The checkout process happens in three parts: cleaning, departure, and the app
Airbnb checkout is not one moment—it is a sequence that starts before you leave and ends after the host inspects the place. You will clean the rental, leave by the checkout time stated in your booking, and then mark yourself as checked out in the Airbnb app. The host has a window (usually 24 hours) to confirm you have left and to report any damage or missing items. Until they do, the checkout is not final.
The exact checkout time is listed on your booking confirmation and in the app under "House Rules." Most hosts set checkout between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., though some allow later times. If you are unsure, message the host a day or two before you leave—they may grant a late checkout if the next guest is not arriving that day, but they are not obligated to.
Key Takeaways
- Checkout time is printed on your booking and in the app under House Rules; leaving late can trigger a fee or a host complaint.
- You must clean the rental to the standard described in the listing before you leave, including dishes, trash, and any spills or stains you made.
- Mark yourself as checked out in the Airbnb app after you leave; the host then has 24 hours to inspect and confirm.
- Take photos of the rental in clean condition before you go, in case the host later claims you left damage or items missing.
- If the host reports damage or missing items, you have a window to dispute the claim through Airbnb's resolution center.
Clean the rental to the standard the listing describes
Most Airbnb listings state what cleaning is your responsibility and what the host will handle. Read the "House Rules" section of your booking before checkout day. Common expectations are: wash dishes and load the dishwasher, take out the trash, wipe down kitchen counters and stovetop, sweep or vacuum floors, and return furniture to where you found it.
If the listing says "self-catering" or "you are responsible for cleaning," you are expected to leave the place as clean as it was when you arrived. If it says "cleaning included" or "host will clean," you still need to clear dishes and trash, but you do not need to scrub bathrooms or mop floors. When in doubt, message the host the night before and ask what they expect.
Do not leave food in the fridge, dirty laundry in the washer, or personal items in drawers or closets. Strip the bed and leave sheets in a pile on the mattress, or follow the host's instructions if they gave any. If you broke or damaged something, tell the host before you leave—they are more likely to work with you than to discover it after you have gone.
Leave by the checkout time and find the rental
Checkout time is firm. If you leave after the stated time, the host can charge a late checkout fee (usually $25 to $50 or more, depending on the listing) or report you to Airbnb. If you need extra time, ask the host in advance—many will grant it if no one is checking in that day.
Before you leave, do a final walk-through: check that all windows and doors are closed, turn off lights, lock any valuables in a safe if one is provided, and confirm the front door locks behind you. Some hosts ask you to leave the key in a lockbox or return it to a specific place; check your booking instructions or the House Rules section.
If the rental has a thermostat, garage door, or security system, return it to the state the host specified. If you are unsure, leave a note or send a message as you are leaving.
Mark yourself as checked out in the Airbnb app
Open the Airbnb app and go to your current booking. You will see a button or option that says "Check out" or "I'm leaving now." Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm the checkout time and may prompt you to report any issues with the rental (broken appliances, cleanliness problems, safety concerns). Report anything that was already wrong when you arrived, not things you caused.
After you mark checkout, the host receives a notification and has 24 hours to inspect the place and confirm you have left. During this time, you can still message the host if you forgot something or if they contact you with questions.
Take photos before you leave to protect yourself
Before you mark checkout in the app, take photos or a short video of the rental in clean condition. Photograph the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any areas you used. Include wide shots and close-ups of counters, floors, and appliances. This creates a record of the condition you left it in.
If the host later claims you left damage, stains, or missing items, you can show these photos in a dispute. Airbnb uses photos and messages as evidence when deciding who is responsible for damage claims. A few clear photos take 30 seconds and can save you money.
Understand what happens after you check out
Once you mark checkout, the host has up to 24 hours to inspect the rental and confirm the checkout. They may also take photos or note any damage. If they find nothing wrong, they will confirm checkout in the app and your stay is complete. You can then leave a review of the host and the rental.
If the host reports damage, missing items, or excessive mess, they can file a damage claim through Airbnb's resolution center. Airbnb will notify you and give you a window (usually 3 to 7 days) to respond. You can dispute the claim, provide photos, or offer to pay for minor damage. Airbnb reviews the evidence and decides whether to charge you.
Damage claims are deducted from your security deposit (if you paid one) or charged to your payment method. Common claims are for broken dishes, stained linens, damaged furniture, or excessive cleaning needed. If you disagree with a claim, respond with photos, messages from the host, or other evidence that shows the damage was pre-existing or not your fault.
What to do if you have a problem at checkout
If you cannot leave by the checkout time, message the host when ready and ask for a late checkout extension. Explain why (flight delay, car trouble, illness) and ask if they can accommodate you. If they refuse or do not respond, you may be charged a late fee, but you can dispute it through Airbnb if you believe it was unfair.
If you damaged something and the host is not home, leave a detailed note explaining what happened and offer to pay for repairs. Take a photo of the damage and the note. Message the host through the app with the same information. This shows good faith and makes it less likely they will file a claim for more than the actual cost.
If the host accuses you of leaving the place dirty or damaged and you disagree, respond in the app with photos, dates, and details. Keep all messages. Airbnb will review your evidence before charging you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I leave after checkout time?
The host can charge a late checkout fee, which varies by listing but is often $25 to $50 or more per hour. You can dispute the fee through Airbnb if you believe it was excessive or if you had a valid reason for the delay. Message the host before checkout time to ask for an extension.
Do I have to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen?
Yes, unless the listing explicitly says "cleaning included." Even then, you should clear dishes, wipe spills, and take out trash. Check the House Rules section of your booking to see what the host expects. When in doubt, clean as if you were leaving a hotel room.
Can the host charge me for damage I did not cause?
They can file a claim, but Airbnb will not charge you if you can prove the damage was pre-existing or not your fault. Take photos of the rental before you leave and keep all messages with the host. If you dispute the claim with evidence, Airbnb will review it.
How long does checkout take?
Marking checkout in the app takes two minutes. The host then has up to 24 hours to inspect and confirm. Your stay is not officially complete until they do, though you are free to leave when ready after you mark checkout.
What if I left something behind?
Message the host through the Airbnb app as soon as you realize it. Many hosts will hold items for a few days or mail them to you for a small fee. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of recovery.