Why Airbnb Check-Out Instructions Matter (And How to Automate Them)

Marifil Limpahan
Jan 16
3 min read

Airbnb Check-Out Instructions: How to Ensure a Smooth Guest Departure

Clear Airbnb check-out instructions are one of the most underrated tools in a successful short-term rental business. When guests know exactly what to do before leaving, your property stays in great condition, your cleaners stay on schedule, and your reviews stay strong.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to write effective Airbnb check-out instructions, what to include, and how Guesty can automate the entire process so nothing gets missed even on back-to-back bookings.

Why Airbnb Check-Out Instructions Matter

A guest’s final moments at your property heavily influence their review. Confusing or unclear departure instructions can create unnecessary stress and leave guests rushing or worse, leaving things undone.

Well-written check-out instructions help you:

Protect your property
Maintain consistent cleaning standards
Avoid last-minute guest messages
Create a polished, professional hosting experience

They also signal that you’re an organized, thoughtful host something guests appreciate and reward with 5-star reviews.

How to Write Airbnb Check-Out Instructions That Actually Work

1. Keep Them Clear and Concise

Avoid long paragraphs or vague wording. Use short sentences or bullet points so guests can quickly scan and follow instructions.

Think: What would I want to see if I were leaving early for a flight?

2. Include Only What’s Necessary

Guests shouldn’t feel like they’re doing chores, but they should know what’s expected.

Focus on:

Timing
Security
Basic tidying
Anything that affects your cleaners or next guest

3. Double-Check for Accuracy

Small errors (wrong times, outdated lock instructions) can cause big frustrations. Walk through your instructions step by step and confirm everything is still accurate.

What to Include in Airbnb Check-Out Instructions

Check-Out Time

Always be explicit.

Examples:

“Check-out is at 11:00 AM.”
“Late check-out is not available unless approved in advance.”

Pro tip: Late check-out can be offered as a paid upsell.

Keys or Smart Locks

If you use a smart lock (recommended), keep it simple:

“Please lock the door by pressing any key on the keypad.”

If keys are involved, clearly explain:

Where they go
How many sets
Any lockbox codes

Dishes & Light Tidying

Set realistic expectations.

Examples:

“Please load used dishes into the dishwasher.”
“Trash can be placed in the bin outside.”

Avoid asking guests to do deep cleaning, it often backfires.

Linens & Towels

Be specific so guests don’t guess.

Examples:

“Please leave used towels in the bathroom.”
“No need to strip the beds, we’ll handle it.”

Thermostat & Lights

Small details protect your utility costs.

Examples:

“Set the thermostat to 72°F before leaving.”
“Turn off lights and appliances.”

Security & Final Walkthrough

Encourage guests to leave the space as they found it.

Examples:

“Please return any moved items to their original place.”
“Ensure doors and windows are locked.”

Sample Airbnb Check-Out Instructions

Example 1: Simple & Friendly

Thanks again for staying with us! Just a reminder that check-out is tomorrow at 11:00 AM. Before leaving, please load used dishes into the dishwasher, turn off lights, and lock the door using the keypad. Safe travels, we hope to host you again!

Example 2: Clear & Structured

Thank you for staying with us! To ensure a smooth departure, please:

• Check out by 11:00 AM

• Place used towels in the bathroom

• Load dishes into the dishwasher

• Turn off lights and appliances

• Lock the door before leaving

We appreciate your help and hope you enjoyed your stay!

Example 3: Detailed (For Larger Homes)

Thank you for staying with us! Please depart by 11:00 AM and complete the following before leaving:

• Place used towels in the laundry area

• Load and start the dishwasher

• Take trash to the outdoor bin

• Set thermostat to 72°F

• Lock all doors and windows

Thanks again, we wish you safe travels!

Automate Airbnb Check-Out Instructions with Guesty

Manually sending check-out messages is easy to forget especially when managing multiple listings. With Guesty, you can automate check-out instructions so every guest receives them at the perfect time.

With Guesty, you can:

Automatically send check-out messages the night before departure
Customize instructions by property
Coordinate cleaner schedules
Sync messaging across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com

This ensures consistency, reduces guest questions, and keeps operations running smoothly even if you’re offline.

Final Thoughts

Clear Airbnb check-out instructions create better guest experiences and smoother turnovers. When guests know exactly what to do, they leave happy, and your property stays protected.

To recap: