Airbnb guests no longer have to wash dishes or strip beds. Furious hosts are threatening to boycott and raise cleaning fees
Fortune
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Airbnb has implemented a new policy that prohibits hosts from requiring guests to perform tasks like washing dishes or stripping beds. This change, aimed at improving the guest experience, has sparked significant backlash from hosts who feel their responsibilities are being unfairly shifted.
- The new Airbnb policy states that hosts cannot ask guests to do work "typically performed by a cleaner." This effectively means that tasks such as washing dishes, doing laundry, or stripping beds are no longer mandatory for guests upon checkout.
- Guests have largely welcomed this policy change, viewing it as a positive step towards a more convenient and enjoyable stay.
- However, Airbnb hosts have expressed strong opposition. More than 10,000 hosts have signed a petition protesting the new rules.
- Some hosts are considering boycotting the platform or implementing booking blackouts to express their discontent.
- A significant concern among hosts is the potential increase in cleaning fees, as they may need to hire professional cleaners more frequently to manage the extra workload.
- The policy change aims to standardize expectations for guest responsibilities, but it has created a divide between the company, guests, and a substantial portion of its host community.
