How to find and book a place on Airbnb
You start by going to Airbnb.com or opening the app, then entering your destination city, check-in date, and check-out date. Airbnb shows you listings in that area — each one is a photo, description, price per night, and host name. You can filter by price range, number of bedrooms, amenities (like a kitchen or washer), and property type (entire home, private room, or shared room).
When you find a place you want, click on it to see more photos, read the full description, check the cancellation policy, and read reviews from past guests. The listing tells you the nightly rate, any cleaning fee, and service fees Airbnb adds. Once you decide, you click "Reserve" and enter your payment information. Airbnb charges your card right away, and the host receives a notification that you have booked.
Most hosts respond within hours or a day to confirm your reservation. Some listings are "when ready Book," meaning the reservation is confirmed when ready without waiting for the host to accept.
Key Takeaways
- Search by destination and dates, filter by price and amenities, then click Reserve to book — your card is charged when ready and the host is notified.
- The total price includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and Airbnb service fees, all shown before you complete the booking.
- Check the cancellation policy before you book, because some listings charge you a fee if you cancel within a certain number of days.
- The host sends you check-in instructions (usually a door code or key pickup location) a few days before your arrival.
- You message the host through Airbnb if you have questions before or during your stay, and Airbnb holds the payment until after you check out.
What happens before you arrive
After your booking is confirmed, the host will send you a message through Airbnb with check-in details. This usually includes a door code, instructions for picking up a key, or directions to meet them in person. Read these instructions carefully — they tell you how to enter the property and where to find things like the WiFi password, thermostat, and trash bins.
You can message the host anytime before your stay with questions about parking, nearby restaurants, or how to use appliances. Most hosts respond within a few hours. If something changes and you need to cancel, you can do so through the app, but your refund depends on the cancellation policy listed on the booking.
How payment and deposits work
Airbnb charges your card the full amount (nightly rate plus cleaning fee and service fees) when you complete the booking. The money does not go to the host when ready — Airbnb holds it until after your check-out date. This protects you if the place is not as described or if there is damage you need to report.
Some hosts require a security deposit, which is a separate charge Airbnb holds to cover potential damage to the property. This is shown on the listing before you book. The deposit is released back to your card after checkout, usually within a few days, unless the host files a damage claim.
You do not pay anything else during your stay. There are no additional fees at check-out, and you do not tip through Airbnb (though some guests leave cash for the host).
Check-in, staying, and check-out
On your arrival day, follow the check-in instructions the host sent you. If you arrive early and the place is not ready, you can ask the host if early check-in is possible, but they are not required to allow it. Standard check-in is usually 3 or 4 p.m., and check-out is 10 or 11 a.m. the next morning (the listing states the exact times).
During your stay, treat the place as you would a hotel room. Do not throw parties, smoke indoors (unless the listing says it is allowed), or damage furniture or appliances. If something breaks or stops working, message the host right away — they can often fix it quickly or send someone to help. If the place has a serious problem (no heat, broken lock, pest infestation), contact Airbnb through the app and they can step in.
On your last day, clean up after yourself, take out the trash, and leave by the checkout time. Lock the door and follow any instructions the host gave you for returning keys or disarming alarms. Take photos of the place as you leave in case the host later claims you caused damage.
Reviews and what happens after you leave
After you check out, Airbnb sends you a link to review the host and the property. You can rate the cleanliness, accuracy of the listing, communication, and overall experience on a scale of one to five stars. You can also write comments about what you liked or did not like. This review is public and helps other guests decide whether to book there.
The host also reviews you as a guest. They rate whether you followed house rules, kept the place clean, and communicated well. These reviews are visible to future hosts when you book with them, so being respectful during your stay matters.
Airbnb releases the payment to the host a few days after checkout (the exact timing depends on the host's payout method). If you or the host dispute the stay — for example, if you claim the place was not clean or the host claims you damaged something — you have a window to report it through Airbnb's Resolution Center, and Airbnb will investigate.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the listing is not as described when you arrive — for example, the photos showed a kitchen but there is none, or the neighborhood is much noisier than expected — message the host when ready and take photos. If the host cannot fix it, you can report it to Airbnb through the Resolution Center within the first 24 hours of your stay. Airbnb may refund part of your booking or move you to another place.
If you have a safety concern — broken locks, no heat in winter, or a host who is aggressive — contact Airbnb right away through the app. Airbnb has a 24-hour support line for emergencies. Do not wait until after checkout to report serious problems, because Airbnb is more likely to help if you report during your stay.
If the host damages your belongings or you damage theirs, report it through the Resolution Center with photos. Airbnb will investigate and decide who pays for repairs or replacement.
Understanding cancellation policies and refunds
Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy that tells you what happens if you cancel before your stay. Flexible policies let you cancel up to one day before check-in and get a full refund. Moderate policies charge you if you cancel within five to seven days of check-in. Strict policies charge you if you cancel more than 30 days before arrival, and you lose most of your money if you cancel closer to the date.
The cancellation policy is shown on every listing before you book, so read it carefully. If you need to cancel, do it through the app as soon as you know — the sooner you cancel, the better your refund, depending on the policy.
Airbnb also has a Host Cancellation policy: if the host cancels on you, you get a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking. This is rare, but it protects you if the host overbooks or has an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account before I can book?
Yes. You sign up with an email address or phone number, and Airbnb asks for your name and a profile photo. You also need to add a payment method (credit or debit card). This takes about five minutes.
What if the host is not responding to my messages?
If the host does not respond within 24 hours and you have a question about check-in or your stay, contact Airbnb through the app. Airbnb can reach out to the host or help you directly. If the host is unresponsive and you cannot check in, Airbnb will refund your booking.
Can I change my booking dates after I reserve?
You can try to modify your reservation through the app by clicking "Change dates." The host has to accept the change, and if the new dates have a different price, you will be charged or refunded the difference. If the host declines, you can cancel and rebook, but your refund depends on the cancellation policy.
What if I damage something in the rental?
Tell the host when ready through the app and offer to pay for repairs. If you do not report it and the host discovers damage after you leave, they can file a damage claim through Airbnb's Resolution Center. Airbnb will ask you to pay for repairs or replacement. Reporting it yourself usually results in a lower charge because you are cooperating.
Is my money safe if I pay through Airbnb?
Airbnb holds your payment until after checkout, which protects you if the place is not as described or if there is a dispute. Your credit card information is encrypted, and Airbnb does not share it with the host. If you are charged fraudulently, you can dispute it with your card company.