they find themselves faced with a list of chores to complete.
Makarand Mody, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, stated, “Guests often express their biggest concern regarding cleaning responsibilities.”
He added, “There was a mismatch between hosts charging cleaning fees and guests still being required to follow house rules that include cleaning, which is not how we experience hotels as travelers.”
CBC News has reached out to Airbnb to inquire about the reasoning behind this timing.
What additional information is in the policy?
In addition to the cleaning details, the guidelines stipulate that hosts cannot limit access to amenities listed in their properties. They are also prohibited from imposing fines or penalties on guests, as AirCover provides protection for hosts “in the unlikely event that their property or belongings are harmed by a guest.”
House rules and requests must be clearly stated in the listing for guests during the booking process, with no additional rules or requests permitted after the booking is completed. These stipulations encompass check-in and check-out hours, smoking policies, pet policies, quiet hours, the maximum number of permitted guests, and guidelines for commercial photography or video.
However, hosts may still introduce “reasonable” requests that can be modified at any time. The policy states that Airbnb will evaluate whether a request aligns with this definition based on various factors, including the nature of the listing and local circumstances.
The guidelines further state, “We recognize that every home is distinct.” For instance, it may be deemed reasonable to request that guests limit their shower time in response to local drought conditions or to dispose of trash in a bear-proof container in areas prone to wildlife encounters.
Mody expressed curiosity about how hosts will adapt to these changes and how Airbnb will enforce the new regulations. He suggests that the company intentionally left the term “reasonable” somewhat vague to allow hosts flexibility.
“Hosts are also customers of Airbnb. The platform aims to ensure that hosts have a positive experience, continue listing their properties on Airbnb, and feel a sense of control over their spaces,” said the professor. “Airbnb does not want to appear entirely guest-centric in this regard.”