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Airbnb Etiquette Guide [Know Before You Go]
Airbnb Etiquette
Airbnb allows travelers to rent from strangers.
I’ve booked 200+ Airbnb rentals and created this guide to help new Airbnb guests - especially those who are accustomed to mid to upper-tier hotels (and the level of service those hotels typically provide).
In this guide, we’ll cover standard etiquette that Airbnb guests should know.
We’ll explore the do’s and don’ts on Airbnb, house rules, how booking type determines the guest-host dynamic, differences between private and shared space rentals (including check-in, bathrooms and shared kitchens), how to check out, plus answers to frequently asked questions (like whether tipping is expected and what Airbnb’s “essential amenities” are).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hotel rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on hotels, click here.
Table of Contents
Follow Your Host’s House Rules!
Guests must always follow their host’s house rules!
Each Airbnb host creates their own “house rules” on their listing. These rules lay out a host’s expectations and sets the standards for guests. House rules include key information, like what is or is not allowed during a stay (pets, smoking, prohibited access to certain areas, no overnight guests, etc.) and general guidelines (such as check-in time and quiet hours).
You’ll easily find a listing’s house rules by scrolling to the bottom of that listing, until you see the “Things to know” section. If you’ve already booked a stay, you’ll find the house rules for that stay by clicking your booking on the “Trips” page in your account. Here’s a screenshot of a listing’s house rules section.
*Many experienced travelers believe that Vrbo.com is better than Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. To see today’s deals on Vrbo, click here.
The Host-Guest Dynamic Depends On Booking Type
As a guest, the dynamic between you and your host will depend on the type of booking you choose.
Hosts of private, fully-serviced apartments, homes or Plus listings, are often hands-off (self check-in and checkout, WiFi instructions, etc.) unless their guests need assistance. If you book this type of place, you may not see your host during your stay (many hosts send all important information to guests up-front).
This type of place is ideal for travelers who prefer (or can deal with) a level of independence from a host. If you prefer to be “taken care of” by your host, it may be better to look for a higher-end hotel room or resort on Agoda.com, which are more likely to cater to your needs as a guest. To learn how to filter your search on Airbnb to find a hotel room, click here.
If you book a shared space (a room in a home or a bed in a room), the dynamic between you and your host (and potentially other guests) will be different. With this type of booking, you’ll likely see your host and/or other guests during your stay - possibly every time you exit your room! This will also be the case if you book a hostel bed on Airbnb. For hostel-specific etiquette, read the Hostel Etiquette Guide.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hotel rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on hotels, click here.
Etiquette For Private Rentals
Guests who book private rentals receive more overall privacy - from check-in to checkout. Private rental guests interact with their host less than shared rental guests. After you’ve checked into a private rental, you typically won’t interact with the host until you check out, or not at all (some hosts only do self-checkout).
How Check-In Works
Self check-in is common with private place rentals.
With a self check-in booking, your host sends check-in instructions sometime between the time you book and the time you check in. Check-in instructions will tell how you’ll receive the key (password for padlock, how to retrieve it from the doorman, how to find it under the doormat, etc.). Some hosts wait until guests arrive before sending check-in instructions. To learn more about self check-in on Airbnb, click here.
Many guests still prefer the “old-fashioned” check-in process (where a host greets them at the door, checks them in, explains important things to know, and may even show them around the property and offer to chat if they have the time). On Airbnb, this type of check-in is called “host greets you”. To learn more about “host greets you” check-in, click here.
*Many experienced travelers believe that Vrbo.com is better than Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. To see today’s deals on Vrbo, click here.
Etiquette For Shared Space Rentals
If you’re renting a bed or room in a home or business (such as in a hostel), you’ll likely share space(s) with the host, their family and/or other guests/roommates. Some commonly shared spaces include bathrooms, hallways and kitchens.
Below, we’ll cover general Airbnb etiquette for shared space rentals, including how check-in works, what to expect in terms of interacting with your host, shared bathroom etiquette, shared kitchen etiquette and breakfast rules. You can read about hostel-specific etiquette guidelines in our Hostel Etiquette Guide.
How Check-In Works
In shared space rentals, it’s more common for the host to greet their guests at check-in. Typically, your host (or the co-host) will meet you at the entrance, give you a brief room and property tour, and explain any important things you should know (WiFi password, how to enter the property, etc.). Some hosts prefer to chat with guests, others don’t. Either way, you can always message your host via Airbnb if you have any questions after checking in.
Interaction With Your Host
Airbnb hosts have various reasons for hosting.
Some hosts are keen to meet travelers, while some are only seeking the extra income. Some invite guests to join them for a meal, drink or conversation inside or outside the property. Others may be too busy with life or just prefer not to interact with their guests.
As a guest, if you’d prefer a host who’s more personal (like someone who provides tips or shows you around town), message potential hosts prior to booking. You can also get a feel for a host’s style and personality by reading the reviews past guests have left for them (on their listing and in the host’s profile bio). To learn how to spot a quality host on Airbnb, click here.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hotel rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on hotels, click here.
Shared Bathroom Etiquette
Hosts are expected to tell guests what they can or can’t use in a shared bathroom. As a guest, do not assume you have permission to use personal toiletries (such as toothpaste and shampoo) unless your host says so.
Regardless of setup, always keep your own toiletries organized and together. A really great way to organize toiletries while traveling is with a toiletry bag. Most toiletry bags have a hook, which allow them to easily be hung in bathrooms, lockers or bedside.
For Men: For a water-resistant, reliable toiletry bag with multiple compartments and available in various colors on Amazon, click here.
For Women: For a water-resistant, reliable toiletry bag with multiple compartments that comes in various colors on Amazon, click here.
