KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) –
Airbnb is making significant changes to the rules governing vacation rentals, requiring hosts to fully disclose house rules before booking and limiting the types of checkout tasks they can require of guests.
The new policy, set to take effect on November 20, is designed to increase transparency and eliminate what many travelers consider excessive cleaning responsibilities at rental properties.
Under the updated rules, hosts generally will not be allowed to require guests to strip beds, start laundry, wash linens, or complete other chores that Airbnb says should be handled by cleaning staff. The company is also requiring all house rules to be clearly displayed before a reservation is made, preventing hosts from adding new requirements after booking.
Travelers Welcome the Change
Many travelers say the policy is long overdue.
Marlies Weber, who was visiting Knoxville from Indiana for a wedding, said cleanup requirements can become burdensome, especially for families.
She said some rentals have required guests to start laundry, run dishwashers, and take out trash while trying to pack and prepare for departure.
Weber said one rental even instructed guests to transport trash to a landfill during their stay.
Florida resident Ross Carnevale shared a similar experience, saying a rental property required extensive cleaning despite a substantial rental fee.
According to Carnevale, his group was instructed to mop bathrooms, kitchens and common areas after paying nearly $4,000 for a weekend stay.
Pigeon Forge Hosts Voice Concerns
Not all hosts are pleased with Airbnb’s new approach.
Erik Stenbakken, an Airbnb host in Pigeon Forge, said a single set of rules does not work for every property, particularly larger cabins that accommodate large groups.
One of Stenbakken’s vacation rentals can sleep up to 24 guests. He noted that a fully occupied cabin can generate hundreds of dishes and utensils that must be cleaned before the next group arrives.
He believes limiting hosts’ ability to require basic cleanup may increase labor costs and ultimately lead to higher cleaning fees for guests.
Stenbakken also expressed concerns about Airbnb’s restrictions on outside rental contracts and liability waivers. He said the policy could make it more difficult for property owners to communicate directly with guests or address issues involving vehicles, emergencies, or amenities such as swimming pools.
Potential Consequences for Hosts
Airbnb says hosts who fail to comply with the new standards could face enforcement actions, including warnings and reduced visibility in Airbnb search results.
While the company says the changes are intended to create a more consistent guest experience, some hosts argue that vacation rentals vary widely in size and operation and should not be subject to identical requirements.
The new rules take effect November 20 and will apply to Airbnb listings nationwide.
