The checkout process happens on your phone or computer, not at the property
Airbnb checkout is a digital process you complete through the app or website after you leave the physical property. You do not hand anything to a host or fill out paperwork in person. Instead, you confirm your departure in the app, answer a few questions about your stay, and optionally leave a review and rating. The host then has up to three days to review your checkout and confirm the final charges.
Most of the checkout happens automatically once your reservation end time passes. You will see a notification in the app prompting you to confirm you have left. The key steps take about five minutes total, though you can take longer if you want to write a detailed review.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Airbnb app or website and navigate to your active reservation to start checkout after your end time arrives.
- Confirm you have left the property by answering the checkout questions honestly, including whether you left the place clean and locked.
- Take photos of the property condition if you want evidence of how you left it, though this is optional.
- Write a review and rating within 48 hours if you want your feedback to appear on the listing, since reviews posted after that window may not show.
- The host has up to three days to confirm checkout and release your security deposit refund, if one was held.
Step-by-step checkout in the Airbnb app
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Trips" to see your current and past reservations. Find the reservation you are checking out of and tap it to open the reservation details page.
Once your checkout time has passed, you will see a blue "Confirm checkout" button on the reservation page. Tap it. The app will ask you a series of yes-or-no questions: Did you leave the property clean? Did you lock all doors and windows? Did you turn off lights and appliances? Did you return all keys? Answer each question honestly. If you answer "no" to any question, the app will ask you to explain what you did not complete.
After you answer the checkout questions, you will see a summary of your stay and the final charges. Review the total to make sure it matches what you expected. If there are unexpected fees, you can message the host before submitting. Once you tap "Submit checkout," the process is complete on your end.
Leaving a review and rating
After you submit checkout, the app will prompt you to rate your stay on a scale of one to five stars and write a review. You do not have to write a review — you can skip this step — but reviews help other travelers and give the host feedback. If you want your review to appear on the listing, you must submit it within 48 hours of your checkout time. Reviews posted after 48 hours may still be visible to the host, but they typically will not appear publicly on the listing.
Be specific in your review. Instead of "Great place," write "The kitchen had everything we needed, the bed was very comfortable, and the neighborhood was quiet." If you had problems, describe them clearly: "The shower had low water pressure" or "The WiFi dropped frequently." Hosts read reviews carefully and use them to improve their properties. Hosts also leave reviews of you, so being honest and fair helps build trust in the community.
You can edit your review for up to 48 hours after you submit it. After that window closes, you cannot change it. If you realize you made a mistake or want to add something, edit it before the important date.
What happens after you submit checkout
Once you submit checkout, the host receives a notification that you have left. The host then has up to three days to confirm your checkout and inspect the property. During this time, the host may contact you if they have questions about the condition of the property or if they notice damage.
If you held a security deposit, the host will release it after they confirm checkout — usually within a few days. You will receive a notification when the refund is processed. Refunds typically appear in your original payment method within three to five business days, though this depends on your bank.
If the host claims damage or missing items and withholds part of your security deposit, they must provide photos and an explanation. You will receive a message with their claim. You can then respond with your own photos or explanation if you disagree. Airbnb will review the dispute if you cannot reach agreement with the host.
Checkout on a computer instead of the app
If you prefer to use a web browser, go to airbnb.com and log in with your account. Click "Trips" in the top navigation menu. Find your reservation and click it to open the details. After your checkout time, you will see a "Confirm checkout" button. Click it and answer the same questions as you would in the app. The process is identical — you will answer checkout questions, review charges, and then have the option to leave a review.
Some travelers prefer the computer version because the screen is larger and easier to read, especially if you are writing a longer review. You can also take screenshots of your checkout confirmation on a computer more easily than on a phone.
Common mistakes to avoid during checkout
Do not answer the checkout questions dishonestly. If you did not lock the doors or left the place dirty, say so. Hosts can see photos from their security cameras or notice problems during inspection, and lying during checkout damages your reputation. If you are worried about a cleaning fee, it is better to go back and clean properly than to deny the mess and face a dispute later.
Do not wait more than 48 hours to leave a review if you want it to appear publicly. After 48 hours, your review may still be sent to the host, but it will not show on the listing where other travelers can see it. If you forget to review within the window, you can still write one later, but it will only be visible to the host.
Do not submit checkout before you have actually left the property. Some travelers tap "Confirm checkout" while still packing. If you realize you left something behind or need to go back, you cannot undo checkout. Contact the host when ready through the app if this happens.
What to do if the host disputes your checkout
If the host claims damage or missing items after you have checked out, you will receive a message in the Airbnb app. Read it carefully and respond within the timeframe Airbnb gives you — usually seven days. Provide your own photos, receipts, or written explanation of the property condition when you left.
If you took photos during checkout or right before you left, send those now. If you have photos from earlier in your stay showing the property was already damaged, include those too. Be factual and calm in your response. Airbnb will review both sides and make a decision about whether to uphold the host's claim.
If you disagree with Airbnb's decision, you can appeal. Document everything — photos, messages with the host, your checkout confirmation — and submit an appeal through the Resolution Center in your account. Airbnb will review the appeal and make a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to check out?
Your checkout time is listed in your reservation details. It is usually 11 a.m. or 10 a.m., but it varies by property. You must leave by that time. You can confirm checkout in the app anytime after your checkout time has passed, but you should physically leave the property by the scheduled time.
Can I check out late?
You can ask the host for a late checkout before your reservation ends. Message them through the app and explain why you need extra time. The host can agree and adjust your checkout time, or they can decline if their next guest is arriving. Late checkout usually costs extra and must be arranged in advance, not on the day of checkout.
What if I leave something behind?
Message the host when ready through the Airbnb app and describe what you left. The host may be willing to mail it to you or hold it for you to pick up. Airbnb does not handle lost items, so communication with the host is your best option. If the item is valuable, ask about shipping costs before the host sends it.
Do I have to leave a review?
No, leaving a review is optional. You can skip the review step during checkout and leave no feedback. However, reviews help other travelers make decisions and help hosts improve their properties. If you had a good experience, a positive review takes just a minute and is appreciated.
Can the host charge me after I check out?
The host can claim damage or missing items within a certain window after checkout and request a refund from your security deposit. They must provide photos and a detailed explanation. You can dispute the claim if you disagree. Airbnb will not allow charges for normal wear and tear or damage that was already present when you arrived.