Airbnb Checkout Instructions: 8 Important Things to Include

Developing the ideal checkout process is a balancing act. You want to maximize your turnover time so your cleaning crew can get everything done, but you don’t want to rush guests either.

The right checkout instructions simplify the process. When guests understand exactly what’s expected and aren’t left guessing, they’re more likely to leave your property the way you hope to find it: No keys in the wrong place, the heating switched off, and the trash already taken to the garbage cans.

Our article looks at which checkout instructions to include and how to get them right. We’ve also included insights from different Airbnb operators to show you how to develop a great process across various contexts.

Why are Airbnb checkout instructions important?

In our 2024 report, the Hostfully team asked short-term rental operators what they’d change if they could wave a magic wand. Turnover was the top option behind technology.

Effective checkout instructions can’t solve all the challenges of the cleaning and turnover process, but they can make it easier. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• More efficient turnover: Guests are more likely to take care of all their responsibilities and leave on time when they have great instructions. This keeps your cleaning crew on schedule.
• Better resource allocation: Your staff have to spend less time on unnecessary cleaning tasks when guests handle everything they’re supposed to.
• Fewer late checkouts: Visitors understand when to go and abide by your schedule, meaning you aren’t scrambling to get properties ready.
• Improved guest experience: Good checkout instructions mean guests know what’s expected and feel less stressed.
• More positive feedback: A smooth checkout process makes everyone more likely to leave a good review.
• Less damage: Guests know how to leave the property in good condition, meaning they’re less likely to break furniture or appliances.

8 Important Airbnb checkout instructions to include

Below are some of the most popular checkout instructions to leave for your guests.

Bear in mind that you might have specific requests for your property type and location. For example, Airbnb operator Christina Kantzavelos says, “The most important instruction I include is to start the dishwasher and take out the trash. In the desert heat, this helps prevent bugs and odors and supports a smooth, same-day turnover for our cleaning team.”

1. Airbnb check times and dates

Make sure your checkout times are clear. Guests need to understand your checkout time to be able to get ready and leave on time.

The Airbnb platform usually asks you to provide this, but you may also have a late checkout policy. Make sure that you’ve outlined how to request this and any requirements. For example, have you included the extra fee and the deadline for asking?

2. Cleaning up and laundry

Keep cleaning requests simple and light. You can ask guests to do tasks like placing used towels and linens in a basket and turning off lights and AC units.

But avoid overloading guests with too many requests. A short, manageable list helps maintain your home without adding stress to their departure.

Plus, as Airbnb Superhost and Welcome Concierge founder, Tori Smith says, “Nothing frustrates me more as a guest than paying a cleaning fee and still being asked to strip beds, start laundry, and mop the floor.”

3. Food disposal

Food can leave an unappealing odor and create extra mess if left too long. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask guests to dispose of their waste before they leave. Just be sure to provide a dedicated bin either inside or close to the premises for all perishable items before they leave.

4. Locking doors and leaving the key

Turnover can leave your property vulnerable to thieves if guests don’t secure all the entry points. Explain to them how to close all the doors and where to leave the key to your property.

Alternatively, consider getting a smart lock to eliminate the risk. Hostfully provides a range of devices and lets you manage codes from our property management system (PMS). These locks mean guests just have to close the door behind them instead of returning the key to you or working out how to use a lockbox.

5. Returning items to their original places

Clearly show guests where everything belongs to avoid them getting damaged. For example, garden furniture may need to be folded or stored to prevent it from getting blown over by the wind.

You can also reasonably expect guests to return large items like chairs or tables to their original positions if they move them.

6. Switching off electrical appliances

Leaving lights on and appliances running drains your power. You can ask guests to ensure everything’s turned off or unplugged before they go.

Again, you can take responsibility for this from afar with smart devices. Hostfully’s range of tools lets you control thermostats, lights, and appliances remotely so you never have to worry about guests forgetting to switch anything off.

7. Reporting damage or issues

Accidents happen, but you can’t fix or replace anything if you don’t know about it. Encourage guests to report damage in your checkout instructions so they’re more likely to tell you ahead of time instead of leaving you to find it. You can use an easy-going tone and explain the reimbursement process to create a sense of trust.

8. Writing feedback

Reviews are key to growing your short-term rental business and reaching Superhost status. You can use your Airbnb checkout instructions to remind your guests to leave feedback.

Specialist Airbnb management software like Hostfully can handle this stage and capture positive reviews for your website. All you have to do is review what guests have said and approve it.

