Airbnb rule changes will hit Wales harder, says host

Guy Allen, 63, and Emma Enticott, 52, run a holiday rental property located in Mumbles on the Gower Peninsula. Their property was previously listed on Airbnb, but following the introduction of new regulations, they requested their agent to take it off the platform. Enticott mentioned that they would consider relisting the property on Airbnb if the company revises its policy. Allen described the rule changes as “daft,” emphasizing that the new guidelines effectively give renters who disrespect the property free rein to behave irresponsibly. He also highlighted the unfair impact on their housekeeping staff, who should not have to deal with cleaning up after careless guests.

Discussing the broader tourism context, Allen pointed out that operating in Wales poses particular challenges, and same-day changeovers would create significant difficulties under the updated Airbnb rules, particularly because of the 182-day threshold linked to business rates. He said, “We’re battling on a lot of fronts to build a successful business. Anything that adds to the pressure is not good. We are under siege as an industry.” On a different note, some hosts do not share these concerns. Matt Porsz, who manages multiple Airbnb properties full-time, believes the changes will enhance the guest experience without affecting typical guest behavior. He explained that guests are only required to lock up and return the keys, with any additional cleaning assistance from guests considered a bonus rather than an expectation.

Porsz described the complexities involved in managing properties with same-day check-ins, where cleaners must travel between locations to prepare homes, change linen, sanitize bathrooms, and clean kitchens to high standards. He noted that when guests leave a property in poor condition, it disrupts more than just one cleaner, causing knock-on effects for the entire day’s schedule, incoming guests, property owners, and the overall business reputation. Looking forward, Presley, another industry professional, suggested that the changes might lead to increased costs for cleaning services.

Krissi Foskett, 46, a cleaning business owner from Glasgow who also stays in Airbnb rentals regularly, shared her perspective from both the host and guest sides. She recounted a recent stay in Stafford where, despite paying a £35 cleaning fee, she was still asked to strip the beds, run a wash, take out the rubbish, and move bins to a recycling area. Although she did not mind doing these tasks, it made her question what the cleaning fee was actually covering. Airbnb released a statement explaining that their updated house rules aim to make expectations clearer and easier to manage for hosts and guests alike. The company acknowledged feedback from their community that previous house rules could be confusing or burdensome and said the new policy is designed to keep requests reasonable and without surprises