The Complete Airbnb Guest Guidebook Checklist: 50 Things Every Host Should Include
By StayScan Editorial Team · Published · Last updated
The 50 things every Airbnb guidebook needs: Wi-Fi, check-in steps, house rules, local tips and checkout. Use the checklist and build your guide in minutes.
A complete Airbnb guidebook covers everything a guest might need from the moment they book to the moment they check out. This 50-item checklist walks through every section, organized by the guest journey, so you can make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Each item includes a brief note on what to tell your guest and why it matters.
How to Use This Checklist
Work through each section in order. Not every item will apply to every property — if you do not have a pool, skip the pool section. But aim to cover every item that is relevant to your rental. When you are done, you will have a comprehensive guidebook that answers nearly every question a guest might ask.
You can use this checklist to build a printed binder, a PDF guide, or a digital guidebook. If you want to turn it into a digital guidebook with QR code access, you can create one with StayScan with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.
Section 1 — Before Arrival (Items 1–10)
These are the items guests need before they walk through the door. If you use a digital guidebook, share the link in your pre-arrival message so guests can review these details on their way.
1. Property Address
Provide the full street address including zip code. Guests need this for ride-share apps, food delivery, and navigation. Some GPS systems struggle with exact coordinates, so a written address is more reliable.
2. Directions to the Property
Include turn-by-turn directions from the nearest major road or highway. Note any tricky turns, unmarked driveways, or GPS dead zones. A photo of the entrance from the street helps enormously.
3. Parking Instructions
Where to park, whether a permit is needed, any height restrictions for garages, street cleaning schedules, and what to do if the assigned spot is taken. Include a photo of the parking area if it is not obvious.
4. Check-in Time
State the official check-in time clearly. If early check-in is sometimes possible, say so — but do not guarantee it. Guests appreciate knowing the earliest they can arrive.
5. Access Instructions
How to get inside: door code, smart lock app, key lockbox location, or where to pick up keys. Include a photo of the lock or keypad. If the code has a specific sequence (like pressing # after), spell it out.
6. Door and Lock Information
Describe the type of lock (deadbolt, smart lock, keypad) and any quirks. If the door sticks, mention it. If there is a second lock guests might not notice, point it out.
7. Wi-Fi Network and Password
The single most important item for most guests. Put the network name and password in plain text, near the top of your guidebook. If you use a digital guidebook, some tools let guests connect with one tap.
8. Host Contact Information
Your name, phone number, preferred contact method, and available hours. Tell guests how quickly you typically respond. If you have a co-host or backup contact, include that too.
9. Arrival Photos
Photos of the building exterior, the entrance, and the parking area. Guests arriving in the dark or in an unfamiliar neighborhood will deeply appreciate these.
10. Pre-Arrival Tips
Anything guests should know before they arrive: grocery store hours, weather notes, what to pack (beach towels, bug spray), and any local events that might affect traffic or parking.
Section 2 — Check-In (Items 11–18)
These items cover the first 30 minutes after a guest arrives, when they are orienting themselves and looking for the essentials.
11. Where to Enter
Specify the entrance — front door, side door, garage access. If there are multiple doors, tell them which one to use. A photo eliminates confusion.
12. Keys and Access Codes
Repeat the access details from Section 1, but add context: which door the code opens, where the spare key is, and what to do if the code does not work.
13. Wi-Fi (Quick Reference)
Repeat the Wi-Fi details prominently in the check-in section. Guests will look for this first. If the password is case-sensitive, note that.
14. Thermostat Location and Instructions
Where the thermostat is, how to operate it, and a recommended temperature range. Mention any quirks like a delay before heat kicks in or a noisy AC unit.
15. Immediate House Rules
The rules that matter most in the first hour: no shoes inside, quiet hours, where to put luggage, whether certain rooms are off-limits.
16. Important Safety Information
Location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and emergency exits. If there is a carbon monoxide detector, mention it. Note any hazards like a steep staircase or unfenced pool.
17. Lighting
How to turn on outdoor lights, where the hallway switches are, and any lights that need to stay on for safety. Guests arriving in the dark need this immediately.
18. Welcome Message
A warm, personal greeting that sets the tone for the stay. Keep it short — a few sentences thanking them for choosing your property and wishing them a great stay.
Section 3 — During the Stay (Items 19–34)
These items cover the operational details guests need while they are living in your property.
