Airbnb to limit checkout chores hosts can require

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Airbnb is limiting the checkout chores hosts can require of guests.

Starting Nov. 20, hosts can no longer require guests to wash and put away dishes, strip bedsheets, start laundry or take out the trash. Guests must still follow house rules.

Airbnb said the change responds to guest complaints about paying cleaning fees while also being asked to clean. Hosts can choose from seven standard rules and add other reasonable requests, which the app will flag if deemed unreasonable.

Chandra Peay, who has hosted in Savannah for five years, said removing the chores makes quick turnarounds harder.

“Taking out the garbage, I don’t think that’s a difficult task to ask, and also just maybe loading the dishwasher,” Peay said.

Peay said hosting is an additional stream of income on top of her job, and she has already dropped requirements like stripping beds and a pet fee after guest feedback to keep bookings coming.

“We want to welcome you in our home,” she said. “We just want you to treat our house like you would treat your own.”