Checkout Instructions for Airbnb: What is Reasonable to Ask?

In the early days of Airbnb, guests were staying in someone's spare room for $40 a night. It was customary for the guest to strip the bed, take out the trash, and sweep the floor before leaving.

In 2026, guests are paying hotel rates and paying a $150+ cleaning fee. The culture has shifted dramatically. If you leave a 10-point chore list for a guest on their final morning, they will feel exploited and they will leave a bad review.

Here is exactly what is reasonable (and unreasonable) to include in your Airbnb checkout instructions.

The "Golden Rule" of Checkout

The guest is on vacation. Let your cleaners do the cleaning.

The only chores you should ask a guest to do are things that prevent damage, prevent pests, or save your cleaners from waiting around unnecessarily.

What is UNREASONABLE to ask:

• "Strip the beds and start a load of laundry." (Guests are trying to pack and catch flights. Do not make them do laundry. Plus, cleaners often need to pre-treat stains before washing sheets; if the guest washes them, the stain sets).
• "Sweep and mop the floors." (This is literally what the cleaning fee pays for).
• "Take all trash to the local city dump." (If you don't have curbside pickup, you must pay your cleaner to haul the trash away. Do not put trash bags in a guest's car).

What is REASONABLE to ask:

A good checkout list should take the guest less than 3 minutes to complete.

1. "Please start the dishwasher." (This is the most common and acceptable request. It ensures the cleaners don't arrive to crusted-on food, and the dishes can wash while they clean the rest of the house).
2. "Please tie up all trash bags and leave them in the green bin outside." (This prevents the house from smelling and prevents ants/pests).
3. "Please turn off all lights and the AC/Heater." (Prevents energy waste).
4. "Please lock the front door." (Security).

That is it. Four bullet points.

When to Send the Checkout Instructions

Do not rely on the guest reading the physical House Manual on their final morning. You must send the instructions directly to their phone.

Use your Property Management System to schedule an automated message.

The timing: Send the message at 4:00 PM the day before checkout. If you wait until 8:00 AM on the day of checkout, they are already panicking about packing and will ignore the message.

The Template:

"Hi [Guest First Name], we hope you've had a wonderful stay! Just a quick reminder that checkout is tomorrow by 11:00 AM.

To help our cleaners prepare for the next guest, we just ask that you do three quick things before you head out:

• Start the dishwasher.
• Ensure the front door is locked behind you.
• Have a safe trip home!

(No need to strip the beds or take out the trash, our team will handle the rest!)"

By explicitly telling them what they don't have to do, you relieve their anxiety and end their stay on a high note, virtually guaranteeing a 5-star review.

Further reading

• How to Manage Cleaning Fees
• How to Handle Early Check-In & Late Check-Out
• The Morning-After Message Strategy

Frequently asked questions

When should I send automated messages to guests? Send messages at 5 key touchpoints: booking confirmation (immediate), pre-arrival instructions (1–2 days before check-in), check-in day welcome, mid-stay check-in (day 2 for stays of 3+ nights), and post-checkout thank you with review request.

How do I handle difficult guest communications? Respond promptly (within 1 hour during business hours), acknowledge the issue, apologize without over-explaining, offer a concrete solution, and follow up to confirm resolution. Keep all communication on the platform for documentation. Never argue or get defensive.

What should I include in my check-in instructions? Include: exact address with parking instructions, access code or key location, Wi-Fi network name and password, thermostat instructions, emergency contact number, house rules summary, and links to your digital house manual. Send 24 hours before check-in.