19. Kitchen Appliances
How to use the coffee maker, dishwasher, oven, microwave, blender, and any less-common appliances. A sentence or two each. Include a photo of any appliance with confusing controls.
20. TV and Entertainment
How to turn on the TV, which remotes to use, which streaming services are logged in, and how to switch to HDMI if they want to connect a laptop. Note any soundbar or streaming stick setup.
21. Heating and AC
Thermostat instructions, recommended temperature range, where to find extra blankets or fans, and any quirks. Mention if certain rooms heat or cool differently.
22. Laundry
Where the washer and dryer are, how to operate them, where to find detergent and dryer sheets, and any rules about laundry hours in shared buildings.
23. Trash and Recycling
Which bins to use, when pickup days are, where to put bins out, and any sorting requirements. Include the schedule clearly so guests know which night to put bins out.
24. Kitchen Essentials
Where to find pots, pans, dishes, glassware, utensils, and basic cooking supplies like oil, salt, and coffee. Mention what is stocked vs. what guests should bring.
25. Bathroom Essentials
Where extra towels, toilet paper, soap, and shampoo are stored. Note whether you provide starter supplies or full supplies for the length of the stay.
26. Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa
If your property has a pool or hot tub, include hours, safety rules, how to operate the heater or cover, and where to find towels. Note if children need supervision.
27. Outdoor Areas
How to access the patio, balcony, or yard. Where to find outdoor furniture, grill, or fire pit. Include instructions for the grill if you have one.
28. Pet Information
If pets are allowed, where they can go, any off-limits areas, where to find pet bowls or waste bags, and nearby parks or walking areas. If pets are not allowed, state this clearly.
29. Parking Details
Repeat parking info from Section 1 but add anything relevant for longer stays: visitor parking rules, overnight restrictions, or where to park a second vehicle.
30. Quiet Hours and Neighbor Notes
State quiet hours clearly. Mention if neighbors are sensitive to noise or if there are shared walls. A friendly note about being considerate goes further than a strict rule.
31. Wi-Fi Tips and Troubleshooting
What to do if the Wi-Fi is slow or not working: where the router is, whether restarting it helps, and who to contact. Include the network name and password again here for convenience.
32. Extra Supplies
Where to find extra blankets, pillows, air mattresses, or pack-and-plays. Guests traveling with kids or staying longer often need these.
33. Local Services
Nearest pharmacy, urgent care, post office, and gas station. Include addresses and hours. Guests rarely need these, but when they do, they need them quickly.
34. Guest Support
Remind guests how to reach you, what hours you are available, and what constitutes an emergency vs. a non-urgent request. Set expectations for response time.
Section 4 — Local Recommendations (Items 35–44)
This is the section guests will browse on their first evening. Keep it curated — a few strong picks are more useful than a long list.
35. Restaurants
3 to 5 restaurants within walking distance or a short drive. Include name, cuisine, price range, and a one-line description. Mention if reservations are needed. Cover a range of price points.
36. Coffee Shops
2 to 3 coffee shops nearby. Include opening hours, especially if some open early. Guests look for coffee on their first morning.
37. Grocery Stores
The nearest grocery store and a backup option. Include address, hours, and whether any are open late or 24 hours. Mention if there is a farmers market and when it runs.
38. Pharmacies and Health
Nearest pharmacy or drugstore, with hours. Include the nearest urgent care or hospital with address and phone number. This is the item guests hope they never need but are grateful to find.
39. Attractions and Landmarks
3 to 5 attractions nearby. Mix popular tourist spots with local favorites. Include walking distance or drive time, and note if advance tickets are recommended.
40. Family Activities
If you host families, include kid-friendly activities: parks, playgrounds, museums, or family-friendly restaurants. Note age ranges where relevant.
41. Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Nearest parks, trails, beaches, or nature areas. Include a brief description of each and whether they are walkable or require a drive. Mention if dogs are allowed.
42. Beaches or Water Access
If your property is near a beach, lake, or river, include access points, parking, and any gear you provide (beach chairs, towels, umbrellas). Note if there are lifeguards or tide considerations.
43. Nightlife
If relevant to your area, include a few nightlife options: bars, live music venues, or theaters. Keep it brief and focus on places within a safe walking distance or short ride.
44. Transportation
How to get around without a car: nearest public transit stop, ride-share availability, bike rental or scooter options, and walking distances to key areas. Include any transit apps guests should download.
