Airbnb check‑out instructions are the simple, detailed steps you send guests before they leave your property. You tell them what time to leave, what to do before they go, and how to return access to your place. Guests usually see check-out instructions in the Airbnb inbox, scheduled messages, or the house rules section, or in a message the day before the guest leaves.
Most guests receive or see the Airbnb checkout message through the automated messaging system. Guests can also see check‑out instructions in a message sent the night before they leave or in the house rules section of your listing.
When we manage our host property, we have found that most bad check-out experiences stem from unclear instructions. This happens because guests don’t know where to leave the keys, how to handle trash, how to lock up properly, whether to strip the beds, or what to do with trash. If you don’t give them instructions, how do they know? That’s why Airbnb check-out instructions matter for holding reputation.
This simple misunderstanding leads you to a bad review, next check-in delays, and extra cleaning costs. A smart host is always aware of every minor detail. Because they don’t want to compromise the status and year of goodwill they have earned.
At STR Assistance, we manage short-term rental listings daily. Everything in this guide comes from real situations we have handled. We created these ready-to-use Airbnb checkout message templates based on real operations. We have also tested, adjusted, and refined these templates across 200+ stays. And then finally found the templates that consistently improve guest compliance for different property types.
Let’s share with real examples of templates that you can use by just copying, pasting, and adjusting for your property. Along with templates, we’ll also cover what you actually need, such as short vs. detailed instructions, compliance tips, and how to automate checkout messages.
What to Include in Airbnb Check-Out Instructions
Airbnb checkout instructions include the checkout time, cleaning expectations, key & lock instructions, appliances & utilities, and a final property check. Not everything needs to go in your check-out message. Only include what your guests need to do before they leave. Here is a brief summary of what we always put in.
Check-Out Time Reminder
Always write the exact Airbnb check-Out time. “Check out by 11:00 AM” is clear. “Morning check-out” is not. Guests read the fast time that states the number. So give them a number they can act on.
If you allow late check-out, add one short line. Something like this- “Need more time? Message us the night before.” This prevents most late departures before it happens. It also makes guests feel you are approachable.
Cleaning Expectations
Your cleaner arrives right after the guest leaves. Clear expectations help cleaners do their job faster and avoid confusion. Three things to cover:
- Dishes: Tell guests, after using dishes, keep it in one place. Also, they can rinse and load the dishwasher, or just leave them in the sink, either is fine. Just pick one and say it clearly.
- Trash disposal: Tell guests exactly where the bin is and whether they need to bag it. Most guests want to do the right thing. They just need to know the instructions.
- Used towels placement: Request guests to leave their used towels in the bathtub. This tells your cleaner instantly which ones are used and which ones are not.
Keys & Lock Instructions
Tell guests what to do with the key before they walk out of the property. Key and lock instructions like these:
- Leave it on the counter
- Put it back in the lockbox
- Does the smart lock handle it automatically
Say exactly what you want. This one clear instruction removes all the confusion and keeps professionalism.
Appliances & Utilities
Proper instruction keeps your appliance in working order and saves utility bills. So that’s why you ask guests to turn off the lights, fans, AC, and TV before leaving. Each booking is small. But the habit adds up over time. It also protects your property from anything left running by mistake.
Final Property Check
Request them before leaving, take one last look around. If they leave anything behind, it’s usually a charger, shopping, makeup items, bathroom items, or food in the fridge. This reminder helps them show your hospitality, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings from guests.
Also protects you from inconvenience situation later- if a guest later says they lost something, you have proof you asked them to check.
You can follow our Airbnb check-in instructions template guide to set proper expectations before guests arrive.
Airbnb Check-Out Instructions Template (Copy & Paste)
A good check-out message is short, friendly, and tells your guest exactly what to do, nothing more. Here’s an Airbnb check-out message template that’s tested and we use in our daily operation. Just copy it, adjust the details, and you’re done.
1. Standard Friendly Greeting (Small properties, short stays) Template
Hi [Guest Name]
Hope you had a great stay with us!
Check-Out Time: Please check out by 11:00 AM.
Need a little extra time? Send us a message the night before, and we’ll see what we can do.
