Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Airbnb Host’s Strict House Rules Spark Online Debate
An Airbnb host gave guests several rules for staying in the property.
The rules asked them to use less energy and water, sort their rubbish, and do some cleaning before leaving.
The host said guests could be fined €100 if their recycling was wrong.
Matthias Schmidt shared a screenshot of the rules on X. Many people online thought some rules were too strict or questioned how they would be checked.
Others said the requests were reasonable.
Some commenters said electricity costs in Europe help explain the air-conditioning rule.
The discussion showed that people disagree about what hosts can ask guests to do.
A screenshot shared on X by EU-based founder Matthias Schmidt showed an Airbnb host’s list of five house rules.
Guests were asked to keep the air conditioning at 22°C or higher and take short showers, with a recommended evening shower window.
The host required sorted recycling and warned of a €100 fine for incorrect sorting, which would be checked after checkout.
Guests were told to run a full dishwasher on ECO mode and, before leaving, strip the bed, remove trash, and clean the kitchen.
Online responses ranged from criticism and refusal to follow the rules to defenses citing basic manners and European electricity costs.
- Who
- An Airbnb host, whose message was shared by EU-based founder Matthias Schmidt, and people commenting online.
- What
- A list of five house rules prompted debate about guest responsibilities, including energy use, recycling, dishwasher use, and checkout cleaning.
- When
- The article does not specify when the message was shared.
- Where
- The rental was described as being in Europe; its country was not confirmed.
- Why
- The rules were intended to reduce energy and water use, require proper recycling, and set expectations for cleaning before checkout.
Critics of the rules
Defenders of the rules
Guest obligations
Critics of the rules
Some commenters viewed the requirements as excessive, questioned how recycling could be checked, or said they would not follow the rules.
Defenders of the rules
Others described the requests as basic expectations and argued that guests should show basic manners.
Air-conditioning limit
Critics of the rules
Commenters questioned whether guests would follow a requested AC setting and objected to being told how to use it.
Defenders of the rules
Some commenters said the rule was more understandable given higher electricity costs in Europe compared with the United States.
- Air-conditioning rule
- Keep it at 22°C or higher.
- Shower guidance
- Take short showers; the host recommended showering between 18:00 and 21:00.
- Recycling penalty
- The host warned of a €100 fine for incorrect recycling, to be checked after checkout.
- Dishwasher requirement
- Run it only when completely full and use ECO mode.
- Checkout tasks
- Strip the bed, take out the trash, and leave the kitchen clean.
- Cleaning fee
- The host said it covered typical cleaning, while guests were expected to show “basic manners.”
- Person who shared the message
- EU-based founder Matthias Schmidt shared a screenshot on X.