Airbnb has recently announced new rules under which hosts can no longer ask guests to perform heavy and time-consuming tasks upon checkout. These changes are aimed at improving the guest experience and reducing existing tensions in this area.
Cancellation of Unreasonable Requests
According to the new rules, hosts will only be allowed to make "reasonable" requests of guests. This means they cannot ask guests to do things like gather linens, take out the trash, or wash dishes. Airbnb has emphasized that these tasks should be the responsibility of cleaning services.
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These changes come in response to guest complaints, especially in cases where cleaning fees are also charged. Airbnb had previously acknowledged that these fees could cause confusion between guests and hosts.
Impact on Guest Experience
Airbnb has informed hosts that guests expect the checkout process to be relatively simple and most prefer to avoid unexpected tasks. The platform has also pointed out that asking guests to perform tasks that should be done by a cleaner can negatively impact their stay and the feedback received from hosts.
The new rules have been implemented amid growing protests regarding housing shortages in many European cities. Protesters believe that short-term rentals like Airbnb have driven them out of their cities. In September, the European Commission proposed further restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental companies in tourist centers.
However, guests can still ask hosts to leave dirty dishes in the sink, collect used towels, and separate trash and recyclables. Additionally, hosts can ask guests to place trash in animal-proof bins in areas where bears are active or to "limit shower time due to local drought restrictions."
However, hosts will no longer be allowed to ask guests not to use amenities listed in the property description, such as air conditioning, nor will they be able to penalize guests. Instead, hosts must cover any damages through insurance provided by the platform.
This new policy will take effect for bookings starting November 20.
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