Section 5 — Checkout (Items 45–50)
Clear checkout instructions make turnovers smoother and reduce the chance of forgotten tasks. Keep your list short — 5 to 7 items is ideal.
45. Checkout Time
State the checkout time clearly. Mention if late checkout is sometimes available and how to request it. Guests appreciate knowing the deadline upfront.
46. Dishes and Kitchen
Ask guests to wash any dishes they used, or at minimum rinse and load the dishwasher. Keep it simple — do not ask guests to deep-clean.
47. Trash
Ask guests to take out their trash and put bins in the designated spot. Specify which bins go where, and whether bins should go to the curb or stay inside.
48. Towels and Linens
If you want guests to strip beds or gather towels, ask for it — but keep it optional or frame it as a courtesy, not a requirement. Most guests are happy to help if asked nicely.
49. Thermostat, Lights, and Doors
Ask guests to set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, turn off all lights, and lock all doors. This saves energy and ensures the property is secure.
50. Keys and Departure
Where to leave keys, how to lock up, and what to do with the parking spot. If you use a smart lock, tell guests to simply close the door behind them. Thank them for staying.
Common Mistakes Hosts Make with Their Guidebook
- Too much text, too little structure. Guests skim on their phones. Use short paragraphs, clear headings, and bullet points.
- Burying the Wi-Fi password. Put it near the top, in large text. It is the single most-asked-about item.
- Not including photos. A photo of the entrance, the parking spot, and the thermostat saves more questions than any paragraph can.
- Outdated information. If the door code changed last month but your guidebook still says the old one, you will get a midnight call. Update your guidebook the moment something changes.
- No local recommendations. Guests choose an Airbnb for a local experience. A few curated picks are more valuable than a generic list.
- Making checkout too complicated. Keep your checkout list to 5 to 7 items. Asking guests to do a deep clean leads to bad reviews.
How to Keep Your Guidebook Updated
A guidebook is only useful if it is current. Set a reminder to review your guidebook every 3 months. Check that restaurant recommendations are still open, Wi-Fi passwords have not changed, door codes are current, and emergency contact numbers are accurate.
If you use a digital guidebook like StayScan, updates are instant — change the information in your dashboard and every future guest sees the new version automatically. The QR code never changes. If you use a printed binder, set a calendar reminder to reprint updated pages.
For a quicker start, see our 10-minute welcome book template or our guidebook format comparison. You can also explore our check-in instructions template and house rules template for ready-to-use content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my Airbnb guidebook?
A complete Airbnb guidebook should include Wi-Fi, check-in and checkout instructions, house rules, appliance instructions, safety information, emergency contacts, local recommendations, and your contact details. The 50-item checklist above covers every section most guests need.
How many items should be in an Airbnb guidebook checklist?
A comprehensive guidebook typically includes 40 to 50 items across five categories: before arrival, check-in, during the stay, local recommendations, and checkout. Not every item applies to every property — skip anything that is not relevant to your rental.
How do I make sure guests actually read my guidebook?
Make it easy to access. A QR code on the coffee table that opens a digital guidebook on the guest's phone is the most effective approach. Keep the information well-organized with clear headings, put Wi-Fi near the top, and use photos where possible. Avoid long walls of text.
What is the difference between an Airbnb guidebook and a house manual?
A house manual covers operational details — how appliances work, where things are, what to do in an emergency. A guidebook is broader and includes the house manual content plus a welcome message, local recommendations, and checkout instructions. Most hosts combine both into a single guide.
How often should I update my Airbnb guidebook?
Review your guidebook every 3 months at minimum. Update it immediately when anything changes — door codes, Wi-Fi passwords, appliance replacements, or local recommendations. If you use a digital guidebook, updates are instant and apply to all future guests automatically.
Do guests need an app to access a digital guidebook?
No. With StayScan and most digital guidebook tools, guests access the guidebook by scanning a QR code or clicking a link. It opens directly in their phone's browser — no app download, no login required.
Can I use this checklist for VRBO and Booking.com properties too?
Yes. This checklist is not specific to Airbnb. The 50 items apply to any short-term rental or vacation rental property, regardless of which platform guests book through. A digital guidebook shared via QR code works for guests from any platform.
StayScan is a digital guidebook for Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and Agoda hosts: one QR code gives guests Wi-Fi, check-in steps, house rules and local tips in 30+ languages. Create your guidebook with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.