Airbnb bans making guests do dishes and take out the trash
Airbnb’s move to ban hosts from requiring guests to do chores like washing dishes or taking out trash has reignited criticism of the platform’s fees, cleanliness standards, and overall value compared with hotels. Many commenters argue that high cleaning fees, inconsistent rules, unreliable reviews, and weak protection against scams or last‑minute cancellations have pushed them back to traditional hotels or local rental agencies, especially as price advantages erode. Others note that experiences vary widely by region and property type, but see Airbnb’s policy shift as a reaction to reputational damage and a push toward more hotel‑like consistency.
Overall reaction to Airbnb banning guest chores
- Many welcome the change, saying it was absurd to pay high “cleaning fees” and still be required to wash dishes, take out trash, do laundry, etc.
- Common sentiment: either charge a fee and provide cleaning, or make guests clean and don’t charge a fee — not both.
- Some see chores + fees as a “self-checkout” / double‑dipping tactic that pushed them back to hotels.
Norms around cleanliness and “basic courtesy”
- Several posters say they naturally tidy, wash dishes they used, and leave places “civilized,” regardless of rules.
- Others draw a firm line: they’ll bag trash or load a dishwasher, but won’t haul trash to distant dumpsters or launder linens.
- Longstanding traditions noted: US shore houses and Nordic summer cottages often expect self‑cleaning, sometimes with an optional paid-cleaning add‑on; works better in high‑trust cultures.
Cleaning fees, pricing, and dark patterns
- Hosts and guests agree cleaning is a real, fixed turnover cost (labor, detergents, linen wear).
- Cleaning fees per stay help keep nightly rates lower and make short stays economically viable.
- Strong criticism of how Airbnb historically displayed fees: low nightly price in search, then large cleaning and service fees at checkout.
- Some say Airbnb recently started rolling all mandatory fees into upfront prices in some locales, but perception lag remains.
Hosts’ perspectives and constraints
- Some hosts never demanded chores and have high ratings; they see extreme rules as a minority but reputationally damaging.
- Others ask for minimal tasks (start dishwasher, bring trash to curb), especially where days can pass before cleaners arrive.
- Hosts complain of abusive or filthy guests, limited ability to screen, and a review system that can punish honest negative feedback.
Trust, fraud, and customer experience
- Multiple reports of:
- Last‑minute host cancellations, especially around holidays, leaving guests stranded or forced into much higher prices.
- Hosts allegedly fabricating damage claims (sometimes with AI‑edited photos).
- Airbnb canceling problem stays but then blocking guests from leaving reviews, or removing critical reviews.
- Many find hotels more reliable: consistent standards, quick remediation (e.g., dirty sheets), and relocation when problems arise.
Broader impact and alternatives
- Some argue Airbnb worsens housing affordability by converting long‑term rentals into mini‑hotels; calls for higher taxes or tighter restrictions.
- Others still like Airbnb for larger group trips, unique locations, or long stays, often preferring professionally managed properties or booking directly with local agencies to avoid platform issues.