Airbnb updates host rules regarding guest chores
Any chores that a cleaner might do are no longer deemed reasonable requests for visitors.
Reasonable Requests
Airbnb is codifying some of the clean-up guests can be asked to do before leaving a property. According to a new update from the rental platform, hosts can make requests of visitors, but those requests must be reasonable under the revised policy. The examples provided said that asking guests to remove bedsheets or do loads of laundry would be unreasonable, but gathering used towels was acceptable. The line drawn in the new policy page is that hosts should not ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner.
Rule Communication
This update is part of a broader change for Airbnb host rules. The new approach will allow hosts to pick from a set of seven standard rules for their property, then add any further notes as requests. The rules and requests may only be communicated to guests in the dedicated portion of a rental listing and hosts are not allowed to share them after booking by message, signs in the home, or in person. The company did allow that exceptions could be granted based on unique situations, such as requiring trash to be placed in an animal-proof container in a place with known bear populations. The revised policy will take effect on November 20.
