Albuquerque, New Mexico – A new Airbnb policy is drawing mixed reactions from hosts and guests and could affect thousands of short-term rentals across New Mexico.
Beginning with bookings made on or after Nov. 20, Airbnb will no longer allow hosts to require guests to perform cleaning tasks that would typically be handled by professional cleaners. The policy prohibits mandatory checkout duties such as stripping beds, washing and putting away dishes, or taking trash offsite.
The company says guests can still be asked to follow reasonable house rules, including placing trash in designated containers or leaving dirty dishes in the sink. However, hosts who violate the new policy could face warnings or, in some cases, removal from the platform.
The change has sparked criticism from some hosts, who argue the new rules could increase cleaning costs and make it more difficult to prepare properties between stays. Others have voiced concerns about maintaining their rentals and protecting their investments.
Guests have largely welcomed the move, saying it addresses a long-running complaint about being asked to complete extensive cleaning tasks despite paying cleaning fees.
In New Mexico, the policy could have the greatest impact in tourism-driven markets such as Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and Ruidoso, where short-term rentals play a significant role in the local hospitality industry. While some hosts may face higher operational costs, travelers could see a simpler checkout experience when booking vacation rentals.