Before You Go:
- Rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher. Start it if it’s full.
- Bag the trash and leave it by the kitchen bin.
- Leave used towels in the bathtub.
- Switch off the lights, AC, and fans.
- Lock the front door and leave the key on the kitchen counter.
Take a quick look around before you go. Chargers and small items are easy to forget.
Thanks for staying with us. Safe travels!
Warm Regards,
[Your Name / Property Name]
2. Clear and Complete step-by-step (Families, longer stays) Template
Hi [Guest Name],
Thanks for staying at [Property Name]. Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Before you leave:
- Load dishes into the dishwasher and start it
- Bag the trash and leave it outside the front door
- Leave used towels in the bathtub
- Turn off lights, fans, and the AC
- Lock all windows and doors
- Leave the key on the kitchen counter
Need more time? Message us before 8:00 PM, and we will sort it out.
Check the bedroom, bathroom, and fridge before you head out. We keep forgotten items for 7 days.
It was a pleasure having you. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again!
[Your Name / Property Name]
3. Detailed and Professional (Premium listings, multi-property hosts) Closing Message Template
Dear [Guest Name],
Thank you for staying at [Property Name].
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out until 1:00 PM is available. Just message us by 8:00 PM the night before. Before you leave:
Kitchen
- Run the
- dishwasher
- Clear the fridge
- Wipe the counters
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Leave used towels in the bathtub
- Grab all your belongings
Rest of the Property
- Bag the trash and put it in the outside bin
- Turn off lights, AC, and fans
- Lock windows and the front door
- Return the key to the lockbox using code [XXXX]
Any damage or missing items will be reported to Airbnb within 24 hours of check-out.
Left something behind? Contact us straight away, and we will help get it back to you.
Thanks again. Safe travels!
[Your Name]
[Contact Number]
Short vs. Detailed Check-Out Instructions: Which One Is Better?
The check out instructions airbnb depends on your property. Here is how to decide.
Use the short version when your property is simple, your guests are solo or couples, and you have a smart lock. Less to manage means less to explain.
Use detailed instructions when you host families, manage a premium listing, or have specific equipment, such as a pool, hot tub, or a physical key return. More moving parts need more clarity.
Let’s check this quick table for better understanding:
Use Short Version for | Use the Detailed Version for |
1-2 bedroom properties | Families or large groups |
Solo/couple guests | Pools, hot tubs, BBQs |
Smart lock entry | Physical key handoffs |
Cleaner handles checkout | Past checkout problems |
Guests want quick reads | Luxury/premium listings |
Advanced Check-Out Template (For Premium Listings)
High-end guests notice everything. Your check-out message should feel like it came from a host who cares, not a policy sheet printed at a front desk.
This version covers everything- timing penalties, amenity-specific steps, damage policy, and lost property. It protects you without being aggressive. Tone still matters, even in a formal message. Here is the template:
Premium Check-Out Message
Hi [Guest Name],
Thank you for staying at [Property Name]. We hope you had a great time.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you need extra time, message us by 8:00 PM the night before. Late check-outs without approval are charged at $50 per hour.
Before you leave:
Kitchen
- Leave the dishes and run the dishwasher
- Wipe the counters down
- Take any food left in the fridge
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Leave used towels in the bathtub
- Check the drawers and shelves before you pack up
Trash
- Bag everything and place the bins outside in the designated spot
Amenities
- [Hot tub / Pool / BBQ — add your specific steps here]
- Turn off all lights, ceiling fans, and the AC
- Lock every window before you go
Keys and Access
- Lock the front door
- Return the key to the lockbox using code [XXXX]
- Send us a quick message once you are out
Damage and Missing Items
We check the property after every stay. Any damage or missing item gets reported to Airbnb within 24 hours under AirCover. We keep it honest and straightforward.
Forgot Something?
We hold left items for 7 days. Contact us right away and we will sort out the return.
Thanks again for staying. Take care of yourself out there.
[Your Name]
[Contact Number / Email]
Pro Tips to Improve Guest Compliance
These are not generic tips. These are already implemented in day-to-day vacation rental operations across multiple properties with strong results. So, based on real guest behavior and feedback, we’ve found that writing a great template is half the job. Getting guests to actually follow it is the other half. Here’s what works:
- Send a reminder the night before check-out. Most guests forget the message they got at booking.
