‘Ridiculous’ list of Airbnb rules goes viral

An Airbnb’s “ridiculous” list of rules – including rationed toilet paper — has gone viral as Aussies complain the platform is overrun by “entitled” hosts.

An Airbnb host has come under fire for their “ridiculous” rules for guests. Picture: Reddit

An Airbnb host’s “ridiculous” list of rules — including restrictions on toilet paper, luggage allowances and an off-limits washing machine — has gone viral as thousands of Aussies complain the platform has become overrun with “entitled” hosts.

The list sparked outrage when it was shared on Reddit by an anonymous guest, who explained they were being charged $57 for a room per night.

The rules were so strict they may have been in breach of Airbnb’s policies, but Aussies complained the behaviour was becoming all too common.

The “ridiculous” list of rules was mocked online. Picture: Reddit

“This is mainly short stay place, so we don’t expect much luggage with the guest,” the list began.

“If you have more than 2 big items with each guest, you have to keep in external storage.

“Visitors strictly not allowed, without prior permission from me!

“No use of washing machine or kitchen for guests staying less than 4 days. Washing machine use only once every 4 days for long term guests.”

And it continued: “Working or studying from home not allowed.

“WIFI only adequate for making video calls or light internet use.

“Toilet roll supplied only on first day.

“No cooking or washing machine use for guests staying less than 4 days.

“Long stayers will have to do their own cleaning and buying rolls and consumables.”

Users said host ‘entitlement’ was turning them away from Airbnb.

“Your thoughts?” the Reddit user who shared the list asked.

The post attracted more than 3000 commenters — many of whom, it turned out, had strong opinions. In fact, several said growing host “entitlement” was turning them away from Airbnb.

“Want to pay the same rate as a hotel for 25 per cent of the amenities? We got an app for that,” one person joked.

“I really don’t understand why people still put up with Airbnb. All of these ridiculous rules are just not worth the headache of staying there,” another said.

“Airbnb owners are getting so petty lately. I used to LOVE using Airbnb, but these little rules and hidden fees are getting silly. I’m renting your house, period. I will use everything with care and respect and leave it better than I found it … but don’t limit me on wash cycles,” wrote a third.

The platform has come under fire as people claim it worsens the housing crisis. Picture: Reddit

Because the list was titled “additional rules”, it’s possible it wasn’t included in the online listing — which could be a breach of Airbnb’s policies.

“If the listing advertises ‘essential amenities’, all amenities from this list should be available to guests. If there are restrictions associated with amenity access, these should also be fully disclosed on the listing page,” Airbnb states.

Airbnb encourages guests to “promptly report violations” and suggests they document the issue, first try to resolve it with their host, and then report it to Airbnb.

News.com.au has contacted Airbnb for comment.

Another Reddit user, an Airbnb host who sublets a spare room in her apartment, wrote: “Entitled hosts have made the platform into an absolute laughing stock.”

Yet more said they would demand a refund, with one person writing: “If they listed washing machine or kitchen as amenities, I would want a refund, or at least some major discount depending on how much I was going to rely on those.”

The saturation of Airbnbs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where people claim the platform is impacting rental availability. Picture: insideairbnb.com

Airbnb has come under fire in Australia recently due to claims the platform contributes to the housing crisis as hosts list their properties as short-term stays rather than long-term rentals.

A sticker has begun popping up in Melbourne that mockingly states: “You wouldn’t open an Airbnb in a housing crisis” — a spoof of the mid-2000s “Piracy. It’s a crime.” DVD ads.

Images of the sticker were shared across social media, with many quick to praise the “genius” PSA and requesting copies to stick around their suburbs and on lockboxes in their own apartment complexes.

Airbnb denied it was contributing to the crisis, with country manager for Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon previously telling news.com.au the platform had itself proposed a series of measures to “help build stronger communities, foster sustainable tourism growth, and equip governments across Australia with tools to help address important issues, such as housing affordability and amenity”.

“Airbnb is keen to work together with a broad range of stakeholders and help play a part in helping to provide meaningful solutions and tackle the issue of housing supply and affordability,” Ms Wheeldon said.