# Airbnb bans guests from doing chores at checkout

> Airbnb prohibits hosts from requiring guests to strip beds, wash dishes, do laundry or remove trash before leaving, drawing complaints from hosts who say basic cleaning is essential.
- Title: Airbnb bans guests from doing chores at checkout · TechCrunch
- Summary: Airbnb prohibits hosts from requiring guests to strip beds, wash dishes, do laundry or remove trash before leaving, drawing complaints from hosts who say…
- Keywords: airbnb, hosts, guests, checkout policy, cleaning fees, platform policy, technology, startups, bans, doing, chores, checkout
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/21/airbnb-limits-chores-for-guests-sparking-backlash-from-hosts
- Author: Lauren Forristal
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:16:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: airbnb, hosts, guests, checkout policy, cleaning fees, platform policy, technology, startups
## Airbnb bans mandatory guest chores
Airbnb prohibits hosts from requiring guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, start laundry, or remove trash before checkout. The policy applies to reservations made on or after November twenty.
## Years of guest frustration
Guests have complained for years about overly burdensome checkout instructions and hefty fines for not disposing of trash, especially after already paying cleaning fees. Many voiced frustrations on social media.
## Hosts push back hard
Some hosts argue in Airbnb's community forums that basic cleaning responsibilities are essential for maintaining sanitary conditions and protecting their properties. They say hosts must manage costs and practical demands.
## The hotel model complaint
One host warned the policy leans toward a hotel-like model that detracts from Airbnb's unique appeal. The host said guests enjoy personal connection and unique environments that hotels cannot provide.

> Guests are given complete freedom to be lazy while the hosts bear the risk.
## Host threatens to leave after twelve years
The host said if restrictions are removed, it could lead them to withdraw their listing and leave Airbnb after twelve years. They questioned why guests should not wash dishes or remove dirty linens.

> If these restrictions are removed, it could lead me to withdraw my listing and bid farewell to Airbnb after twelve years.
## Limited exceptions remain
Airbnb outlined exceptions to the new policy. Hosts may still ask guests to conserve water during droughts or use bear-proof trash containers in areas where wildlife poses a risk.
## Part of broader price transparency push
The policy change highlights Airbnb's challenge balancing guest and host expectations. In two thousand twenty-four, the company faced scrutiny over cleaning fees. In May twenty twenty-five, Airbnb began displaying total prices by default worldwide.
## Key takeaway

Airbnb banned hosts from requiring guests to do chores like stripping beds and washing dishes before checkout, addressing guest complaints about paying cleaning fees while still cleaning.