- Schedule it for 7:00 to 8:00 PM. That timing works best.
- Keep your instructions short enough to read in 30 seconds.
- Use bullet points. Guests scan, they do not read paragraphs.
- Add a photo of the key drop spot. It removes all guesswork.
- Use Airbnb’s scheduled messages or a PMS to automate everything.
- Set it up once, and it sends itself before every check-out.
How to Automate Check-Out Instructions
Airbnb lets you save check-out messages as scheduled templates. They go out automatically before every departure, so it’s not manual sending.
Top tools like Guesty, Hostaway, and Lodgify do the same across multiple listings from one place. And Airbnb itself has a built-in scheduled messages feature.
Here is how it works:
- Go to your Airbnb inbox and open message templates
- Write your check-out message and save it as a template
- Set it to send automatically at a specific time before departure
- It goes out on its own before every booking from that point
If you manage more than one listing, a Property Management System makes this easier.
Here you can consider a professional like STR Assistance. We are a short-term rental virtual assistant company, and our Airbnb virtual assistants handle this for you.
We set up your automated check-out messages as one of the first things we handle. Not only this, but we also write your Airbnb message templates, schedule them, and manage your guest communication.
We also handle cleaning management, dynamic pricing, listing management, and Airbnb dispute support to help you build a strong reputation.
So you can run the business, and we take care of the operations.
Real Examples of Good Check-Out Instructions
Here’s how the same core message looks across three different property types. Same goal and different tone and depth. Here’s the real Airbnb check out message example:
Example 1: Simple, No-Fuss Property
Hey Sarah! Hope you enjoyed your stay. Quick check-out note:
- Check out by 11 AM
- Leave dishes in the sink
- Toss trash in the bin by the door
- Lock up and leave the key on the counter
That’s it! Safe travels.
Example 2: Professional Mid-Range Listing
Hi James,
Thank you for staying at Maple Street Apartment. Here are your check-out steps for tomorrow:
Check Out: 11:00 AM
(Late check-out available until 1:00 PM — just message us to confirm)
Before you leave:
- Dishes — please load into the dishwasher and start it
- Trash — bag and leave by the front door
- Towels — leave in the bathroom on the floor
- Lights & AC — please switch off before leaving
- Keys — leave on the kitchen counter and lock the door behind you
Don’t forget to double-check for personal items — especially chargers and anything in the nightstand.
It’s been great having you. Leave us a review, and we’d love to host you again!
— The Maple Street Team
Example 3: Luxury Property
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Thompson,
It has been our pleasure to host you at Villa Serenova. As your departure approaches, we’d like to share the following:
Checkout Time: 11:00 AM
(Complimentary late checkout until 1:00 PM is available upon request — please notify us by 8:00 PM the evening prior.)
Departure Checklist:
- Kitchen: Please leave dishes in the dishwasher. Discard any remaining food items.
- Linens & Towels: Leave in place — our team will take care of everything.
- Hot Tub: Please ensure the cover is securely replaced.
- Climate & Lighting: Set the thermostat to 74°F and switch off all exterior lights.
- Access: Lock the front entrance and return the key card to the welcome tray by the entrance.
If you’ve misplaced any items or require assistance before departure, please call our concierge line directly.
Thank you for choosing Villa Serenova. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Warm regards,
The Villa Serenova Host Team
Final Thoughts
Your check-out instructions are one of the smallest things you write as a host, and one of the most high-impact. Using a clear Airbnb checkout instructions template helps you prevent uncertain issues (Late check-outs, mess left behind). It also keeps your cleaner on schedule and leaves your guest with a good final impression. The final good impression drove 5-star reviews.
Use the Airbnb check-out template in this guide as your starting point. Send a reminder the night before. Automate it so it runs without you. Then adjust based on what you actually see from your guests – not what you assume. If you want your short-term rental operation to be hassle-free, hire professional Airbnb VAs to take on your management, coordination, and communication. So you can focus on what actually grows your rental business.
