Airbnb is in the hot seat after it announced a new policy that bans hosts from making guests complete cleaning tasks, such as stripping beds, taking out trash, and washing dishes. The change, which took effect on November 20, has sparked outrage among hosts who feel they are losing control over their properties.

The policy update came in an email to hosts, with Airbnb claiming it was to enhance the guest experience. However, many hosts argue that the new rules are unfair, as they limit their ability to protect their homes and investments. One host wrote: 'As hosts, we have a responsibility to protect our investments, our homes, and, in many cases, our personal living spaces.'

Guests, on the other hand, are celebrating. For years, travelers have complained about having to clean up after themselves after booking through Airbnb. One guest wrote: 'The guest experience has become total ass. Clean dishes and run in the dishwasher. Strip the beds, put all linen in the laundry room. Take out all garbage, put in garbage can, take to the curb. Honestly, knock it off.'

Airbnb acknowledged that hosts can still make reasonable requests, such as asking guests to put dirty dishes in the sink. However, the new policy also bans hosts from requiring guests to sign separate contracts, with limited exceptions for local legal requirements, longer stays, or accessing optional amenities. Hosts who violate the policy may face warnings, or even have their listings removed or banned from the platform.

Many hosts have expressed frustration, with one declaring that the kitchens in their rentals will be 'stripped down to only bare essentials.' Some are considering strikes or raising prices to compensate for the loss of control. The sentiment among the hosts is that Airbnb is becoming increasingly demanding, while limiting their ability to protect themselves.