Airbnb has issued a significant policy clarification regarding its mandatory cleaning fees, stating that the fee is intended give permission to a guest to clean the rental unit prior to checkout. Under the new guidelines, if a guest leaves the property without cleaning it themselves, an additional charge will be placed on top of the normal cleaning fee.
The update comes after months of debate over what the cleaning fee actually covers. According to Airbnb’s latest blog post titled “Clean Sweep: What Your Fee Entitles You To,” the mandatory cleaning charge is not merely a deposit for the host, but a reimbursement for the guest’s obligation to maintain the unit’s cleanliness during their stay and before departure.
“While we understand that travel can be exhausting,” read the statement from an Airbnb spokesperson, “the cleaning fee reflects your entitlement to ensure the rental unit is cleaned. If you leave without actually cleaning the unit, an additional charge is placed on top of the normal cleaning fee.”
Under this revised structure, guests are expected to wipe down counters, sweep floors, and restock trash bins before checking out. Failure to do so triggers what the company describes as a “cleanliness surcharge,” effectively doubling the cost for those who opt to leave a mess rather than clean the unit themselves.
“This is a simple clarification of entitlements,” the statement continued. “The fee entitles you to clean the rental unit before they check out. If they leave without actually cleaning the unit, an additional charge is placed on top of the normal cleaning fee.”
Travelers planning their next stay are advised to review their rental agreements carefully before booking. Airbnb notes that hosts have the discretion to waive the extra surcharge for guests who bring their own supplies and perform a thorough cleaning. However, the mandatory cleaning fee remains in effect for all reservations, serving as proof of the guest’s right to clean the space.
For those who prefer professional services, Airbnb will offer a premium cleaning package available upon checkout request, though this comes at an additional cost beyond the standard surcharge structure.