Write your review directly in the Airbnb app or website within 30 days of checkout

After you check out, Airbnb sends you a notification asking you to review your host. You have 30 days from your checkout date to submit a review. Open the Airbnb app or go to Airbnb.com, find the reservation in your "Trips" or "Reservations" section, and tap or click "Review your stay." The review form appears on the same page—you do not need to navigate elsewhere or contact Airbnb support to start writing.

If you do not see the review prompt, log into your account, go to your profile, select "Trips," find the reservation, and look for a "Leave a review" button. The button only appears after checkout is complete, so if your stay is still active, you will not see it yet.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from checkout to write a review; after that, the option closes and you cannot add one later.
  • Your review includes a star rating (1 to 5 stars) and a written comment of any length, though 2 to 3 sentences is typical.
  • Be specific about what worked or did not work—mention the cleanliness, the bed, the host's communication, or the neighborhood rather than vague praise or complaints.
  • Your review is public and visible to future guests and to the host; the host can also write a review of you after you review them.

Choose your star rating before writing your comment

The first step in the review form is selecting a star rating from 1 to 5. One star means the stay was poor; 5 stars means it was excellent. You do not have to write a comment if you only want to leave a rating, but most hosts and future guests find a written explanation more useful than a number alone.

Think about your overall experience before you click. A 4-star review usually means the stay was good but had a minor issue—perhaps the Wi-Fi was slow or the host took a while to respond to a message. A 3-star review suggests the stay was acceptable but had a notable problem. A 1 or 2-star review is reserved for serious issues like cleanliness problems, safety concerns, or a host who was unresponsive or rude.

Write specific details about what you experienced

After you select your rating, a text box appears where you can type your written review. Mention concrete details about your stay instead of general statements. For example, write "The kitchen had no cutting board or sharp knives, which made meal prep difficult" rather than "The kitchen was not well equipped." Describe the bed comfort, the temperature control, the noise level, the neighborhood, the host's responsiveness, or the accuracy of the listing photos.

Future guests read reviews to learn whether the place will work for them. If you mention that the listing is a third-floor walk-up with no elevator, guests with mobility issues can make an informed decision. If you note that the host responded to messages within an hour, guests who value quick communication know what to expect. Specific observations are far more useful than praise like "Great place!" or complaints like "Not what I expected."

Be honest but respectful in your tone

Your review is public, and the host will read it. You can be critical of real problems—a dirty bathroom, broken appliances, or misleading photos—but frame your comments as factual observations rather than personal attacks. Write "The listing photos showed a view of the garden, but the window faced the street" instead of "The host lied about the view." Both convey the same information, but one is more likely to be taken seriously.

If you had a conflict with the host, describe what happened and how it affected your stay rather than attacking their character. For example: "The host asked us to leave early because of a family emergency, which disrupted our plans" is clearer and fairer than "The host was rude and kicked us out." Hosts are more likely to respond constructively to factual criticism, and future guests will find your review more credible.

Mention both strengths and weaknesses if your experience was mixed

Most stays are not perfect or terrible—they fall somewhere in the middle. If you give a 3 or 4-star rating, your written review should explain why. You might write: "The location was perfect for exploring the neighborhood, and the host was very helpful. The bed was comfortable, but the bathroom was quite small and the shower had low water pressure." This tells future guests what they will enjoy and what they might find frustrating.

Even in a 5-star review, you can acknowledge minor quirks without lowering your rating. "The apartment is charming and the host left fresh flowers and snacks—a lovely touch. The stairs are steep and narrow, so it would not be ideal for someone with mobility issues, but it was perfect for us." Balanced reviews are more persuasive because they show you are being thoughtful, not just leaving blanket praise.

Submit your review and understand what happens next

Once you finish typing, click or tap the "Submit" button. Your review is now live on the listing page and visible to other users. The host receives a notification that you have reviewed them and can read your comments when ready. If your review is 5 stars, the host may send you a thank-you message through the Airbnb messaging system.

After you submit your review, the host has the option to write a review of you as well. Host reviews are also public and visible on your profile to future hosts. If the host does not review you within 30 days of your checkout, the window closes and they cannot leave a review later. Your review and the host's review (if they write one) both remain on the listing and your profile indefinitely unless you or the host request Airbnb to remove them for a specific reason.

Know what you cannot include in your review

Airbnb has content policies that prevent certain types of information in reviews. Do not include personal information about the host, such as their phone number, email address, or full name beyond what appears on their Airbnb profile. Do not post contact information for other services or businesses, and do not use your review to solicit contact from other users.

Avoid language that is hateful, discriminatory, or sexually explicit. Do not accuse the host of illegal activity in your review; if you believe a crime occurred, report it to Airbnb support or local authorities instead. Airbnb may remove reviews that violate these policies, and repeated violations can result in your account being suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit or delete my review after I submit it?

Yes. Go to your Trips section, find the reservation, and look for an option to edit or delete your review. You can change your rating or rewrite your comment at any time. If you delete your review, it disappears from the listing page, and the host is notified that you removed it.

What if the host leaves a review of me that I disagree with?

You cannot delete a host's review of you, but you can respond to it through the Airbnb messaging system or leave a counter-review. If you believe the host's review violates Airbnb's policies—for example, it contains personal information or hateful language—you can report it to Airbnb support and request removal.

Do I have to leave a review?

No. Leaving a review is optional. However, reviews help other guests make decisions and help hosts improve their listings. If you had a good experience, a positive review takes just a few minutes and is appreciated by hosts.

Will my review affect my ability to book other properties?

Your reviews do not directly affect your booking power, but hosts can see your profile and your review history before accepting your reservation request. Hosts are more likely to accept guests who have positive reviews and a history of respectful communication.

Can I see my review before other guests see it?

Your review is live when ready after you submit it. You cannot preview it or hold it for approval. If you notice a typo or want to change something, edit your review right away.