Airbnb was originally viewed as a more affordable alternative to hotels, particularly for longer stays. However, some Airbnb hosts have frequently imposed additional requirements—such as asking guests to take out the trash, wash dishes, or strip the beds—to avoid extra "cleaning" fees. These requirements have often become a source of conflict, as guests have reported being charged additional fees even when they fully complied with the instructions.
This week, Airbnb updated its guidelines for both hosts and guests. Among the changes, guests can no longer be compelled to take out the trash, wash dishes, or strip bed linens after their stay. Furthermore, hosts are no longer permitted to impose penalty fees on guests; instead, any damages may be covered under the "AirCover" protection program.
The initial reaction from hosts has been negative, as they perceive these changes as an added burden. Hosts are now expected to absorb cleaning costs, and the process of obtaining compensation through AirCover is not immediate. Airbnb has not indicated any intention to revise this new policy, which is set to take effect on November 20, 2026.
