Good news for any parent who’s spent the last hour of a family getaway stripping beds while the kids “help”. Airbnb is finally scrapping the long checkout chore list.
Not every host was guilty, of course, and Vrbo has its share of rentals with over-the-top “tidy up” expectations too. On one recent Airbnb stay, we found a lengthy cleaning checklist waiting for us when we arrived. No one mentioned it before we booked, and we still paid a $200 cleaning fee. Thankfully, under the new rules, hosts have to list every house rule before you book.
What’s changing?
Hosts can no longer require guests to do tasks a cleaner would normally do. The rule applies to bookings made on or after November 20, 2026.
No longer required:
Washing and putting away dishes
Stripping beds or starting laundry
Taking garbage off-site
What can Airbnb hosts still ask?
Put used dishes in the sink
Gather used towels
Sort trash and recycling into the indoor bins
Turn things off and lock up
Heading to the Rockies? Airbnb allows local exceptions, like using a bear-proof bin, so keep doing your part.
What about cleaning fees?
The cleaning fee covers the tidy-up between guests, and hosts can’t fine you for skipping chores. Every house rule must also be on the listing before you book. Some hosts say cleaning fees may go up, so compare the total price, not just the nightly rate.
FAQ
Does this apply in Canada? Yes, the policy is posted on Airbnb.ca.
Should we still leave it tidy? Absolutely! Good reviews go both ways.
