Host reviews are important on Airbnb because they build trust with potential guests, increase bookings and income, improve search rankings, and provide hosts with valuable feedback for improvement.
When hosts provide positive feedback by mentioning details, guests feel valued and may rebook. Also, it increases the chance of getting positive feedback in return. For constructive negative feedback, guests get the chance to improve themselves and help other hosts screen guests properly.
But how to write proper and structured feedback? Today, we will be talking about how you can write a review on Airbnb as a host.
We will share some statistics on why hosts should write reviews regularly, what is the best time is to write a review, and how you can write using your desktop or mobile. The best part? You will get some ready-made review templates that you can use to save your time.
What Is an Airbnb Host Review?
An Airbnb host review is the feedback from the host about the guest’s behavior and how they have been staying in the property, either good or bad.
When a guest leaves a property, the host has the right to share feedback about how the guest has been.
Guests who have followed the house rules properly, behaved well with the hosts and neighbors, and did not violate Airbnb’s policy get positive reviews from the host. With positive reviews, other hosts can feel relieved, and it increases the likelihood of getting more bookings for the guest.
But there can be guests who violate Airbnb laws; even squatters can come to the space and make it problematic for the host. By sharing these reviews, other hosts can get to know about the guest and become alert.
When a guest gives a review for the hosts, it is about their comfort, host communication, property facilities, and areas for the host’s improvement. A host review is more about the guest’s behavior and their stay.
However, hosts have 30 days to write a review about the guests. Once they publish the review, it stays permanently unless it violates any Airbnb policy or the host wants to remove it. The host’s review is displayed on the guest’s profile. Other hosts can check the reviews.
Why Airbnb Hosts Should Write Reviews for Guests?
Airbnb hosts who responsibly write reviews to contribute to the Airbnb community first, also for other hosts to screen bookings properly. Writing valid reviews enhances the platform’s visibility, too. For the hosts themselves, giving regular feedback, Airbnb sees them as active hosts and gives a better chance to become eligible for Superhost, get repeat stays that lead to more earnings, and a higher occupancy rate.
Airbnb, in its Airbnb Reviews Policy, shares that to build trust and prove authenticity, it facilitates giving reviews from both hosts and guests.
- When hosts leave guest reviews, this gives more visibility for their listing in search results, and Airbnb assumes them as active hosts. According to statistics, active hosts see up to 20-30% more bookings.
- 72% of short-term rental travelers return within 5 years, and if they get constructive feedback or positive host reviews, they may rebook the property.
- It helps other hosts with Airbnb guest screening. Hosts can get guest history and take better pre-booking decisions.
- With constructive reviews, guests try to be more responsible throughout their stay.
- Hosts’ reviews can work like a reciprocity action from the guest, as by getting a good review, they feel encouraged to leave one for the host and repeat booking.
When Should an Airbnb Host Leave a Review?
Airbnb hosts have a 14-day window after guest checkout to leave a review. You will get notifications in your email on the morning of checkout (in the property’s timezone), according to Airbnb.
Reviews are published immediately if both parties submit before the deadline. Or it can be automatically published after 14 days.
The best time to give a review is within the first 24-48 hours after checkout. This is the perfect time to assess the property fully and send thank-you notes to good guests. The Host can also ask for feedback from the guest and encourage mutual reviews.
There is no direct penalty for the host or guest if they do not give a review. It shows a blank for the non-reviewer. Also, when hosts do not provide any review, it leaves guests unvetted for future hosts. This harms host ratings without a counterbalance.
What Happens If an Airbnb Host Doesn’t Leave a Review?
Airbnb opened the review section so hosts and guest can share their feedbacks, which open an area for improvement. Guests can know if they have any shortcomings, and other hosts can know how the guest is. So, when hosts do not share reviews, they lose their chance to share their experience.
The profile of the host seems incomplete. That is not a good impression on the Airbnb platform. This is also a good chance to build credibility and show the activity in the STR platforms. Also, leaving reviews regularly can boost the chance of getting Superhost status.
Also, if there are any guests who are problematic, like squatters or party freaks, when hosts do not share such kind of experiences, for other hosts it becomes difficult to screen the guests.
How to Write a Review on Airbnb as a Host (Step-By-Step)
You can write reviews from your mobile, desktop, whether Android or iOS, very easily. Here, check the steps.
From Desktop
To check if you can still write a review on a desktop, follow these steps:
- Go to your Profile and click on Reviews.
- Select Reviews by you to see all the reservations where you can leave feedback.
