Airbnb has introduced a new policy regarding reasonable host rules, explicitly prohibiting hosts from requesting that guests perform tasks requiring significant effort or time, or those typically handled by cleaning staff. Announced on October 20, the measure bans requests for guests to clean stains, empty trash bins, or wash dishes. These restrictions target efforts by some hosts to reduce cleaning costs by delegating these activities to customers.
The reaction from the host community was immediate and negative. Thousands of hosts signed a petition on Change.org calling for the withdrawal of the restriction, with the number of signatures surpassing 10,000. Dissatisfaction is so high that coordinated action plans have emerged, including blocking all bookings on November 20, the day the new policy takes effect, as well as threats of permanent departure from the platform. Some hosts have begun raising cleaning fees or restricting guests' access to the kitchen.
Although Airbnb's official stance maintains that the measures protect the guest experience and prevent hidden fees, hosts argue that their business profitability is at risk. They highlight that the platform no longer allows promotional pricing unless substantial discounts (up to 28%) are granted, which, combined with the 15.5% commission and other fees, leaves hosts with extremely low net profit that often fails to cover material and maintenance expenses.
Guest perspectives sharply contrast with those of hosts. Most customers welcome the new rule, considering it unfair to be asked to perform cleaning work at high rental prices. Many comments in online communities suggest that hosts created this problem by setting very high service rates, which they now attempt to offset by requesting additional labor from guests.
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