What Airbnb checkout instructions NOT to include

When we asked Kantzavelos what instructions to include, she said tell them what they don’t need to do. “I remind guests that the cleaning fee is there to handle cleaning and all I ask is that they take their belongings and trash,” she says, “No chore list, no passive-aggressive tone. This final touchpoint often determines the tone of their review, so it really matters.”

What Kantzavelos says will resonate with many Airbnb users. Lots of guests have publicly complained about unreasonable cleaning instructions and some businesses have even made the news. For example, an Airbnb in Queensland, Australia, went viral for its list of 20 demands after a guest shared a photo of the document on Reddit.

With that in mind, here’s a list of tasks to leave out of your Airbnb checkout instructions:

• Heavy-duty cleaning: Sweeping or mopping should be handled by your cleaning crew. Including these chores in your checkout instructions is not only unreasonable but also makes it seem like you don’t take care of your properties.
• Photos of the space: Asking guests to take pictures of your property makes it seem like you don’t trust them and gives them a lot of extra work to do.
• Requests for tips: In many cultures, you can’t expect a tip unless you have directly served your customers. Asking for extra money may annoy guests and cause them to leave negative reviews.
• Waits and meetups: Many guests have tight travel schedules and would find waiting for you in the Airbnb or a nearby location stressful. Where possible, try to arrange a way for them to leave the property independently.

Deciding on the right checkout instructions also requires using your best judgment. For example, are your recycling facilities a fifteen-minute walk away? Don’t ask guests to handle this aspect of waste disposal if so.

How to share Airbnb check-out instructions

The mode of communication matters almost as much as the message. Here’s how and when you should deliver Airbnb checkout instructions to guests:

Airbnb listings

The platform gives you a dedicated space to write Airbnb check-in and check-out instructions. Guests can find these by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

If you list on multiple sites, use a channel manager like Hostfully to sync everything. Our software keeps details like checkout instructions and times consistent across platforms. This ensures guests always have the most up-to-date information and follow the right processes.

Digital welcome book

A digital guidebook like Hostfully lets you create a visual guide to your property. This lets you get into more detail about checking out of your Airbnb, explaining tricky tasks like turning off appliances and securing the property.

Hostfully enables you to send our digital guidebook to guests as a link. Everyone can access the information without downloading an app and refer to the house rules, checkout instructions, and more when needed.

Scheduled messages

Airbnb lets you send notifications throughout the guest’s stay. You can use this function to remind them about the checkout instructions and times.

Advertise your business across multiple platforms? Property management systems (PMS) like Hostfully let you manage all listing sites from our centralized dashboard. Our automated messaging feature enables you to create templates, automatically fill in guest details, and schedule emails based on triggers. For example, you can schedule checkout instructions for one or two days before departure so they’re fresh in your guests’ heads.

AI concierge

Often, questions only occur to guests in the moment. AI concierges can handle these and talk them through complex or challenging checkout tasks. Hostfully’s communication integrations can source the information from your PMS and guidebook to get into fine detail.

Airbnb check-out instructions template

Here’s an example of some checkout instructions in a scheduled email so you can see what they could look like. It demonstrates how to communicate the rules while keeping the tone light.

Create a smooth checkout experience with Hostfully PMS

Departure can be a difficult experience for guests as they prepare for the next stage of their trip. Detailed checkout instructions mean you’re not contributing to their stress and uncertainty.

Hostfully PMS ensures guests receive your message at the right time. Our channel manager keeps listings up to date, and our automation lets you schedule emails. And for on-the-spot questions, there’s our AI concierge integrations.

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FAQs

How do I write Airbnb checkout instructions?

You can write Airbnb checkout instructions on the platform or manage them via a channel manager like Hostfully. Keep them clear and concise to avoid bogging down guests in detail.

When should I send Airbnb checkout instructions?

You should send Airbnb checkout instructions to guests at the start of the stay and the evening before they leave. This gives them time to prepare and ensures they don’t forget certain tasks.

Can I automate Airbnb checkout messages?

Yes, you can automate messages using Airbnb’s system or tools like Hostfully. Automation saves time and ensures guests get reminders when they need them most.

What happens if an Airbnb guest doesn’t follow checkout instructions?

When Airbnb guests don’t follow checkout instructions, they may be late to leave and create extra cleaning tasks for your team. This may mean your property isn’t ready for your next guests.

Do guests have to clean before checking out?

Yes, you can ask guests to do light tasks such as throwing out all perishable food and turning off appliances. However, it’s strongly recommended that you handle all the heavy cleaning to deliver a positive guest experience.