Airbnb announced new house rules last month, and the big headline is chores.

Hosts generally can't ask for tasks that take a lot of time or effort anymore. Airbnb's own examples:

Small stuff is still fair game, like putting your dirty dishes in the sink.

Hosts now pick from seven standard house rules, plus reasonable requests. If a rule crosses the line, Airbnb will flag it.

That's the headline. The fine print is more interesting.

The fine print

1. It's about when you book, not when you stay.

According to Airbnb's policy page, the new rules apply to reservations booked on or after November 20. Book before then, and the old rules apply. Even if your stay is in December.

So if you booked a Thanksgiving Airbnb after last week's issue, read that checklist before you go.

Planning something further out with flexible dates? It might be worth waiting until November 20 to book. Just watch prices while you wait.

2. No surprise rules.

My favorite one. Every rule has to be in the listing before you book. No new ones later by message, a sign on the fridge, or in person when you show up.

That binder on the counter with three pages of extra rules? Not supposed to be a thing anymore.

Airbnb is also making the rules easier to find, on the listing, in your Trips tab, and in your reservation reminders.

3. No fines.

Hosts generally can't fine you. The one exception: if an HOA or the local government could fine the property, the host can warn you in the listing.

4. No side contracts.

Hosts can't make you sign a separate rental agreement or hand over your ID, except when the law requires it and in a few limited cases.

5. Hosts who ignore the rules can get in trouble.

Report them to Airbnb. Repeat offenders can get a notice on their listing or show up lower in search.

6. Some local exceptions make total sense too.

A host in a drought area can ask you to keep showers short. A host in bear country can ask you to use the bear proof trash cans. (Please use the bear proof trash cans.)

The takeaway

Before you book, read the house rules section. That's now the only place rules are allowed to live. Not the binder. Not the fridge. Not a text the night before checkout.

If a new rule shows up after you book, report it.

And if you book after November 20, you're officially off dish duty.

Mostly.

What's the strangest rule you've ever seen at an Airbnb?

Keep Traveling,

Andrew