Airbnb checkout instructions should answer three questions: what time to leave, what small tasks matter, and how to secure the property. Anything beyond that deserves scrutiny.
Airbnb currently lets hosts specify tasks such as returning keys, locking up, turning things off, disposing of rubbish, and gathering used towels. The platform's own hosting guidance also recommends keeping checkout simple and considering whether each chore feels like a five-star experience.
The simple Airbnb checkout template
Checkout is by [time].
Before you go, please:Leave used towels [in the bathroom / in the basket].Put rubbish in [location] and leave dishes [in the dishwasher / rinsed in the sink].Turn off [heating, air-conditioning, lights, or specific appliances].Close the windows, lock [doors/gate], and leave the key [location].
That's all—we'll handle the cleaning. Message us when you're on your way, and travel safely.
If a step requires more than one sentence, put the details in your house manual and link to it. Checkout morning is not the moment for a wall of text.
What to include
1. One exact checkout time
Write “Checkout is by 11:00 a.m.” rather than “Please leave in the morning.” If late checkout may be available, explain how and when to request it. Do not imply approval until you have confirmed the cleaning schedule.
2. Only tasks that prevent a real problem
A useful task prevents pests, water damage, energy waste, lost keys, or a delayed turnover. Taking rubbish to the bin may be reasonable at a remote cabin. Asking guests to wash, dry, and put away every dish before an early flight probably is not.
3. A precise key and lock process
“Leave the key behind” is risky. Say where: in the lockbox, on the entry table, or with building staff. If the door self-locks, tell guests not to leave the key inside until all bags are out.
4. A friendly final line
The last message should not feel like a demand letter. Thank the guest, tell them what your team will handle, and give them a simple way to report damage or maintenance issues privately.
Examples for different properties
Apartment
Checkout is by 10:00 a.m. Please load used dishes into the dishwasher, place rubbish in the bin room opposite the lift, switch off the AC, and leave both keys on the entry table. Pull the door firmly behind you—it locks automatically.
Beach house
Checkout is by 11:00 a.m. Please shake sand from beach gear outside, return the umbrella to the utility room, place rubbish in the blue bins beside the gate, close the windows, and return the key to the lockbox. We'll take care of linens and cleaning.
Cabin
Checkout is by 10:00 a.m. Make sure the fire is fully out, set the thermostat to 16°C/60°F, take rubbish to the animal-proof bin, close all windows, and lock the front door. Leave the key in the lockbox and scramble the code.
Minimal checkout
Checkout is by noon. Please close the windows, switch off the lights, and lock the door behind you. Leave everything else to us. Thank you for staying.
When to send checkout instructions
- Before booking: Airbnb says checkout instructions are visible before booking, so keep platform details current and do not hide material chores.
- In the welcome book: Include the full, stable version somewhere guests can find during the stay.
- The evening before checkout: Send a short reminder with the time and link.
- After departure: Thank the guest; do not mix a review request with a last-minute chore list.
Airbnb supports scheduled quick replies based on checkout. Use placeholders for the guest's name, date, and checkout time, but read the final message as a guest would. Automation should still sound human.
The checkout-chore test
For every requested task, ask:
- Was this disclosed before booking?
- Can an unfamiliar guest complete it safely in under two minutes?
- Does it prevent damage, pests, or a genuine operational problem?
- Would I still ask for it if I were paying the listed cleaning fee?
If the answer is no, move the task to your cleaning checklist. For ready-to-edit wording, use our free checkout-instructions generator.
Sources: Airbnb's check-in and checkout instructions help and Airbnb's guide to an easier arrival and departure.
Put checkout in the right place. The Check-in Guide creates a guest-ready book from your listing, so departure details sit alongside the information guests use throughout the stay.