Is there a need for a checkout guide?

[Lizzie]

Hello everyone,

Over the years I have stayed in quite a few Airbnb as guest and along the way I have noticed that different hosts have varying styles of how they would like their guests to checkout. There are some important pieces of information which are needed, such as where they should  leave the key once they leave.

I wonder do you have a specific process that helps you make it as simple and friendly as possible for you and your guests?

Do you like to personally say goodbye to your guests to ensure that everything has been the way that they like it? Do you provide useful information on what to do with the key or what to do with the linen perhaps?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Lizzie

[Annette315]

Hi Lizzie,

Once I have personally checked in my guests. I make it clear that if I am not around in the morning- that once my lovely guests have taken breakfast to leave the key where they found it is great. If they wish to further explore the fantastic area where I live being The North Laine of Brighton then to leave the key in the room which was issued. They then need to take only the key to the house - which is pointed out - when they return for their luggage it will be in the hallway for collection. The new guest will  then have access the original room and house key.

My lovely friend has written house rules which are extremely polite and that most guests adhere to.

[Nola14]

We have a farmstay so we meet our guests at the front gate to show exit directions in case of fires and explain /show how to lock gate and where to leave key. On day of departure we have a late checkout time so I message in the morning reminding guests of checkout time, ask them to message as they leave, turn off airconditioners, empty dishwasher, take any spare fresh eggs with them if they wish. Also an opportunity to remind them of the feedback form we leave and the online review they will receive from Airbnb and to wish them a safe journey home.

[Patsy22]

I send out two messages before arrival. I host in a ski town-first email arrives immediately after booking providing information on gear rental, weather,airport transport etc. Second message goes out a week before with door codes, check in instructions and check out information. My condo is a whole house listing. I ask my guests to take out trash, start dishwasher, pile used sheets and towels in laundry area and to please start a load of wash if possible. Now I know it sounds like a lot but since I’ve started providing clear instructions and requesting a bit of tidying, guests  have  been wonderful about leaving my place in great shape so cleaners have time to make it sparkling clean. Only a few haven’t complied and that’s ok too.

[Lucy190]

I ask my guests to put used robes and towels in the hamper (no need to strip the bed) turn off all lights/appliances, take out their trash (trash receptacles are on their departure route) and lock the door behind them (code pad). I found by including the "checkout"  page in my house manual it stopped people from piling towels in the shower and leaving trash everywhere. It works as a reminder that this is not a hotel but someone's home.

[Kathryn169]

Check out  instructions are essential for me. I’ve a secluded Airbnb in my large garden minimum 3 days,  that’s often booked. I do the change over and cleaning. A little thing like please throw towels in the shower makes it easy for collection, grey towels by the way not white as I first had. Also please leave the bed made. It’s easier to check for spot soiling if the sheets flat on the bed and not in a pile!

[Kris76]

Kathryn, I also host in the UK and use an app called GuestHug which has automated checkins and detailed checkout guides for guests. Has helped me loads!

[Adam470]

I think AirBnB should add a function like the  check-in guide, that allows the user to run thru the list on their phone. Would be especially helpful for hosts like myself with multiple spaces. We use the Nest X Yale Smart Lock on our spaces. So far so good, very easy to use, however no AirBnB integration yet, but we're told it's coming.

For now, we post our check-out instructions in a nice picture frame at the exit, if we have guests we think might have been messy, or might overstay (self-extend their check-out), we send a message morning or or night before check-out date to ensure they know what to do and when.

[Simha0]

Hi everyone,

I do not have a check out list for my guests, but they all make some effort to leave it a clean as they got it (which is very clean) and we have been blessed with wonderful and clean guests. 

I do however, always have some expectation that they will come to say good bye like they said hello. Some guests we really connect with and I feel a bit let down when they don't come to say they're leaving. I had an inner debate with myself if I should ask them to say bye or just let them be and do as they feel. I also have some sort of concern goodbyes will get awkward since many people hug and I don't feel comfortable hugging (especially men). Hence the inner debate..

After reading  @Rubén 's review I am inclined to ask them to depart personally because for me hosting is very personal and I really like our guests and would like them to say good bye. It is also an opportunity to hear first hand how they felt and not wait for the review.

[Lisa1717]

I am brand new to this

Can someone please explain what charges, fees or membership dues are deemed for arnb host contract?

[Nicole-and-Gabrielle0]

@Lisa-I0 suggest you read the Airbnb Manual before you start hosting and also navigating the website.

[Lisa1717]

Does ARNB habdle the clients payment and then it transfers to my PayPal account? If so, how long until  i get the funds? How much does ARNB receive for this service?

[Nicole-and-Gabrielle0]

@Lisa0the fonds are transferred to PayPal the day of your guest check-in.

[Helen427]

Personally, I try to ensure that when my guest checks out that they leave with a smile!!

[Kathleen128]

We meet them when they check in and give them a brief tour.  At that time I ask them what time they plan to leave in the morning.  I like to take their photo before they leave (I ask for permission) because my Yurt has its own FB page and I like to post their pics (first names only) there.  Even if they decline the photo, we ask them to message when they are leaving.  We live on the property, so we always come out and see them off...often with a group hug!   We usually have to go in and turn off heaters when they leave, grab the trash and the wet towels.

[Peggy91]

I'm feeling a bit harsh now after reading some of these check out guides/instructions.  We provide the check out instructions along with the check in instructions (so I know they have them).  We are in an area that is a high tourist area, so often times we have guests checking out and the next checking in on the same day.  Because of that, we have to ask a bit more of our guest such as loading and starting the dishwasher, putting the first load of towels in the washer & start, and stripping the beds that were slept in.  We provide laundry and dishwasher detergent.  I've not had any complaints, and most guests do even a bit more, i.e. taking all the trash out, etc.   Of course, we have had some who do none of it, but for the most part we have had great guests.  Unfortunately, we never meet our guests as it is a self check in and out.