Airbnb Changes Cleaning Rules. No More To-Do Lists?

Airbnb is changing its cleaning policy and limiting the tasks hosts can assign to guests before departure. Washing and putting away dishes, removing bedding, and taking trash off the property should generally not be included in the list of requirements. The new policy will apply to reservations made from November 20, 2026.

This change also has implications for those booking apartments in Cyprus. However, it doesn't mean a complete absence of housekeeping. The host can still ask you to put your dishes in the sink, collect used towels, or separate waste into designated indoor bins.

Airbnb changes cleaning rules from November 20

The most important thing is date of reservation, not arrival at the apartment. The new policy will apply to reservations made November 20, 2026 or later.

For example, a stay booked on November 21st for December will be covered by the new rules. However, a December departure date alone will not automatically apply these rules to a booking made earlier.

This is a change to the platform's regulations, not new Cypriot rental regulations.

Dishes go to the sink, sheets stay on the bed

Airbnb distinguishes between simple cleaning tasks and those that require more effort or are typically the responsibility of a cleaner.

Hosts generally shouldn't ask guests to wash or put away dishes, remove bed linen, or run laundry. Simpler requests, such as gathering towels in one place, are acceptable.

When it comes to garbage, the detail is important: the platform indicates taking waste outside the premises, not a ban on asking to throw them in the bin.

Cleaning fee is not a requirement

The new restrictions are not contingent on charging a separate cleaning fee. Therefore, it should not be assumed that a host who does not charge a separate cleaning fee can arbitrarily pass the cleaning fee on to the guest.

Reasonable expectations are key. Guests are expected to continue to adhere to the house rules and respect the apartment's amenities.

Exceptions due to local conditions

Airbnb reserves the right to accommodate special circumstances. For example, a request to limit shower length if local water restrictions are in effect during a drought.

For travelers to Cyprus, this is an important distinction: a general reference to water conservation doesn't automatically mean that every restriction will be in line with the platform's policy. Exceptions are subject to Airbnb's review.

What to check before booking an apartment?

It's important to read the host's house rules and requests section before paying for your stay. The new policy requires that expectations be disclosed in an appropriate place in the listing at the time of booking.

The host should not add new responsibilities only in a message after purchasing the stay or on a note left in the apartment.

If a dispute arises about a work list, it's worth saving a photo or correspondence and contacting the platform. The booking date, the content of the ad, and the specific requirement will be important.