# Airbnb checkout checklist

> At Airbnb checkout, read the host's checkout instructions first, then pack and sweep every room for chargers and toiletries, take out the trash, load or start the dishwasher if asked, switch off lights, heating and AC, close windows, lock the door and return the keys exactly as the host described. A photo of the tidy rooms and the locked door gives you a record if anything is disputed later.

Every Airbnb host has their own checkout rules, and they're usually buried in a message you read once on arrival. Start by finding that message again. Some hosts want towels on the bathroom floor, some want the dishwasher running, some want nothing touched at all.

Two things matter after that: leaving with everything you brought, and leaving the place the way the host asked. Phone chargers and toiletries are the classic losses. And because you won't be back, a few photos on the way out cost nothing and can save an argument over the deposit or a review.

## First

- [ ] Reread the host's checkout instructions
- [ ] Check the checkout time
- [ ] Note how the keys should be returned: lockbox, key safe, smart lock or in person
- [ ] Plan when you'll pack so you're not rushing at the door

## Sweep for your things

- [ ] Chargers and cables pulled from every outlet (Check behind the bed and the sofa.)
- [ ] Toiletries from the shower and bathroom counter
- [ ] Clothes in drawers, closets and on the back of doors
- [ ] Food you want to keep from the fridge
- [ ] Passport, wallet and documents [worth a photo]
- [ ] Anything left in the safe, if there is one
- [ ] Laptop and tablet [worth a photo]
- [ ] Car keys and house keys from home

## Tidy as asked

- [ ] Trash and recycling out to the right bins
- [ ] Dishes washed or in the dishwasher, as the host prefers
- [ ] Used towels and linens where the host wants them
- [ ] Fridge cleared of your open food
- [ ] Furniture moved back to where it was

## Switch off and close

- [ ] Stove and oven off [worth a photo]
- [ ] Heating or AC set as the host asked [worth a photo]
- [ ] Lights off
- [ ] Taps off [worth a photo]
- [ ] Windows and balcony doors closed and locked [worth a photo]
- [ ] TV and other electronics off

## Leaving

- [ ] A quick photo of each main room (Useful if there's a later question about damage or cleanliness.) [worth a photo]
- [ ] Front door locked [worth a photo]
- [ ] Keys returned the way the host asked [worth a photo]
- [ ] Message the host that you've checked out

## Tips

- Do the sweep for your things before you pack the last bag, not after. Once the bag is zipped, nobody wants to open it again.
- Keep all your chargers in one pouch during the stay. At checkout you only need to count the pouch.
- Take a short photo set on the way out: kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, locked door, keys in the lockbox. It takes a minute and settles most disputes.
- If the host asks for the dishwasher to be started, do it early so you're not waiting on it at the door.

## Questions people ask

### What do I need to do when checking out of an Airbnb?

Follow the host's checkout instructions, which usually include taking out trash, dealing with dishes and towels, switching things off and locking up. Then return the keys exactly as described.

### Should I strip the beds at Airbnb checkout?

Only if the host asks. Many hosts prefer that beds are left as they are, so their cleaners can follow their own routine.

### What if I forget something at an Airbnb?

Message the host through the app as soon as you notice. Most hosts will post items back if you cover the shipping.

### Should I take photos when I check out of an Airbnb?

It's a good habit. Photos of the rooms, the locked door and the returned keys give you a timestamped record if a question about damage or cleanliness comes up later.

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Source: https://getoneloop.app/checklists/airbnb-checkout
One Loop for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-loop-proof-you-did-it/id6802970270