Airbnb. Photo: Shutterstock Airbnb is updating its House Rules policy to simplify how it presents guidelines to guests and clarify for hosts which requirements they can set during a stay and at check-out.
According to the company's announcement on October 20, 2026, the interface changes have already begun, and the new policy will take effect on November 20.
As part of the update, hosts will be able to centralize house rules and guest requests in one area on the listing page, rather than spreading the guidelines across different parts of the listing. Airbnb also clarifies that guest requests must be reasonable, and that requests that do not comply with the policy may result in warnings and even impact the listing’s visibility on the platform.
The property editor now allows you to choose from seven categories of house rules: maximum number of guests per stay, quiet hours, events, pet policy, smoking and vaping, photography and commercial productions, and a requirement to lock the property upon departure.
The update also includes a change to how check-out instructions are displayed, which no longer appear in a separate tab. Hosts are asked to review their existing settings and update them to reflect the new options.
One key change concerns the requests hosts can make to guests during their stay and before they leave. Airbnb is distinguishing between reasonable requests and tasks the cleaning staff is responsible for.
For example, hosts can ask guests to put used dishes in the sink, but not to wash and put them back in. Similarly, they can ask guests to pick up used towels, but not to remove bed linens or run the washing machine.
There are also limits on trash disposal: Guests can be asked to separate trash from recyclables and dispose of them in designated bins inside the property, but generally they cannot be asked to take their trash outside the premises. Additionally, hosts cannot ask guests to refrain from using amenities that have been presented as part of the property, such as air conditioning, but can ask them to turn them off when they leave.
The company notes that it will also assess the reasonableness of requests based on the type of property, the nature of the stay, and local circumstances. In some cases, exceptions may apply, for example in areas where garbage must be disposed of in animal-proof containers or where there are water restrictions due to drought.
Fewer cleaning chores for guests. Photo: AirbnbRequests that don’t meet the new policy will be flagged in the listing editor, allowing hosts to identify the issue and fix it. Airbnb will also send emails with explanations and recommendations for correction, and will allow for an appeal.
If the issue isn't resolved, guests may see a notification on the listing page, such as a message stating that the listing has cleaning requirements.
The new policy also addresses requiring guests to sign contracts. According to Airbnb, contracts will only be allowed in specific circumstances, including legal requirements, homeowners association or house council rules, month-to-month rental agreements, Airbnb Luxe properties, and arrangements for optional amenities, such as golf carts.
When a contract is allowed, hosts will be required to upload it to the contracts area of the listing settings and meet the company's requirements. Airbnb makes it clear that it does not enforce the contracts and does not require guests to sign them.
Under the updated guidelines, all rules and requests should appear in the designated area on the listing page. Additional rules should not be added elsewhere in the listing, in guest messages, or on signs inside the home.
Guests are required to abide by the house rules. If a guest violates a rule during their stay or announces before check-in that they intend to violate it, the host may be entitled to cancel the reservation without fees or other consequences, depending on the company's policy. Airbnb adds that guests who violate its policies may be suspended or removed from the platform.
The updated rules will appear more prominently on listing pages, and guests will also see them in the Trips tab and in booking reminders. Hosts will also be able to use the House Rules as a quick reply when communicating with guests.