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Reply to an extra-guests request

Message templateFor guestsSend: As soon as a guest asks to bring more peopleBy HostCalmlyUpdated Oct 30, 2026How we write templatesReport an error

Short answer

Answer an extra-guests request before anyone arrives. Restate your maximum occupancy and explain that it's about beds, safety and local rules, not trust. If the group still fits within that limit, ask the guest to update the guest count on the platform. If it doesn't, say no kindly and explain what happens with their reservation.

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Hi [Guest name], Thanks for checking with me before your trip. [Rental name] is set up for a maximum of 4 guests. That limit is based on [the reason, such as the beds and space in the home and local occupancy rules], so I'm not able to host a larger group. Here's what we can do: - If your group is 4 or fewer in total, please send a change request through the platform to update the guest count, so everyone is on the reservation. [Any extra-guest fee shown in the listing] - If your group is larger, the home won't be the right fit this time. Any change or cancellation would follow the cancellation policy on your reservation. [Any house rule about visitors, as written in the listing] Thanks for understanding. I'm glad to help with anything else for your stay. [Your name]
6 parts still in [brackets]

When to send it

Reply as soon as the guest asks, and well before arrival day. A clear answer early gives the guest time to change plans, and avoids a tense conversation at the door. If you learn about extra people from an inquiry, send the same reply before they book.

Tips

  • Put every guest on the reservation. Airbnb's Change the number of guests on your home reservation (opens in a new tab) article tells guests to send a change request, says the price may change depending on the host's pricing and advises guests to wait for host approval before extra people arrive.
  • If you can host more people, Airbnb's When guests want to bring more people to your home (opens in a new tab) article says you can send the guest a trip change that includes the additional cost per night. If you can't, it suggests telling the guest the place isn't the right fit and asking them to cancel, with a refund under your cancellation policy.
  • Keep the reason practical: beds, towels, parking, safety and any occupancy limit in your city or county rules. Check your local rules, since some places limit occupancy for short-term rentals.
  • Don't threaten a fine. Airbnb's Reasonable house rules and requests (opens in a new tab) policy, for reservations booked on or after Nov 20, 2026, says hosts may not impose fines or other penalties on guests themselves, and that hosts can contact Airbnb for help if a guest doesn't follow a house rule.
  • If extra people arrive anyway, message the guest on the platform, restate the limit calmly and keep a record. The noise complaint message has a calm wording for problems during a stay.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge for extra guests on Airbnb?

Yes, through the platform. You can add an extra-guest fee to your listing for future bookings, or send a trip change with the additional cost per night for a reservation that's already booked. Don't collect money for extra guests in person or through another app.

What if the guest brings extra people without asking?

Message them on the platform, restate the maximum and ask them to update the reservation or reduce the group. If the guest doesn't follow the house rule, Airbnb's policy says hosts can contact Airbnb for help with next steps.

Why not just allow one or two more people?

Your maximum is a promise about beds, linens, parking and safety. Hosting more people than the home is set up for strains all of these, and some places limit occupancy by law. If the home can safely sleep more, update the listing first.

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