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

Virginians 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 Virginia that will be impacted by the new rules:

1. Tiny Tree House — Hinton

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 209 reviews
• Description: Elevated two-bedroom tiny house near George Washington National Forest, with a full kitchen and patio. Sleeps four.

2. Cozy Cabin For Two With Mountain Views — Schuyler

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 249 reviews
• Description: Secluded cabin on 90 wooded acres, featuring mountain views, hiking trails and a covered deck with a fire pit. Sleeps two.

3. Tiny Log Cabin — Lyndhurst

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 157 reviews
• Description: Rustic cabin on a 300-acre property in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a gas fireplace and private fire pit. Sleeps two.

4. Cabin At Riverview — Dugspur

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 136 reviews
• Description: Two-bedroom creekside cabin with a gas fireplace, clawfoot bathtub and fire pit. Tubing and fishing are available nearby. Sleeps six.

5. Charming Carriage House In The Fan — Richmond

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 142 reviews
• Description: Restored 112-year-old carriage house with exposed brick and a loft bedroom, near restaurants and museums. Sleeps two.

6. Historic Wheatland Log Cabin — Purcellville

• Rating: 4.99 stars | 68 reviews
• Description: Restored 1808 farmhouse in Loudoun County wine country, featuring historic architecture and modern additions. Sleeps two.

7. Just Steps Away To The Beach — Virginia Beach

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 448 reviews
• Description: Private guest suite near the ViBe Creative District and Oceanfront, with beach bikes, chairs and parking included. Sleeps two.

8. Peaceful Beach At Courtyard Cottage — Norfolk

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 319 reviews
• Description: Three-bedroom cottage near Ocean View Beach, with an outdoor shower, grill and beach equipment. Sleeps six.

9. Noná's Nest — Elkton

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 285 reviews
• Description: One-bedroom carriage house with a private mountain-view deck, about 10 miles from Shenandoah National Park. Sleeps two.

10. Chic's Beach Rental And Fishing — Virginia Beach

• Rating: 4.98 stars | 261 reviews
• Description: Three-bedroom waterfront condo with private beach access, kayaks, paddleboards and expansive Chesapeake Bay views. Sleeps six.