Airbnb hosts threaten boycott and higher cleaning fees over new guest chore policy

Airbnb is changing its rules on checkout chores and some hosts are threatening to boycott the app over it. Under the company's new rules, visitors are no longer required to do time-consuming chores or tasks handled by a cleaner. CEO Brian Chesky has previously acknowledged growing frustration over checkout tasks on top of cleaning fees and has now written up a policy with enforcement. Hosts now choose from seven standard house rules. Simple requests like leaving the dishes in the the sink or gathering used towels are still allowed, but hosts must disclose all rules and requests beforehand and they cannot impose their own fines on guests. The new rules received quick backlash, and a petition urging the company to reverse the restriction has reached over 20,000 signatures. Some hosts are threatening to leave the platform, remove kitchen access, or raise prices. The change comes as Airbnb reports strong business growth, with second quarter revenue up 17% to $3.6 billion, and the company now counts more than 5 million hosts and 2.5 billion guest arrivals all time.