Shared Kitchen Etiquette
Some hosts allow guests to use the kitchen facilities (refrigerator, stove, etc.). If this is the case in your rental, you might be able to cook or store food during your stay. If you’re allowed to bring food from outside, store it in a bag labeled with your name and checkout date. This way, hosts know what to keep or trash during and after a stay.
After using any utensils, pots or dishes, clean what’s used and return items to where they belong. Do not eat food that is not yours. In shared kitchens, hosts usually tell me whether I can use certain condiments, ingredients, etc. If you’re unsure if you can, just ask.
Breakfast Rules
On Airbnb, the breakfast rules vary by property/host.
While hosts of bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and hotels often provide breakfast (free or paid) to guests, Airbnb bookings usually do not include breakfast. To filter your search to find Airbnb stays that include breakfast, click the “More filters” tab on the search results page, then select the “Breakfast” filter under the “Amenities” section.
*Many experienced travelers believe that Vrbo.com is better than Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. To see today’s deals on Vrbo, click here.
Check Out (How To Leave The Place)
Whether you book a private or shared space, there are a few basic things to know regarding how to leave the place at checkout. These can help your host with their clean-up duties after your departure. Many Airbnb hosts only have a 2-4 hour window between one guest’s checkout and the next guest’s check-in.
Respect The Checkout Time
One complaint many Airbnb hosts share about guests is that they sometimes disregard a set checkout time. Some guests, perhaps sub-consciously, feel because they’re “just renting an Airbnb” (rather than a hotel), following rules is less important. But just because the host may not enforce a late checkout penalty, does not mean it’s ok to not respect/value their time.
Leave The Place In Good Condition
One common question from new Airbnb users is, “what are guests supposed to clean in an Airbnb?”.
On Airbnb, hosts clean their own property (some hire staff to do so). There are no expectations for guests to clean at all. Still, you should at least leave the place in proper condition (no damage), return the furniture to how you found it, and never leave a noticeable mess (clean up any spilled liquids, strong odors, etc.).
Spending just 10 minutes tidying up a place can help you earn and maintain a high guest rating - which is crucial if you plan to book other Airbnb stays in the future. Of the 100+ reviews I’ve received from hosts, many of them mention cleanliness and the condition I left the place in. To learn more about how to earn a high guest rating on Airbnb, click here.
Some hosts ask their guests to do a few things prior to leaving the property, like take out the trash, open the windows, or place the key somewhere specific (such as under the doormat, if doing self checkout).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hotel rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on hotels, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I Tip My Airbnb Host?
Airbnb guests are not obligated to tip their host (or the host’s staff). However, leaving a tip can be a great gesture if your host went beyond what was required, such as carrying your bags, helping you navigate the city, or just going out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Also consider leaving a tip if you don’t have time to leave the rental in clean condition.
What Are “Essential Amenities”?
Airbnb expects hosts to provide 5 essential amenities to guests. These 5 amenities are: toilet paper, soap, linens, one towel (per guest) and one pillow (per guest). Hosts are not required to refill or replace these items during a stay (even for long-term stays).
Can I Smoke In An Airbnb?
Some hosts allow guests to smoke on their property, others don’t. Some hosts have rules regarding where smoking is allowed (for example, only outside). If you prefer an Airbnb that allows smoking, click the “More filters” tab, then select the “Smoking allowed” filter under the “House rules” section.
What If There’s An Issue Between A Guest And Host?
Airbnb has processes in place to mediate any issues between hosts and guests. Possible issues range from small topics, like a minor disagreement or complaint, to extreme cases, like injury, extortion or a guest not leaving the property. Payment issues, such as a guest requesting a refund or host requesting compensation for property damage, also sometimes occur.
Regardless of who “causes” the issue, either party can raise their case to Airbnb’s Help Center. Airbnb will consider both sides, then determine proper course of action - according to its company policies.
*Many experienced travelers believe that Vrbo.com is better than Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. To see today’s deals on Vrbo, click here.
What If Property Gets Damaged?
Airbnb has measures to protect hosts in case the guest breaks something or destroys part of the home (Host Protection Insurance), as well as Host Guarantee to protect hosts from property damage caused by guests.
Is There Review Etiquette I Should Know About?
For the complete guide to leaving a review on Airbnb (including potential things to include) and how to earn and maintain a high guest rating, click here. A host may be more likely to leave a review for you if you have a history of leaving reviews. For Airbnb’s full review policy (and guidelines), click here.
Are There Etiquette Rules For Hosts?
Hosts choose whether they’ll offer the minimum or an extraordinary service. At the least, Airbnb requires hosts to provide what their listing states, be responsive to guest messages, and include important information in their listing and house rules. To refer back to the section on house rules, click here. To learn how to spot trustworthy hosts on Airbnb, click here.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hotel rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on hotels, click here.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide helpful.
A key reason to use Airbnb is the variety of properties and hosts you’ll encounter. However, this also means various house rules and hosting styles. For a smooth overall stay, follow the guidelines above and always respect your host’s house rules! To learn more about Airbnb, explore our other guides below.
Enjoy your travels!
Learn More About Airbnb
Introduction To Airbnb
Understand Your Options
Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Airbnb vs. VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey, TurnKey, OVO [Comparison]
Get Started With Airbnb
Know Before You Go
Specific Types Of Bookings
How To Find An Airbnb With A Specific Feature [Or Unique Stay]
How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets [Airbnb’s Pet Policy]
How To Find An Airbnb With A Pool, Hot Tub Or Jacuzzi [Step-By-Step]
Can You Throw A Party In An Airbnb Rental? [Party Policy Explained]
Cancellations, Refunds And Changes
Airbnb’s Other Listing Categories
Airbnb’s Other Features
Help With Your Account
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