- If the reservation is listed under Reviews to write, you still have time to submit your review.
- If it appears under Expired reviews, the 14-day review window has closed. So you can no longer write one.
Airbnb recommends that hosts can also check through Trips. Simply open your past trip, and Airbnb will show whether the review option is still available.
From Mobile App
To check if you can still write a review on the mobile browser:
- Tap Profile and go to Reviews.
- Select Reviews by you to see all reservations where you can leave feedback.
- If the stay shows up under Reviews to write, you can still submit your review.
- If it appears under Expired reviews, the 14-day window has closed, and you can’t leave a review anymore.
How do Airbnb Host reviews work?
Airbnb reviews use a double-blind system. Both guests and hosts review each other after a stay. The feedback is kept private until both have submitted theirs or the 14-day window closes.
An Airbnb host can leave a review in three sections: Star review, Public review, and Private.
Star review
You will get to see three categories: Cleanliness, Communication, and Observance of House rules, where the host can give stars ranging from 1 to 5. These reviews give a quick insight into the guest.
- Cleanliness indicates whether the guest left the space clean, or it was messy, or any damage occurred.
- Communication, as in how the guest communicates with the host. Is it polite or aggressive? Did the guest ask any queries or share concerns?
- Observance of House Rules. Did the guest follow the house rules properly, like maintaining quiet hours, no parties, or anything specific?
Public
There is a box-type section where the host can share a review that is publicly visible, and the word length is 1000. Here is how the hosts submit the review, but the guest still did not share any feedback, then the host can edit or change the review. For this, you will get 48 hours.
The guest gets two weeks to reply to the host review. There are no specific rules for giving a reply; some can simply thank or give broad explanations.
Both guests and hosts must follow the Airbnb review policy guidelines when writing a review.
Private Feedback
If any host wants to share feedback in private, then there is an option too. The host can suggest any improvements or any dissatisfactions. Also, can appreciate simply saying “Thank You” to the guest.
Can Airbnb Hosts Edit or Delete a Review After Posting?
No, Airbnb hosts cannot edit or delete a review after it has been automatically published.
There is a 14-day writing review for both host and guest. If a host submits a review, and the guest has not replied yet, then the host gets a chance to edit the review. But if the guest replies to the comment, then the host can not change the review. Negative reviews cannot be removed.
Also, after 14 days, the review automatically gets published, then a host cannot delete it. Airbnb can remove a review if it violates Airbnb policies.
What to Include in a Constructive Airbnb Host Review
When you are about to give a review about your guest, instead of just saying thank you or showing your anger, be more constructive and specific. In this way, Airbnb will take you as a serious host, and chances will be less that your guest becomes furious with you. But how to do it? Here, check the tips.
Positive Guest Review Elements
When you are happy with your guest, we recommend writing a review in natural words about what you are actually feeling. Were the guests well behaved? Mention it nicely, and thank them. Or have they followed the house rules properly? This is a great thing to mention and show your gratitude.
Do not forget to mention that the guests are always welcome. By showing you want the guest back, they will really feel valued and chances of repeat booking.
Also, start writing the review with a simple and warm thank-you note. Always be honest, and try not to exaggerate things. Do not overappreciate or praise unnecessarily.
For Neutral or Mixed Experiences
Always begin with what went well. This keeps the tone balanced and fair. A mixed review should be brief and to the point.
Focus on what actually happened, no exaggeration or personal comments.
Example of what to mention:
- communication issues
- minor rule breaks
- small cleanliness problems
- late check-out
- things that caused mild inconvenience
How to Write a Negative Review as an Airbnb Host?
Negative reviews do not mean you need to share negative or harsh words. You need to remember that your guest satisfaction is your top priority, and unless they have created a serious issue, try to leave a review that is not hurtful.
If you found something negative about the guest’s stay, stay with a polite, warm thank you tone for choosing your space, then give the feedback. Keep emotions out of the review. Write what actually happened without exaggeration. Use neutral words: “concern,” “issue,” “challenge,” instead of harsh language. Also, give specific examples to help other hosts understand the real problem.
Acknowledge any positives (if any). Never insult the guest or comment on appearance or character.
Airbnb Host Review Examples
The best is to write your real experience with the words that you feel. Those real words with emotion would connect your guests more. Here are some templates that are in the tone you can easily use, modify, or change while writing for your guests.
1. Warm & Simple
“Great guest! Communication was easy, they followed all the house rules, and left the place spotless. I’d be happy to host them again anytime.”
