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Airbnb check-out instructions

A checklist guests can finish in five minutes, a message to send the evening before, and examples you can copy.

Keep it short and reasonable

Airbnb's app has a check-out instructions section with standard tasks such as gathering used towels, throwing rubbish away, turning things off, locking up and returning keys. Guests see them before they book. Stick to tasks like these. Asking guests to strip beds, run the dishwasher or vacuum is what turns a five-star stay into a complaint; that work belongs to your cleaner.

Check-out checklist
  • Check-out is by 11:00.
  • Put used towels in the bathtub.
  • Take the rubbish to the bins downstairs.
  • Turn off the air conditioning, lights and hob.
  • Close the windows and lock the door.
  • Leave the keys on the kitchen table.
Message to send the evening before
Hi {name}, Hope you've had a lovely stay! A quick reminder that check-out is tomorrow by 11:00. Before you go: - used towels in the bathtub - rubbish in the bins downstairs - air conditioning and lights off - windows closed, door locked, keys on the kitchen table Need a little longer? Just reply and I'll check if the place is free. Safe travels, {your name}
Reply to a late check-out request
Hi {name}, happy to help. There's no one arriving today, so you can stay until 13:00 at no charge. Please leave the keys on the kitchen table when you go. Have a good trip!

Examples by type of place

Apartment. Keys back in the lockbox and the code scrambled, rubbish to the building's bin room, lift and front door closed behind you.

Villa with a pool. Pool cover on if you use one, outdoor cushions inside, gate closed, air conditioning off in every room.

Cabin. Fire out and the ash left in the grate, heating set to 15 °C, water heater off if the next guest is days away.

Where to put the instructions

In Airbnb's check-out instructions section, in the message the evening before, and in your digital guidebook so guests can check the list on their phone while packing.

Try it

Put check-out in the guest guide

Check-out time, the checklist and your late check-out policy, on the same page as Wi-Fi and house rules. 7-day free trial, no card needed.

Make a guest guide →
Questions

Good to know

What time is a normal Airbnb check-out?

Most hosts use 10:00 or 11:00. Pick the latest time your cleaning schedule allows.

Can I ask guests to strip the beds or do the dishes?

Keep tasks light and list them before booking. Gathering towels and taking out the rubbish are reasonable; cleaning chores belong to your cleaner.

When should I send check-out instructions?

The evening before departure, with the same list in the listing and in your guest guide.

How do I handle late check-out requests?

If no one arrives that day, offering an hour or two is an easy way to earn a good review. Say clearly until when.