Airbnb bans hosts from demanding time-consuming checkout chores

Airbnb has updated its global rules to stop hosts asking guests to do checkout chores that take significant time or effort, or would normally be done by a cleaner. The changes, which include bookings in Australia, take effect on 20 November and follow complaints from guests asked to complete chores despite paying cleaning fees.

Hosts will generally be unable to require guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, or take rubbish offsite. They can ask guests to leave used dishes in the sink and make other reasonable requests based on local conditions, such as using animal-proof rubbish containers. Seven standard house rules, including check-in times and smoking restrictions, must be shown in full at booking; since April 2025, cleaning costs have been included in the total price rather than shown as a separate fee.