Check-out instructions
Check-out instructions that take two minutes, not an hour.
Guests dislike long chore lists, and Airbnb now limits what hosts can ask. A short, clear list keeps your home safe and your reviews kind.
Short answer
Give the check-out time and three to five light tasks: lock up, leave the keys, close windows, turn off heating or air conditioning, and put rubbish in the bins at the house. Do not ask for cleaner-type tasks such as stripping beds or washing up.
An example list
Check-out by 11:00
- Close the windows and lock the balcony door
- Turn the heating down to 16°
- Put rubbish in the bins by the gate
- Leave the keys on the kitchen table and pull the front door shut
That's it. Leave the beds and towels as they are. Safe travels.
In a Welcomefold guide, each line becomes a tick box on the guest's phone, so guests can work through it while they pack.
Which tasks are fair to ask
| Usually fine | Airbnb says generally not |
|---|---|
| Lock doors and windows | Strip the beds |
| Turn off lights, heating or air conditioning | Wash and put away dishes |
| Leave the keys in a set place | Take rubbish offsite |
| Put rubbish in the bins at the home | Tasks that take significant effort or time |
The right-hand column comes from Airbnb's "Reasonable house rules and requests" article, which applies to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026. It also says requests must be shown in your listing before booking. Check the article for the full wording.
A check-out message template
Send this the evening before departure:
Hi [guest name], we hope you have had a lovely stay. A reminder that check-out is at [11:00] tomorrow. Before you go, please: - [close the windows] - [turn the heating down] - [leave the keys on the kitchen table] The full list is in your guide: [guide link] Safe travels, and thank you for staying with us. [your name]
Tips that cut down problems
- Explain the one thing that matters most. If the key must go back in the key box, say so first.
- Say what not to do. "Leave the beds as they are" saves guests from guessing.
- Late check-out: say how to ask and by when.
- Keep the list the same in your listing, your guide and your message.
Source: Airbnb Help Centre: Reasonable house rules and requests. Checked 24 October 2026.
Questions hosts ask
What are standard Airbnb check-out instructions?
The check-out time, then a few light tasks: lock up, return the keys, turn off heating or air conditioning, close windows and put rubbish in the bins at the home.
Can I ask guests to start the dishwasher?
Airbnb lists washing and putting away dishes as a task hosts generally cannot ask for under its policy for bookings made from 20 November 2026. Read the help article and decide carefully; the safest choice is to leave dishes to your cleaner.
When should I send check-out instructions?
Have them in your listing and guide from the start, then send a short reminder the evening before departure.