Airbnb Sets New Rules That Limit Checkout Chores: What MD Travelers Need To Know

Marylanders 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.

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 across Maryland that will be impacted by the new rules:

1. Shipwrights Cottage in Town — St. Michaels

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 181 reviews
• Description: Historic two-bedroom cottage with a front porch and balcony, within walking distance of downtown attractions. Sleeps four.

2. Charming House; Walk to Everywhere — Annapolis

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 188 reviews
• Description: Historic two-bedroom home in the Arts District with a private garden, fire pit and walkable downtown location. Sleeps four.

3. In Town Charmer — Frederick

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 241 reviews
• Description: Renovated two-bedroom home in Frederick's historic district, with two bathrooms and off-street parking. Sleeps four.

4. Fern Hill Cabin — Friendsville

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 123 reviews
• Description: Rustic two-bedroom cabin on eight wooded acres, featuring a screened porch and fire pit near Deep Creek Lake. Sleeps five.

5. Misty Hill Lodge — Frederick

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 133 reviews
• Description: Restored 1930s log cabin on five wooded acres, with a wood-burning fireplace and spacious living room. Sleeps five.

6. Red Brick Lodge — McHenry

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 87 reviews
• Description: Three-bedroom retreat near Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort, with a hot tub, fire pit and covered porch. Sleeps six.

7. Deep Creek Lakehouse — Swanton

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 157 reviews
• Description: Four-bedroom lake-area getaway with a private hot tub, fire pit, deck and neighborhood dock access. Sleeps 12.

8. The Butterfly Suite at Enchanted Table Meadow — Accident

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 283 reviews
• Description: Spacious guest suite with vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace and full kitchen near Wisp Resort. Sleeps six.

9. Beautiful Renovated Oceanfront Condo — Ocean City

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 169 reviews
• Description: One-bedroom beachfront condo with a private oceanfront balcony and unobstructed water views. Sleeps five.

10. The Little House on the Farm — Cambridge

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 248 reviews
• Description: Waterfront tiny house near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, with kayaks, a dock and a fire pit. Sleeps two.