Airbnb checkout instructions template: 5 messages and a fair checklist

Checkout is the last thing a guest does at your place, and often the last thing they remember before writing a review. Good checkout instructions answer four questions: what time, what to do with the keys, what to do before leaving, and who to contact if something goes wrong.

Below are five checkout messages you can copy, a short checkout list that is fair to guests, and notes on where Airbnb shows your instructions.

Where Airbnb shows checkout instructions

On Airbnb you add checkout instructions in the Listing editor under Arrival guide. Airbnb offers standard tasks: return keys, lock up, turn things off, throw trash away and gather used towels, plus a field for additional requests. According to Airbnb's help article, checkout instructions are visible to guests before they book, while detailed check-in instructions appear 48 hours before check-in.

A short, fair checkout list

• Leave by [checkout time]. Tell us if you need more time.
• Put the keys [exact place], or make sure the door locks behind you.
• Close windows and turn off the lights, heating or air conditioning [as your home needs].
• Put rubbish and recycling in [bin location].
• Let us know if anything broke or ran out, so we can fix it before the next guest.

Airbnb's hosting guidance suggests asking yourself whether tasks like taking out the trash or gathering towels make for a five-star experience, and notes that folding such chores into your cleaning routine could lead to better reviews.

Template 1: The evening before checkout

Hi [guest first name],

We hope you've enjoyed your stay at [property name]. Checkout is tomorrow at [time and local time zone].

Before you leave, please:
- Put the keys [exact place], or make sure the door locks behind you.
- Close the windows and turn off [lights, heating or air conditioning].
- Put rubbish and recycling in [bin location].

[Optional: If you'd like a later checkout, reply by [time] and we'll let you know if [time] is possible.]

Safe travels, and message us here if you need anything.
[Your name]

Template 2: Checkout morning

Good morning [guest first name], a quick reminder that checkout is at [time]. If you're running late, message us and we'll do our best to help. Thank you for staying with us!

Template 3: Replying to a late checkout request

Only confirm late checkout once you know your cleaning schedule allows it. If you charge for it, take payment in a way your booking platform permits.

Hi [guest first name], thanks for asking. [Late checkout until [time] is confirmed. / We can't offer late checkout this time because another guest arrives the same day.] [If there's a fee: The cost is [amount], and [how payment works].]

[Optional, when it's declined: You're welcome to leave your bags [luggage option, only if it's really available] until [time].]

Template 4: After checkout

Hi [guest first name], thank you for staying at [property name]. We hope everything went smoothly. If you left anything behind, reply here and we'll help you get it back. We'd love to host you again.

Template 5: Something was left behind

Hi [guest first name], our cleaner found [item] after your stay. We're keeping it safe. We can post it to you for [shipping cost and method], or you can arrange a pickup [how and when]. Just reply with what works best.

Put the same steps in your guest manual and Welcome Book

Guests look for checkout details in the last place they saw them. Use the same short list in your checkout message, the checkout section of your digital guest manual and the checkout page of your printed Welcome Book, so nothing contradicts.

If you offer late checkout as a paid add-on, a digital manual can show it at the right moment, and the host approves each request. See guest add-ons or print a checkout page with the free Welcome Book builder.

• View sample manual 

  See how a guest manual can combine stay details, service context, and mobile-first access.