AirRented

In the years I’ve been hosting it amazes me at some of the ways guests have left my property, or the ways they’ve treated the property during their stay. From mopping up food spills with white bath towels to leaving the front door wide open – here’s some of my tips for how to be a great Airbnb guest.

Most of these are common sense and basic etiquette – unwritten rules of politeness we all know we should follow.

Wipe up after yourself

You’re not expected to clean the property, but I’d argue you are expected to clean up after yourself. For example, you wouldn’t be expected to clean the kitchen, but if you spilled something – mop it up.

Follow the house rules

Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the house rules. These will likely be very similar in each booking you have but some hosts will have property-specific rules. Follow these, they’ve been implemented for a reason and often times for your own safety and comfort during your stay.

Some hosts have rules that I deem personally, quite ridiculous. Like expecting guests to clean before they leave. This will often be included in the listing before you book as it should be. Again, if you don’t agree with any of the house rules before you place a booking – don’t book.

Don’t Smoke

No smoking will likely fall under the house rules away so make sure to follow this. Unless the host specifically says in writing that smoking is acceptable inside the property, make sure you go outside. This also includes the use of cannabis – it’s still smoking.

Some hosts hammer down on vaping too – I don’t personally see the issue with vaping inside my property as it doesn’t leave a smell. However, each host has their own rules and I would respect a host’s wish to not vape.

Tidy up after yourself

Instead of leaving used bath towels on the floor or hung over doors, it’s common practice for hotels to ask you to leave used towels in the bath when you are done. This is a great and handy way for a host to immediately recognise used towels.

Failing this, fold them up and leave them on the side of the bath, on top of the toilet, or even at the end of your bed.

Straighten up the cushions on the sofa, if you’ve disturbed them. It takes seconds and is a respectful way to leave the space.

Sort the bed

There’s no need to fuss over making the bed – in fact making the bed can actually be more aggravation for the host as they will need to strip it anyway. By folding the duvet and leaving it at the end of the bed this is a polite and courteous way to leave the bedroom ready for turnover. It takes seconds and a host will pick up on this considerate and respectful way of handling of the bed at the end of your visit.

If the house rules ask that the bed linen be stripped – follow this rule. I find this a little too much as a host myself and I wouldn’t expect guests to do this. But if it’s in the rules, respectfully follow them.

Secure the property before you go.

Unless instructed otherwise, when you leave, take a quick moment to ensure all the windows and doors are shut and locked if applicable. If you’ve used any side gates on the property, make sure these are closed too.

Turn off lights and heating

Depending on the property, if you’ve switched on any wall or space heaters, make sure to turn them off. The same goes for lighting. Unless instructed to leave any lights on – It’s a waste of electricity.

Some hosts may ask for you to turn down AC or heating to default levels (depending on geographic location you may be asked to leave it on or switch it off entirely).

Try to arrive on time

If the host isn’t able to offer contactless check in/self check in and you have to meet them to get the keys, make sure you arrive when you say you will.

Don’t keep a host waiting around and if you think you’re going to be late, keep them informed via Airbnb messages the whole time.

Honour the checkout time given to you

Be sure to ensure that you are packed up and ready to leave bang on the checkout time (or before). Don’t hang around after the checkout time as this can interfere with a host’s ability to get the property cleaned and turnover in time for the next guest.

Report anything you break

If you accidentally break something, drop the host a polite message to apologise and let them know. There is a really good chance they won’t be mad so don’t be scared to tell them.

A host knows damage can happen, it’s to be expected with a rental unit. But what they don’t like is finding out about it when you’ve gone. The more notice you can give, the better chance they’ll have of being able to organise for it to be fixed or replaced before the next guest arrives.

A hosts concern is that there next booking isn’t affected by your current booking, so by keeping a host informed they’ll be able to ensure their business isn’t affected.

Don’t steal and be respectful of consumables

Stealing goes without saying. If the host supplies toilet rolls for example, don’t take them all. Use consumables at a normal pace during your stay and leave the rest behind. Don’t take advantage, just because they are there.

Be mindful of excess noise

Unless the property is isolated in the middle of nowhere, be respectful of neighbours and any excess noise. Try to keep the noise down from 10pm-7am out of respect for the locals. Even though you’re only there temporarily, don’t be a nuisance for those nearby.

If you are sharing the space with others, or with the host themselves, be considerate of noise at night in someone else’s home.

Be careful in the space

Take care when in the property – the possessions and items within that home are someone else’s property, treat them with care and respect to avoid damage and wear and tear. Treat the space with the respect you would expect if it was yours.