Stripping beds and washing dishes could soon be off your holiday to-do list, with Airbnb introducing new limits on the chores hosts can ask guests to complete.

Nothing puts a dampener on a holiday mood more than a long list of chores hanging over your head. Over-the-top check-out instructions have long been a frustration of Airbnb guests, and for good reason. Of course you should leave the place in good condition, but when you’re expected to strip all the beds, wash the dishes and take the rubbish away with you, it starts to feel less like accommodation you’ve paid for and more like housework. Particularly when you’ve already pre-paid an often hefty cleaning fee. 

Now, the accommodation platform is introducing a global policy called Reasonable House Rules and Requests that puts limits on what hosts can ask travellers to do.

The changes aim to make expectations clearer before guests book and curb requests that leave holidaymakers doing work usually handled by a cleaner. But don’t assume this removes every responsibility from your check-out routine.

Which check-out chores are being ruled out?

Under Airbnb’s new policy, hosts generally won’t be permitted to ask guests to undertake tasks that take substantial time or effort, or would ordinarily fall under a cleaner’s remit. 

The platform specifically identifies stripping beds, taking rubbish offsite, and washing and putting away dishes as examples of requests that fall outside its guidelines. These are among the most commonly complained about checkout rules, so this will come as a relief to Airbnb bookers. 

That distinction matters when it comes to rubbish: the policy refers to transporting it away from the property, rather than a blanket ban on hosts requesting guests put rubbish in bins provided. 

The changes also address how instructions are communicated so there are no nasty surprises. All house rules and requests have to be listed in the designated section of the listing when a guest books. Hosts won’t be able to introduce additional requirements afterwards, and guests will be able to assess the expectations alongside the accommodation itself before committing to a booking.

However, Airbnb allows for exceptions depending on the property, the type of stay and relevant local circumstances.

What can Airbnb hosts still ask guests to do?

Hosts can continue to make reasonable requests, such as asking guests to place used dishes in the sink. Travellers will also still be expected to treat the accommodation respectfully and leave it in a reasonable condition.

Local conditions can also influence what Airbnb considers acceptable. A property in an area affected by drought-related water restrictions might reasonably ask guests to keep showers short. Somewhere with wildlife concerns might require rubbish to be secured in an animal-proof container.

Hosts can also set standard house rules covering matters such as pets, smoking, quiet hours, events and overnight guest numbers, along with locking up at check-out.

The aim is to reduce onerous demands while keeping everyday expectations clear. Putting your breakfast plate in the sink could remain part of the routine; washing, drying and returning everything to the cupboards generally shouldn’t.

When do the new Airbnb rules apply?

The policy applies to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026, including those in Australia.

The key date is when you make the booking, rather than when you arrive. A summer holiday reserved before that date won’t automatically fall under the new policy simply because the stay takes place afterwards.

Before booking, check the listing’s house rules and requests carefully, particularly if you’re travelling with pets or a larger group.

If a host’s instructions appear to breach the policy, guests can contact Airbnb. The platform says it may ask hosts to amend their listings, issue warnings or take further action if problems continue.