Write your review directly in the Airbnb app or website after checkout
You can leave a review on Airbnb within 30 days after your checkout date. Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com, find the listing you stayed at under "Trips," and select "Write a review." You'll see a form where you rate the property on a scale of one to five stars and write your comments in a text box. The review becomes visible to other guests once you submit it—you cannot edit it after posting, though you can contact Airbnb support to request removal in rare cases.
The window to review closes 30 days after you leave. If you miss that important date, you won't be able to post a review for that stay. Hosts can also leave reviews of you during the same 30-day window, and both reviews typically appear on the listing or profile at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You have 30 days after checkout to write and submit your review through the Airbnb app or website.
- Your review includes a star rating (one to five) and written comments about your stay.
- Reviews cannot be edited after you submit them, so proofread before posting.
- Your review and the host's review of you typically appear together on the listing or profile.
- Hosts can see your review before it publishes if you mention them by name or reference specific incidents.
Finding the review form in your account
Log into your Airbnb account and go to "Trips" (on the app, tap the profile icon, then "Trips"). Find the stay you want to review and tap or click on it. You'll see a "Write a review" button or link—select it to open the review form. If the 30-day window has closed, this button will no longer appear.
On the web version, you can also navigate to your profile, select "Reviews," and find the listing there. The path is slightly different on mobile, but the "Trips" section is the fastest route on both platforms.
What to include in your review
Start with the star rating. One star means you had a poor experience and would not recommend the listing. Two stars means it had significant issues. Three stars means it was acceptable but had some problems. Four stars means it was good with minor issues. Five stars means it exceeded your expectations. Be honest about your experience rather than rating based on price alone.
In the written section, describe what you actually experienced. Mention specific things: the cleanliness of the kitchen, whether the bed was comfortable, if the host responded quickly to messages, whether the listing matched the photos, or if there were noise issues. Avoid vague statements like "great place" or "terrible experience." Instead, write "The kitchen had no dish soap or sponges, but the host brought them within an hour of my request" or "The photos showed a view of the garden, but the window faced the parking lot." This helps future guests make informed decisions and gives the host concrete feedback.
Keep your review factual and avoid personal attacks. You can mention if the host was rude or unresponsive, but frame it around their actions: "The host did not respond to my message about the broken shower for two days" rather than "The host is lazy." Airbnb may remove reviews that contain profanity, threats, or discriminatory language.
Star ratings and what they mean to hosts
Airbnb listings are ranked partly on their average star rating. A four or five-star review helps a listing appear higher in search results and builds trust with future guests. A one, two, or three-star review signals to Airbnb that the listing may have problems, which can lower its visibility. Hosts take ratings seriously because a pattern of low reviews can hurt their ability to book.
If you had a genuinely poor experience, a lower rating is appropriate and honest. Hosts use reviews to improve their properties and service. If you had a minor issue that the host fixed quickly, you might rate four stars and mention it in your comments so other guests know the host is responsive. If everything was perfect, five stars is the right choice.
Timing and visibility of your review
Your review becomes visible to other guests when ready after you post it. The host can see it right away as well. Both your review and the host's review of you typically appear on the listing or the host's profile at the same time, even if one was written before the other. This means the host will read what you wrote before or at the same moment their review of you goes live.
If you leave a negative review, the host may leave a negative review of you in response. This is allowed on Airbnb, and it's one reason to be specific and fair in your comments. A review that says "The host was unhelpful" without detail is harder for future hosts to learn from and may prompt a defensive response. A review that says "I asked about the heating system and the host did not respond until after I left" gives the host something concrete to address.
Common mistakes to avoid when reviewing
Do not leave a review based on something that was your responsibility. For example, if you broke a glass and paid the damage fee, don't rate the listing poorly because of it. Do not rate the neighborhood or location as a reason to give one star if the listing description was accurate—the listing itself is what you're reviewing, not the area around it. If you disliked the neighborhood, that's useful feedback, but it should not be the sole reason for a low rating.
Avoid leaving a review while you're still upset when ready after checkout. If something went wrong, wait a day or two and reread your review before posting. A review written in anger often contains language Airbnb may remove, and it may not reflect the full picture of your stay. If the host made a genuine effort to fix a problem, mention that—it shows fairness and helps future guests understand how responsive the host is.
Do not use your review to ask the host questions or request refunds. Airbnb's resolution center and direct messages are the right place for those conversations. A review is for sharing your experience with future guests, not for negotiating with the host.
What happens if your review violates Airbnb's policies
Airbnb removes reviews that contain profanity, hate speech, threats, or discriminatory language. Reviews that reveal personal information (like a guest's full name or address) may also be removed. If your review is removed, you'll receive a notification explaining why. You can write a new review if you'd like, as long as you're still within the 30-day window.
If you believe a review was removed unfairly, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to "Help," select your issue, and explain what happened. Airbnb will review your request, though their decision is usually final. Hosts can also request removal of reviews they believe are unfair or false, and Airbnb investigates those requests as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit or delete my review after I post it?
No, you cannot edit or delete your review after submitting it. You can only request that Airbnb remove it if it violates their policies or if you believe it was posted in error. Proofread your review carefully before clicking submit.
What if the host leaves a bad review of me in response?
Hosts can leave reviews of guests just as guests review listings. If a host's review of you is unfair or contains false information, you can contact Airbnb support and request a review of their review. Airbnb will investigate, though they do not remove reviews straightforward because you disagree with them.
Do I have to leave a review?
No, leaving a review is optional. However, reviews help other guests make decisions and help hosts improve. If you had a good experience, a review takes just a few minutes and is valuable to the community.
Can the host see my review before other guests do?
Yes, the host can see your review as soon as you post it. They will read it before or at the same time their review of you becomes visible to the public.
What if I stayed at the listing but never checked in or had a very short stay?
You can still leave a review as long as your stay was confirmed and you checked out within the past 30 days. Even a one-night stay counts, and your feedback is useful to the host and future guests.