Staying in an Airbnb offers a unique and often more affordable alternative to traditional hotels. However, being a guest in someone's home comes with additional responsibilities. Following proper Airbnb etiquette ensures a positive experience for both guests and hosts. Here are the key do's and don'ts to keep in mind as an Airbnb guest:

Do: Communicate with Your Host

Good communication is crucial for a smooth Airbnb stay. Let your host know your estimated arrival time in advance. If your plans change, promptly inform them. 70% of hosts appreciate guests giving them a heads up about when they'll be checking in.Feel free to share some details about the purpose of your trip. Hosts love getting to know their guests. Mentioning if you're celebrating a special occasion allows them to personalize your experience. But avoid oversharing personal details.If any issues arise during your stay, contact your host right away. They can often quickly resolve problems like a missing amenity. Waiting until after your stay to mention it in a review doesn't give them a chance to address it.

Don't: Bring Unregistered Guests or Pets

Always note how many people will be staying when you book. Don't show up with extra unregistered guests. If you want to bring a pet, make sure to choose a pet-friendly home and let the host know in advance. Respect the maximum occupancy and pet rules stated in the listing.

Don't: Ignore the House Rules

Before booking, thoroughly read the listing description and house rules. Hosts set specific guidelines to ensure a pleasant stay for guests while being respectful to neighbors. The most common house rules relate to:

Maximum occupancy
Quiet hours
Parking restrictions
Pet policies
No smoking policies
No parties/events policies

97% of listings have house rules that guests must agree to before booking. Violating the rules, especially regarding occupancy and noise, is inconsiderate. It can result in complaints, fines, or even termination of your stay by the host or Airbnb.

Do: Respect Check-In and Check-Out Times

Hosts designate specific check-in and check-out windows to allow time for cleaning between guests. The most common check-in time is 3:00 pm, while the standard check-out is 11:00 am.Arrive within the stated check-in period. If you need to check in earlier or later, ask the host in advance if they can accommodate you. Some may be able to, but 70% of hosts say early check-in requests are difficult to fulfill.Stick to the check-out time to avoid inconveniencing your host and the next guests. A late check-out can throw off the cleaning schedule. If you anticipate needing some extra time, clear it with your host ahead of time. But don't assume it will automatically be granted.

Don't: Leave a Mess Behind

While you're not expected to deep clean the airbnb, basic tidiness is proper Airbnb guest etiquette. 80% of hosts say they appreciate guests who wash their dishes or load the dishwasher. Hosts also prefer when guests:

Dispose of trash in designated receptacles
Wipe down counters and tables
Leave used towels and linens in a pile
Turn off lights and electronics
Adjust the thermostat to a reasonable temperature

Your host will thoroughly clean and sanitize the space after your stay. But leaving it in relatively good condition shows respect for the property and makes the turnover process smoother. It can also help you earn a positive review from the host.

Do: Write an Honest Review

Reviews are an essential part of the Airbnb community. They help hosts improve and allow future guests to know what to expect. 89% of guests say reviews are an important factor when choosing where to book. After your stay, take a few minutes to write a review of your experience. Be honest and objective. If certain aspects didn't meet your expectations, constructively explain why. For example, "The kitchen lacked some basic cooking supplies" is more helpful than "The kitchen was terrible."Balance any negatives with positives. Did the host provide great local recommendations? Was the location convenient? Mention these things to give a well-rounded review.If major issues occurred, consider contacting Airbnb in addition to noting it in your review. Hosts should be held accountable for serious cleanliness or safety problems. But for minor concerns, allow them the opportunity to improve based on your feedback.

Don't: Try to Bypass the Airbnb System

Airbnb has policies in place to protect both guests and hosts. Only communicate with your host through the Airbnb messaging system. Don't exchange personal contact information to discuss details off the platform.All payments should be handled through Airbnb. If a host asks you to pay them directly or offers you a discount to do so, refuse. Paying outside the system voids many of Airbnb's safeguards.Agreeing to an off-platform transaction is against Airbnb's terms of service. It can result in your account being suspended or deactivated. It's not worth the risk to save a few dollars.

Do: Be a Considerate Guest

Overall, being a considerate Airbnb guest comes down to treating the property and host with respect. Follow the golden rule of leaving the space as you found it.Some additional do's and don'ts:

Do take your shoes off if that's the house norm
Don't snoop through the host's personal belongings
Do use coasters and placemats to prevent water rings or stains
Don't rearrange the furniture without asking
Do properly lock up when coming and going
Don't invite extra visitors without clearing it with the host first

A little courtesy goes a long way in being a five-star Airbnb guest. Your thoughtfulness won't go unnoticed by hosts. Many go above and beyond for respectful guests, sometimes even leaving them thank-you gifts. By following these essential Airbnb etiquette tips, you'll be on your way to enjoying many wonderful stays. You may even forge lasting connections with hosts. So be a considerate guest and get the most out of your Airbnb experience!

Airbnb Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Guests