New Cleaning Policy Sparks Outrage Among Hosts
Airbnb hosts are expressing their discontent following the introduction of a new policy that prohibits them from asking guests to perform tasks typically associated with cleaning services. This includes requests to strip beds, take out the rubbish, or wash and store dishes. The change, effective from 20th November for all new bookings, triggered immediate backlash after being communicated via email to hosts. Many took to social media to voice their frustrations over losing the ability to require guests to clean up after themselves.
Concerns from Hosts About Investment Protection
One host articulated their concerns in an official Airbnb forum, stating, “As hosts, we have a responsibility to protect our investments, our homes, and in many cases, our personal spaces.” They further lamented that Airbnb seems to increasingly expect hosts to bear the risks while curtailing their capacity to safeguard their properties. Another host likened the platform to an abusive partner, claiming to have realised the truth of that statement after sufficient experience. “Unless I see substantial changes, I’m out for good,” they declared. A third host noted that their kitchen amenities would now be limited to the bare essentials.
Guests Welcome the Changes
In contrast, many guests have welcomed the new policy. For years, travellers have voiced their dissatisfaction over exorbitant cleaning fees included in their Airbnb bookings, only to find themselves obligated to complete a list of chores prior to check-out. “The guest experience has become absolutely dreadful,” remarked one user in a forum for Airbnb hosts. They highlighted the frustrations of washing dishes, stripping beds, and taking out the rubbish as unnecessary burdens. “Honestly, enough already,” they concluded.
Clarification from Airbnb on Policy Enforcement
In their statement, Airbnb clarified that hosts cannot bypass the new policy by including cleaning tasks within the “Requests” section of their listings. Simon Letouze, a spokesperson for Airbnb, explained that hosts are still permitted to make “reasonable” requests, such as asking guests to leave dirty dishes in the sink. Other examples provided by Airbnb included requesting shorter showers in drought-affected areas or instructing guests to dispose of waste in bear-proof bins.
Technical Glitches in Policy Implementation
Within a Facebook group for Airbnb hosts, one individual shared what they claimed was a screenshot of their failed attempt to edit their listing’s “Requests” section. They aimed to ask guests to wash and air-dry dishes, leave soiled towels in the laundry, and take rubbish to a designated bin at a nearby camping site. However, they discovered they were unable to click “Save,” as Airbnb’s interface highlighted their requests in red, accompanied by a pop-up message stating, “You cannot ask guests to perform this task.”
Host Reactions and Potential Backlash
Some hosts have not given up on finding ways to circumvent the new regulations. In a Reddit discussion, one host suggested they would simply move their stipulations to different sections of their listing, such as “Guest Access.” Another proposed providing guests with a “house manual,” requiring them to read it and present a “password” as proof. While several acknowledged that enforcing such measures would be impractical and in direct violation of Airbnb’s policies, they remained determined to assert their rules.
Addressing Host Concerns Over Cleanliness
Numerous hosts raised issues regarding unauthorised smoking and other serious matters, such as dirty dishes becoming health hazards, permanent stains on linens, and the accumulation of rotting rubbish. Nevertheless, it appears that these policy adjustments will not alter how such situations are managed. Airbnb has its own baseline rules that all guests must agree to, encapsulated in the principle of treating the host’s home as they would their own, which includes basic tasks like disposing of waste properly.
Guests Speak Out on Cleaning Fees
In the Airbnb hosts subreddit, some guests who stumbled upon the discussion quickly brought up the contentious cleaning fees, a frequent source of frustration. One user, identifying as “primarily a guest,” expressed their willingness to wash dishes or strip beds, stating, “Just don’t charge me a cleaning fee over $100.” Another guest responded emphatically, “Why should I prepare everything for people who are paid to clean?”