Starting July 1, 2025, a new law in California is going to change how cleaning fees are handled on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms. If you have ever booked a stay and felt surprised by cleaning fees or penalties, this new rule aims to make things a lot more clear — and fair. Let us break it down in the simplest way possible so you know exactly what this means for you, whether you are a guest or a host.
What is California’s AB 2202 and who does it affect?
If you are searching, “What is AB 2202 in California?” here is the short answer:
This new law applies to short-term rentals, which are defined as places you rent for 30 days or less — like Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms.
It does not apply to hotels or motels.
AB 2202 makes it mandatory for hosts to clearly tell you up front about any extra cleaning fees or penalties you could face after your stay, especially if you do not complete required cleaning tasks before checking out.
How will Airbnb cleaning fees change after July 1?
Under this new law, you will no longer be hit with surprise charges after your stay. Everything must be clear before you even click “book.”
Hosts will be required to:
- List all cleaning fees before the booking is confirmed
- Clearly explain what cleaning tasks the guest is expected to do
- Tell guests what penalties may apply if those tasks are not done
So now, if a host expects you to take out the trash or wash the dishes before leaving, they need to say so upfront. And if they plan to charge you extra for not doing it, that fee must also be listed in advance.
This means no more guessing, no more “hidden” fees showing up later, and definitely no more vague checkout instructions.
Why is California doing this?
If you have ever stayed at a short-term rental, you probably know how confusing it can be when it comes to checkout duties.
Sometimes you are paying a $100 cleaning fee, but then you still have to do half the cleaning yourself. That has frustrated a lot of people, and California lawmakers listened.
AB 2202 is meant to:
- Give guests a clearer understanding of what they are paying for
- Protect people from unexpected charges
- Make the short-term rental process more transparent
This new rule is all about fairness and honesty. It is not about taking sides — it is about making sure you, as a renter, know exactly what to expect.
What should Airbnb hosts in California do now?
If you are a host, this law means it is time to update your listings. Not just the price — but the fine print too.
Here is what you need to double-check in your Airbnb or Vrbo listing:
- Are your cleaning fees clearly shown before booking?
- Do you list the exact cleaning responsibilities expected of guests?
- Do you explain what the fee or penalty will be if guests do not follow through?
Failing to be clear about this could lead to problems for you — including unhappy guests, negative reviews, or even legal trouble down the road.
Does this affect existing bookings before July 1?
The new law kicks in on July 1, 2025 and applies to all new bookings made on or after that date. If you booked something before that, the old rules still apply.
But if you are planning ahead — or listing a property now for future dates — it is smart to start following these new guidelines early. It shows guests that you are being honest, upfront, and in line with state law.
This law is not just about paperwork — it is about building trust between hosts and guests.
Related article:
How to report Airbnb or short-term rental income on my taxes?
