Airbnb house rules changes 2026: what hosts can no longer ask

What guests can no longer be asked to do

Airbnb’s policy says hosts are generally not allowed to “ask guests to complete tasks that require significant effort or time, or would typically be performed by a cleaner, including stripping the bed, taking trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes.” The announcement gives these examples:

1. 01 Dishes

   Not allowed: Guests shouldn’t be asked to wash and put away dishes.

   Still fine: You can ask them to put used dishes in the sink.

2. 02 Laundry

   Not allowed: Guests shouldn’t be asked to remove sheets from the bed or start a load of laundry.

   Still fine: You can ask them to gather used towels.

3. 03 Trash

   Not allowed: Guests shouldn’t be asked to take garbage off-site.

   Still fine: You can ask them to separate their trash and recycling into designated indoor bins.

4. 04 Utilities

   Not allowed: Guests shouldn’t be asked to avoid using a listed amenity like air conditioning.

   Still fine: You can ask them to turn it off when they leave.

The policy also says hosts may not impose fines or other penalties on guests, or ask them to sign separate contracts except in limited cases. Airbnb may grant exceptions based on local factors, for example asking guests to limit shower time during drought-related water restrictions. Requests that break the policy are highlighted in the Listing editor, and guests may see an alert such as “includes cleaning requests” if an issue goes unresolved.

Rules only in your listing, not on new signs

According to the policy, all house rules and requests must “be disclosed in the designated section of the listing page at the time of booking”. Hosts “may not communicate new house rules or requests in other sections of their listing page or after booking, including by message, signs in the home, or in person.”

In practice: put every rule and request in the House rules and requests section of your listing first. Your welcome book, signs and messages can repeat that wording as a reminder, but should not add anything new. A short line such as “These rules match the house rules in our listing” makes that clear to guests.

A compliant check-out message

Only ask for things Airbnb lists as allowed, and only things that are already in your listing:

Hi [guest name], we hope you are enjoying your stay! A quick reminder that check-out is tomorrow by [11:00]. Before you leave, please put used dishes in the sink, gather used towels in the [bathtub], and leave the keys [in the lockbox]. Our cleaner takes care of the rest. Safe travels, and thank you for staying with us! [Your name]

For a full check-out list and when to send the reminder, see our Airbnb check-out instructions guide.

A compliant house rules sign

Copy this, replace everything in [brackets] with the exact rules from your listing and delete what does not apply.

HOUSE RULES
These rules match the house rules in our listing.

1. Maximum [4] overnight guests
2. Quiet hours from [22:00] to [08:00]
3. No parties or events
4. No smoking or vaping inside
5. [No pets / Pets allowed: up to 1]

BEFORE YOU GO
Check-out by [11:00]
- Put used dishes in the sink
- Gather used towels in the [bathtub]
- Separate trash and recycling into the indoor bins
- Turn off the air conditioning and lights
- Lock up and leave the keys [in the lockbox]

Prefer a printable page? The free house rules generator makes an A4 PDF in a minute.

Frequently asked questions