Airbnb Bans Guests From Washing Dishes

Starting 20 November, Airbnb will actually forbid hosts from telling guests to wash dishes or take out the trash. The rule lets hosts set only seven standard house rules and any extra request must be deemed "reasonable". Lisa Clewes in Wales now worries a four-hour cleaning crew could cost more. She says guests can leave a "complete mess" without penalty. She already charges a cleaning fee that covers about 75 percent of a cleaner's bill. Now she fears extra mess will be passed to guests. Guest Jessica Newhook paid a $250 cleaning fee in Florida. She was still told to wash, fold towels and mop floors. She says the endless checklist makes an Airbnb feel more like a hotel, where the price is clearer. Across the platform, 63.2 percent of listings charge a cleaning fee, averaging £55, according to AirROI data. Anthony Marsh, who co-owns a Yorkshire cabin retreat, cut his Airbnb portfolio from five to two after the rule change. He warns the new policy gives guests "permission to tip the property" and leaves hosts powerless to enforce basic decency.