What should Airbnb check-out instructions include?

The check-out time, how to return the keys, and a short list of quick tasks such as stripping the beds, starting the dishwasher, taking out the trash, and turning off the lights and AC. Keep it light — guests are paying to stay, not to clean.

Should I ask guests to clean before check-out?

Ask only for small courtesies — dishes, trash, used towels. Heavy cleaning is what your cleaning fee covers, and a long chore list is a common source of poor reviews.

Where do check-out instructions go?

In your welcome book and in your check-out-day message, so guests have them both at the property and on their phone.

← The Check-in Guide Free tools · Check-out instructions

Check-out Instructions Generator

A short, friendly check-out list — the small courtesies, not a chore sheet. Pick the tasks that apply, add your own, then copy or print it for your welcome book.

Check-out by

How to return the keys

Where the trash goes (optional)

Check-out tasks

Strip beds / towels in bathroom Dishes / dishwasher Turn off AC & lights Close windows & lock up Tidy the kitchen

Your own steps (one per line)

How to use it

Add your check-out time and how guests should return the keys.
Tick the small tasks you'd like guests to do, and add any of your own.
Copy the instructions into your welcome book — and drop them in your check-out-day message too.

Keep it light

Guests are paying to stay, not to clean. Ask only for small courtesies — dishes, trash, used towels, lights off — and let your cleaning fee cover the rest. A long chore list is one of the most common reasons for a lower review. Clear, kind check-out steps belong in every welcome book.

Frequently asked questions

What should check-out instructions include?
The check-out time, how to return the keys, and a few quick tasks — beds, dishes, trash, lights and AC off.

Should I ask guests to clean?
Only small courtesies. Heavy cleaning is what your cleaning fee is for.

Where do they go?
In your welcome book and your check-out-day message, so guests have them at the property and on their phone.

Check-out is one page. We design all twelve.

Welcome note, Wi-Fi, house rules, your food picks, check-out — written and designed into a book that reads like you.

Build my welcome book — $49 once

A free tool from The Check-in Guide — designed welcome books for short-term rental hosts. See our house rules generator and Wi-Fi QR code generator too.