How do I reply to an early check-in request?

The basics

An early check-in is only possible if the rental is clean and ready. So the answer depends on your calendar and your cleaner, not on how nicely the guest asks. Check both, reply quickly and give a specific time rather than "probably."

Decision steps

1. Is there a checkout the same day? If the night before is empty, the unit may already be clean. Early check-in is often easy.
2. When can your cleaner finish? If there is a same-day checkout, ask your cleaner when the unit will be ready. Add a small buffer for surprises.
3. Can you offer luggage drop-off? If the guest can't get in early, a safe place to leave bags lets them start their day. Only offer this if you have a secure spot, such as a locked storage closet or garage.
4. Do you want to charge for it? Some hosts offer early check-in for a fee. If you do, collect it through your platform, not off it. Airbnb's help center says any payment for optional amenities should be sent on Airbnb using the Resolution Center (opens in a new tab). Check your platform's current rules before you offer a paid option.
5. Reply with a clear answer. Yes with a time, a partial yes or a polite no.

Choosing your answer

Sample replies

Replace each item in [brackets] with your own details.

If yes:

Hi [guest name], good news: the place is ready early, so you can check in from [time] on [date]. Your entry instructions stay the same. See you soon!

If you need to confirm on the day:

Hi [guest name], thanks for asking. There's a checkout that morning, so I'll know by [time] whether the place is ready early. I'll message you here as soon as I hear from my cleaner. The regular check-in time is [time].

If you can offer luggage drop-off:

Hi [guest name], the place won't be ready before [time] because of a same-day turnover. You're welcome to drop your bags at [location] from [time] and head out to explore. I'll message you here when it's ready.

If no:

Hi [guest name], thanks for asking. Unfortunately I can't offer early check-in that day, because the place needs time to be cleaned after the previous guest. Check-in starts at [time]. If it helps, [nearby café or spot] is a good place to wait.

Habits that help

• Answer fast. Guests asking about early check-in are usually planning travel.
• Don't promise early access before the turnover is done. A guest walking in on a cleaner is a worse experience than waiting.
• Keep it fair. Use the same rules for every guest, so your answer doesn't depend on who asks.
• Write it into your listing. If you rarely allow early check-in, say so, and you'll get fewer requests.

Our cleaning checklist helps you see how long a turnover really takes. For what to send once the time is set, see what a check-in message should say. The guest message writer fills an early check-in reply with your times and details, ready to copy.