Airbnb is setting new limits on what hosts can require guests to do during their stays, including rules about cleaning, extra fees and when house rules must be disclosed.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The updated community policy applies to reservations booked on or after Nov. 20, 2026. It requires hosts to disclose all house rules and requests in the designated section of their listing before guests book.
Hosts cannot add new rules after a reservation is made through messages, signs inside the home or in-person instructions, according to the policy.
The policy also says house rules must be reasonable and consistent with the information provided elsewhere in a listing.
Under the new requirements, hosts generally cannot ask guests to complete chores that require significant time or effort or would typically be handled by a cleaner. Examples include stripping beds, taking trash offsite, or washing and putting away dishes.
Hosts also cannot restrict access to amenities advertised as part of a listing. Any fees associated with advertised features must be included in the price shown to guests when booking. Hosts can still provide information about fees for optional add-ons, such as breakfast service.
The policy prohibits hosts from imposing fines or other penalties on guests. Airbnb says its AirCover program provides protection for hosts in cases where a guest damages a property or belongings.
TRENDING STORIES:
- ‘Wondering if they were dead:’ Player recalls bus crash that sent teammates, coaches to hospital
- Water off in metro Atlanta neighborhood days after water main repair in same area
- WATCH: 200-foot office tower imploded in seconds in metro Atlanta
There are some exceptions to the general guidelines. Airbnb says it considers the type of property, the nature of the stay and local circumstances when deciding whether a request is reasonable. For example, hosts may be able to ask guests to limit shower time during a drought or dispose of trash in animal-proof containers in areas with bears.
Guests are expected to follow house rules that comply with Airbnb’s policies. The company says repeated or serious violations can result in consequences for guests.
If a host’s rules do not meet the policy requirements, Airbnb may ask the host to update the listing, issue warnings or take further action. Continued violations could result in a notice on the listing, reduced visibility in search results or other action under the company’s terms of service.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
