Tips for Managing Early Check-Ins and Late Check-Outs

2 min. readlast update: 05.15.2025

Guests often request early check-ins or late check-outs — especially when they’re travelling long distances or coordinating around specific plans. Here’s how you can manage these requests in a way that works best for you and your property.

1. Clearly Communicate Your Standard Times

Setting clear expectations from the start helps avoid confusion later on. Make sure your standard check-in and check-out times are accurate on your LekkeSlaap listing.

Example:

  • Check-in: From 14:00 / Between 14:00 and 17:00

  • Check-out: By 10:00

To update this:

  • Log in to your Host Profile

  • Click on ‘Edit Content’

  • Select ‘Check-in and Directions’

2. Check Your Availability

Before confirming an early check-in or late check-out, consider:

  • Whether another guest is arriving or departing on the same day

  • If your cleaning schedule allows enough time between bookings

If your calendar allows it, go ahead and offer the flexibility! If not, a kind explanation is all that’s needed.

3. Consider Charging a Fee

Many hosts charge a small fee for early check-ins or late check-outs to cover the extra time or cleaning required. This is completely up to you.

4. Be Clear & Friendly in Your Response

If it’s possible:

‘Thanks for your request! I’m happy to offer an early check-in at 12:00 for an additional R200.’

If it’s not possible:

‘Unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer an early check-in as we have other guests departing on the same day. Check-in will be from 14:00 as originally arranged.’

5. Add It to Your Listing or House Rules

To avoid repeated requests or confusion, you can include your early check-in/late check-out policy in:

  • Your House Rules, or

  • The Check-in Information section of your listing

Good to Know

  • Guests appreciate clear communication, even if the answer is no

  • When possible, offering flexibility can help you earn better reviews

Need Help?

Not sure how to update your listing or apply additional fees? Contact our Support Team — we’re here to help!

 

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