Per Hour or Fixed Fee for early/late in-person check-in/check-out?

[Muslim4]

It is happening very often, now almost every guest has either one of those (early/late check-in/check-out). 

Since I have only in-person check-in/check-out, I always ask each guest before the confirmation. It is also clearly written in the House Rules and in the automatic online Welcome Message that extra fee is charged for each early/late hour. I've also added it to "Other Thins to Note". No, some guests don't even notice that! 

I often tend not to ask for extra fees if it's one or two hours (public transportation has limited working hours in our city, so I have no other choice, but to use expensive taxi to get to/from the unit), but when guests arrive or leave too early or late, it's becoming too difficult to get to/from the apartment and change my plans each time.   

I even decided to put it to the main listing description, despite there's limited space there. Hope it'll be more noticeable. I'm also thinking of switching to the fixed fee, because guest complain that it's too expensive and a few hours rate is often almost a nightly rate level. 

What I'm wondering is that do other hosts have clear rules and do you follow them? Do you set an hourly extra fee or a fixed fee? What do you usually do if a guest doesn't agree to pay because he/she thinks the price is unreasonable? If it's already after a booking is confirmed, do you refer to the House Rules? 

[Emiel1]

@Muslim4 

IMO your check-in/check-out times are too limited. 

Guest can not check-in in the evening or leave before 10:00 AM.

BTW Why do you need to be there "in person" at check-out ? 

Maybe find more flexable and less stressful way to have guests check-in/check out (automatic doorlock etc.. ) ?

[Elaine701]

@Muslim4 

I try to be flexible. If I can accommodate their check in / check out needs, I will do it. If not, I tell them I can't.

Also, charging for every little thing isn't very hospitable. For example, is that $5 really so important? The most desirable guest types may just find it irritating. But the least desirable guest types might actually expect it - they also won't care if they leave the place in a mess or leave ketchup stains on the sofa. They paid the extra $5 after all.

[Bharat71]

@Muslim4 You are absolutely right, as early and late check-ins, despite the posting of clear rules in multiple places, which is great.

Unfortunately, many guests don’t read everything carefully. Due to multiple factors and situations like booking on the go on mobile, limited bandwidth, and I can totally understand that travel can be stressful to some, I endeavour to find what goes on the other side and try to create systems which are helpful to all stakeholders, as I would rather spend my time on productive issues, and avoid conflicts.

Here are a few ideas that might help:

1. Set clear expectations upfront: Mention your check-in/check-out policy and any fees in the first message when a guest enquires. This reduces surprises later.

2. Consider a fixed fee: Many hosts find a flat fee easier for guests to understand and accept, compared to hourly charges.

3. Use Airbnb’s Resolution Centre: If a guest agrees to pay, send the request through Airbnb for transparency.

4. If a guest refuses after booking: Refer politely to your House Rules and listing description. If they still disagree, you can decline the request for early/late check-in.

5. Explore digital tools for flexibility: (MY PERFERENCE) When I stayed at Airbnbs in Malaysia and Switzerland, the experience was super easy because hosts used smart solutions like digital locks, digital gates, remote cameras on door, remote speaker communication systems, and number-locked mailboxes. These tools allow secure self-check-in and reduce stress for both hosts and guests.

I’m currently on a break from hosting short stays due to local laws, but these tools are definitely worth considering if regulations allow.

They save time and make hosting much smoother and enjoyable.

Hope this helps!

Do share your feedback on my suggestions and oblidge.

I would certainly like to know from other hosts how about the processes, equipments, they use and if they charge hourly or fixed rates!

[Frances3408]

@Muslim4 . I'm not sure if your listings are difficult for guests to access by themselves?

I worked out before I started hosting that I didnt want to worry about guests turning up when they said they would or checking out when they said they would either. So I had owners invest in smart locks. It has paid for itself many times over in both time savings and reduced stress. I personally see only about 20% of guests and not always at check in but I'm usually available. 

I also set my rates to reflect that flexibility, rather than charge an extra fee.

By the way, your rental unit listing shows 0 bath- you might want to fix that. Hope this helps 🙂