Giving your Airbnb guests clear checkout instructions rounds off the experience correctly and could bode well for good reviews and loyal customers in the future.
Ongoing feedback about unreasonable guest checkout requests has prompted Airbnb to set guidelines for hosts to improve their checkout process.
Airbnb advises that guests must be aware of the checkout rules before they book.
“Guests should not have to do unreasonable checkout tasks such as stripping the beds, doing the laundry, or vacuuming when leaving their Airbnb. But we think it’s reasonable to ask guests to turn off the lights, throw food in the trash, and lock the doors—just like they would when leaving their own home,” says Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.
What Are Airbnb Checkout Instructions?
With that said, lets take look at what your checkout process should entail. Your Airbnb checkout instructions provide your guests with all the info they need to leave your Airbnb safely.
Checkout instructions typically include:
- Checkout time and date
- Lockup instructions
- Key handover instructions
- Cleaning instructions
- Contact information.
Sending guests Airbnb Checkout Instructions has many benefits and ensures that guests know exactly what is expected of them, avoiding confusion or misunderstandings and leading to a better guest experience.
- It prepares your vacation house for your next guests
- It ensures a proper guest send-off
- It encourages more positive reviews
- It eliminates confusion
When to send Guests Their Checkout Instructions?
Hosts should err on the side of caution and repeat instructions multiple times to prevent them from going unnoticed. Notify guests of the essential checkout information before they even arrive. Include the checkout time in your:
Hosts can also set up an automated message to remind guests of the checkout instructions closer to the end of their stay.
Vacation rental software iGMS automates all your communication regarding guest check-in and checkout instructions. For example, it allows hosts to set up automated guest messaging so that hosts can set it and forget it while the software takes care of the hard work.
Helpful Details to include in your checkout instructions are:
1. Checkout Date and Time
The checkout date and time are the most crucial information to communicate to guests. It ensures hosts have enough time to prepare for their next guests.
2. Cleaning and laundry instructions
The cleaning instructions you choose to include in your checkout information will vary depending on whether you charge cleaning fees or market your Airbnb rental as a luxury accommodation option.
It is in bad taste if a cleaning fee is charged and guests are asked to clean the whole house.
3. Switching off appliances
Before your guests lock up your house, you will need to instruct them which appliances and electronics need to be switched off. For example, lights might be obvious, but asking them to switch off the fridge for your cleaning service might not.
4. Final check for forgotten items
Forgotten items are more difficult to return once your guests have left your vacation house, so a quick reminder in your checkout instructions is a smart idea.
5. Locking up
Remind guests to close all windows and lock the door. This instruction may be relaxed or skipped if you or your staff are always present at the property.
6. Key exchange
Since your guests will have the keys to the vacation house during their stay, they will need instructions on how to return them when they leave.
Alternatively, if you opt for automated smart locks like EveryDoor to give guests instant access, you can simply inform your guests that they just need to ensure the door is closed and locked when they leave.
7. Review reminder
Since the main benefit of checkout instructions is to get guests to leave on a positive note, it’s a great opportunity also to ask or remind them to leave a review for your Airbnb.
8. Contact Details
Lastly, include your contact details so that guests can reach you. You could also have your website address so they can make a direct booking if they want to return.