2. Friendly & Natural
“They were super polite and kept the space clean. Check-in and check-out were smooth, and they respected the quiet hours. Would definitely recommend them to other hosts.”
3. Professional but Human
“Lovely guest. They were easy to talk to, took care of the property, and everything was left in perfect condition. I’d gladly welcome them back.”
Neutral Review Template for Airbnb Hosts
When giving a neutral review, stay fair, but point out your objections too.
1. Mixed but Fair
“The stay was okay overall. Communication was fine, but there were a couple of small issues with cleanliness. Nothing major, just a few things to improve for future stays.”
2. Balanced & Calm
“Communication was good, but a few house rules were missed. Not a big problem, just something to keep in mind. The stay was generally smooth.”
3. Honest but Soft
“Everything went mostly well. There were some minor oversights during check-out, but the guest was responsive when contacted. A decent experience overall.”
Negative Review Template for Airbnb Hosts
Negative reviews should not sound harsh, but rather polite.
1. Clear & Honest
“This guest did not follow several house rules, and communication was difficult. The space needed extra cleaning after checkout. I wouldn’t host again.”
2. Polite but Firm
“Unfortunately, the stay wasn’t smooth. There were repeated issues with rules and late check-out. The place was left in poor condition. I cannot recommend this guest.”
3. Short & Direct
“There were major issues with cleanliness and respect for house rules. The experience was challenging, and I wouldn’t host this guest again.”
Tips for Airbnb Hosts to Write Better Reviews
When writing an Airbnb review, always stay honest and be respectful toward your guests. Here are some tips that will help you write better reviews and build trust in the Airbnb community.
- Address common guest issues.
- Talk about cleanliness.
- Comment on the guest’s communication skills.
- Try to customize your reviews.
- Keep your focus on specific details.
- Try to mention the specific problem to help other hosts.
- Mention timeliness and checkout process.
- Set proper and accurate expectations.
Common Mistakes Airbnb Hosts Should Avoid in Reviews
One of the common mistakes is being vague. Instead of saying “fine,” write something clear like “left the place tidy.” Simple details help future hosts understand what to expect. Also, when hosts delay more than 24-48 hours post-checkout, and they miss the mutual review sync.
Statistics show Airbnb flags ~15-20% of disputed reviews.
What Not to Say in an Airbnb Host Review
Avoid threats, discrimination, personal attacks, or demands. It is better to stick to facts like “exceeded occupancy by 2 guests.” Do not reference pricing/refunds or off-platform contact. This type of communication violates policy and leads to auto-removal.
How Often Should Airbnb Hosts Leave Guest Reviews?
Hosts should review 100% of guests, even one-night stays. This is because 90% of hosts follow this and reject unreviewed guests automatically. If hosts skip reviews, this can reduce platform activity signals. As a result, it drops search visibility by up to 20%. But consistent reviewers see 72% repeat guest potential.
How to Write a Review for Guests Who Violate Airbnb Rules
Start by documenting facts only. For example, “The guest hosted an unauthorized party and broke quiet hours. My noise monitor also showed loud noise around 85 dB.”
Rate honestly, 3-4 stars for minor issues without exaggeration to avoid disputes.
Can Hosts Remove a Review from Their Airbnb Property Listing?
Hosts cannot self-remove reviews. But reviews can get flagged via Airbnb if they violate policy. Reviews become permanent once posted (post-14 days). The host can not edit.
Can a Host Review Affect a Guest’s Airbnb Rating?
No, a host’s review does not directly affect a guest’s “overall” Airbnb rating. Guest and host reviews are tracked separately.
However, a host’s review can be visible to other hosts. This can impact a guest’s ability to get future bookings if the review is negative. Hosts can also see feedback from previous stays on a guest’s profile. Negative feedback appears next to a warning icon.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb has a review section both for hosts and guests to build trust in the community. Like guests get the chance to share their experience in Airbnb by leaving reviews, hosts also have the right.
When a guest checks out within a 14-day window, hosts have the time to leave a review on the guest’s behavior, their stay, and anything important to share. By this, most hosts, when screening, can get valuable information.
Also, when guests find out hosts have noticed their good behavior and get praise, they feel happy and, in return, give a good review for the host. Airbnb sees these kinds of hosts as active and gives them the chance to get Superhost status.
To write a review, always stay honest, express your words simply by staying respectful and polite. Share small details and show your gratitude. You can use the templates, but it is best to customize them for your guests.
