Holiday-rental platform plans limits on checkout chores

A major holiday-rental platform plans to limit the chores hosts can require before guests check out, according to a report on an upcoming policy change. The reported start date is November 20. It is a platform-specific policy, not a new law applying to every short-stay property.

Under the reported approach, checkout requests should be simple and reasonable rather than burdensome. Examples include gathering used towels or placing dishes in a sink instead of requiring guests to wash laundry or complete extensive cleaning. Hosts would need to review and disclose their house rules.

The change follows complaints from travellers who felt they were paying cleaning fees while still being asked to prepare accommodation for the next guest. Hosts have raised concerns that restrictions could increase their workload and costs. Possible price increases remain a response some may choose, not an automatic charge on every booking.

Guests would still be expected to leave accommodation in reasonable condition. The report does not mean all cleaning obligations disappear or that existing booking terms can be ignored. Details depend on the platform's final policy and the rules disclosed for a particular stay.