Californians booking an Airbnb for a getaway may soon have fewer chores standing between them and checkout.
For reservations booked on or after Nov. 20, hosts generally won't be allowed to ask guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes or take trash off the property.
The vacation rental platform's new policy limits requests for chores that take substantial time or effort or would typically be handled by cleaning staff.
Hosts also won't be able to spring new rules on guests after they book. All house rules and requests must appear in the designated section of the listing beforehand, rather than arriving later in a message or on a sign inside the rental.
The policy generally bars hosts from imposing fines or limiting access to amenities advertised in the listing. Any charges for those features must be included in the price guests see when booking.
Related Articles:
Some exceptions may apply. A host in bear country, for example, could reasonably ask guests to put trash in an animal-proof container. Local drought restrictions could justify a request to keep showers short.
Guests still must follow house rules and are encouraged to honor reasonable requests.
Hosts who don't follow the policy could receive warnings or be told to update their listings. Continued violations could bring a notice flagging the issue to prospective guests, less visibility in search results or other enforcement action.
Here is a look at some popular Airbnbs in California that will be impacted by the new rules.
This Tolkien-inspired earthen home in Northern California offers a real-life hobbit-hole experience, complete with a round entry door, wood-burning stove, cozy king-size bed and richly decorated interiors. Set on a 40-acre property, the rental features walking trails and stargazing opportunities.
This medieval-style guard tower at Castle House Estate offers a unique tiny-home stay in the desert near Joshua Tree National Park. The three-level, circular structure features a loft with a queen-size bed, rooftop access for stargazing and a private outdoor fire pit.
Surrounded by pine trees in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this colorful mountain cabin combines playful decor with modern comforts. The three-bedroom retreat sleeps up to nine guests and features a private cedar hot tub, two decks, a fireplace and a well-equipped kitchen.
This modern, glass-walled home offers a nature retreat on two private acres near Sequoia National Park. Expansive windows provide views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife, while the property features river access, a riverside fire pit and a fireplace.
Tucked into a lush hillside in Stinson Beach, this treehouse-style bungalow features Asian-inspired decor, treetop ocean views and a private wooden deck. The intimate studio includes an outdoor soaking tub, an open-air shower and a small kitchen, with the beach about a five-minute walk away.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across California Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.