Host Guides › Airbnb Checkout Instructions: A Copy-and-Paste Template, the Day-Before Message and What Not to Ask
Airbnb Checkout Instructions: A Copy-and-Paste Template, the Day-Before Message and What Not to Ask
Checkout is the last thing guests remember before they write a review. A clear, short checkout list makes the morning easy for them and the turnover predictable for your cleaner. A long chore list does the opposite: it's one of the most common complaints in host reviews, especially when the listing also charges a cleaning fee.
Below are a checkout instructions template you can paste into Airbnb, a day-before message, two saved replies for late checkout, and the rules for keeping the list reasonable.
Where checkout instructions live on Airbnb
Airbnb gives you three tools for checkout (Airbnb Resource Center: a clear and simple checkout):
- Checkout instructions in your Arrival guide. In the Listing editor you can build a list from common tasks (gather used towels, throw trash away, turn things off, lock up, return keys), add details to each, and add your own requests. Guests can see the checkout instructions and house rules before they book, and afterwards on their Trips tab.
- A checkout card in a quick reply. Once the instructions are saved, you can add a checkout card to a quick reply that links to them.
- An automatic reminder. Airbnb sends guests a reminder with your checkout time and instructions the day before checkout at 5:00 PM local time, if they have the app and notifications on. After they leave, guests can tell you they've checked out with one tap.
Because guests see the list before booking, it's part of your listing. Write it like a listing feature, not a warning.
The checkout instructions template
Paste the tasks into Airbnb's checkout instructions, choosing the matching common task where there is one. Keep it to five tasks, six at the most.
Checkout is by [11:00 AM].
- Towels: leave used towels [in the bathtub / in the laundry basket].
- Trash: take kitchen trash to the [gray bin by the garage]. Recycling goes in the [blue bin].
- Dishes: load the dishwasher and press Start. No need to wash anything by hand.
- Turn things off: lights, TV and [the fireplace]. Set the thermostat to [68°F].
- Lock up: close the windows, pull the door shut and check the keypad shows locked. [Return the key to the lockbox.]
That's it. You don't need to strip the beds or clean. Our team takes care of that. Safe travels!
The last line does real work. Guests who aren't sure what's expected tend to over-do it (stripping beds you'd rather inspect first) or worry about it. Telling them what they don't need to do is as useful as the list itself.
The day-before message
Airbnb's 5 PM reminder covers guests with notifications on. A short scheduled message the afternoon before checkout catches everyone else and gives you a chance to offer help.
When: The day before checkout, early afternoon (scheduled quick reply, trigger: before checkout)
Hi [Guest first name], we hope you're enjoying [Home name]! A quick reminder that checkout is tomorrow by [11:00 AM].
Your checkout list is in the app (5 quick steps, no cleaning needed). The short version: towels in the tub, trash to the gray bin, dishwasher on, lights off, door locked.
Need a little more time? Ask us today and we'll let you know if a late checkout is possible.
Thanks for staying with us, and safe travels!
[Your name]
Why this works: it arrives while guests are planning the next morning, it repeats the five steps in one line, and it invites late-checkout requests today, when you can still check with your cleaner, instead of at 10:55 AM.
Saved replies for late checkout
Save these two as quick replies (not scheduled).
Late checkout approved:
Good news, [Guest first name], late checkout until [12:30 PM] is fine. Everything else stays the same: towels in the tub, trash to the gray bin, dishwasher on, lights off, door locked. Enjoy the extra time!
Late checkout not possible:
Thanks for asking, [Guest first name]. Unfortunately we have guests arriving the same day, so we need checkout by [11:00 AM] for our cleaners. You're welcome to [leave bags on the porch until 1 PM / park in the driveway until noon] if that helps. Safe travels!
The second reply says no with a reason and offers something. Guests rarely mind a no that's explained.
What not to put in checkout instructions
Airbnb's own guidance is to keep checkout simple, and guests now judge listings on how reasonable the checkout list feels. As a rule, if you charge a cleaning fee, don't ask guests to clean.
| Reasonable | Too much |
|---|---|
| Towels in one place | Start a load of laundry |
| Trash to the outside bin | Strip and remake the beds |
| Load and start the dishwasher | Hand-wash and dry every dish |
| Lights, TV, heat or AC off | Vacuum or mop |
| Lock up, return the key | Wipe down the bathroom |
If you really need something unusual, like covering the hot tub or bringing in patio cushions, keep it to one line and give the reason: "Please put the hot tub cover back on so leaves don't clog the filter." People follow rules they understand.
Match checkout to your turnover
Every task you ask guests to do should save your cleaner time or prevent damage. Two checks:
- Ask your cleaner which checkout tasks actually help. Many prefer stripped beds not to happen, because they want to see the sheets for stains before washing.
- Put checkout in the welcome book too. Guests who don't use the app still see it on the counter. A four-line checkout section on the last page of the welcome book is enough.
Then make the turnover start where the guest's list ends: walkthrough photos first, laundry next. Our Airbnb cleaning checklist covers the order.
Free printable
Get the 1-page Apartment Turnover Card
The checklist your cleaner follows the moment guests check out: 23 checks in the order cleaners actually work, with a photo-first damage step.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I add checkout instructions on Airbnb?
In the Listing editor, open your Arrival guide and choose Checkout instructions. You can pick common tasks such as gathering used towels, throwing trash away, turning things off, locking up and returning keys, add details to each, and add requests specific to your home.
Does Airbnb send guests a checkout reminder?
Yes. Airbnb sends guests a reminder with your checkout time and instructions the day before checkout at 5:00 PM in the local time zone, as long as they have the Airbnb app with notifications turned on.
Can guests see checkout instructions before they book?
Yes. Airbnb shows checkout instructions and house rules before booking, and guests can find them on their Trips tab afterwards. That's a good reason to keep the list short.
Is it OK to ask Airbnb guests to strip the beds?
You can ask, but many guests see it as cleaning they've already paid for through the cleaning fee. Asking for towels in one place, trash out, dishwasher on, lights off and doors locked is usually enough.
Get all 36 guest messages
The checkout reminder and late-checkout replies above are short versions of scripts 20 to 22 in the Key & Kit Guest Message Scripts: 36 messages from first inquiry to review reply, including early check-in, late checkout, noise complaints, damage reports, parties, cancellations and weather alerts. Every script is tagged AUTOMATE or SAVED REPLY, with exact timing, in Word, Google Docs and PDF. $12.
See the 36 Guest Message Scripts →
Want checkout to look as good in print as in the app? The Guest Welcome Book includes a ready-to-edit checkout page.
Key & Kit isn't affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com. Platform features change; check Airbnb's Help Center for the current options in your account.