Airbnb guests have often faced unexpected and excessive chores during their checkout, leaving them disgruntled. However, CEO Brian Chesky has announced a new policy that will make it easier for guests to know about the checkout instructions and even provide feedback on them.
Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, announced on Twitter that all checkout instructions would be available on a listing’s page ahead of booking. He added that users could also rate the tasks, and if a listing receives enough negative feedback, it will be removed.
This move comes as a response to the point of contention raised by guests who have taken to Reddit to vent about tasks that go beyond standard expectations, sometimes in addition to cleaning fees of up to $375.
Hosts have varied approaches to handling chore lists. One host, for example, no longer requests any tasks from visitors upon checkout. Instead, she charges an extra cleaning fee if a rental has been left in a state that would require extra work for cleaners.
On the other hand, another host couples cleaning fees with two specific tasks for guests: bagging and taking out the trash and placing used linens on the bathroom floor.
The new policy is among 53 new features and upgrades that aim to improve the user experience. Other features include “Airbnb Rooms,” which makes it easier for guests to stay with locals in spare rooms, and an interface that helps visitors find and book longer stays. Longer stays will also have reduced fees after the three-month mark, and users can pay for these rooms through their bank accounts to avoid credit card fees.
With this new policy, guests can look forward to knowing the checkout instructions beforehand and avoid surprises. Additionally, they can provide feedback, making hosts more accountable for the tasks they expect their guests to perform.
However, it remains to be seen how hosts will react to this new policy and whether it will result in a more pleasant experience for all parties involved.
