The Biggest Hack to Tackle Late Checkouts as a Vacation Rental Host

As vacation rental hosts, we often find ourselves comparing our properties to hotels—particularly when it comes to logistics like check-ins and check-outs. Hotels typically have standardized rooms and an army of staff to ensure smooth transitions, but we as vacation rental hosts are usually working with unique properties, different guest types, and the unpredictability that comes with it. And one of the biggest headaches we face? Late checkouts.

When we first launched our vacation rental business over a year ago, I’ll admit, I was terrified of guests checking out late. I used to panic about it. I would envision the nightmare scenario: the clock ticking down to 11:00 AM, our designated checkout time, and wondering whether the guests would be gone on time to give us enough time to clean and prep for the next set of guests. Spoiler alert: it almost always went down the drain, and we found ourselves scrambling.

However, after a few stressful months and a lot of trial and error, we finally implemented a process that has completely changed the game. The result? Smooth sailing. And I’m excited to share this little hack with you so you can say goodbye to the chaos of late checkouts once and for all.

The 11:00 AM Hack – A System that Actually Works for Late Checkouts

Our checkout time is set at 11:00 AM, which gives us ample time to prepare the property for the next guests. But as we all know, giving a guest a simple “reminder” doesn’t always work—especially when you're dealing with guests who are less than punctual.

So, here's what we’ve started doing over the past few months, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer:

1. 10:15 AM Reminder: A friendly reminder message goes out to all guests, letting them know checkout is approaching in 45 minutes. This is a gentle nudge to get them moving, without feeling like you're pressuring them.

2. 11:00 AM Phone Call: At exactly 11:00 AM, we give them a quick phone call. It’s a polite check-in to remind them it’s time to head out. Most guests appreciate this, especially if they're running behind. It gives them a nudge without feeling rushed or awkward.

3. 12:00 PM Electricity Cutoff: If the guest hasn't left by noon, we implement the ultimate hack—we shut off the electricity. Yes, it might sound extreme, but here's why it works: we’re protecting the guest who is about to check in. Our next guest expects to have a clean and fully functioning space at the agreed-upon check-in time (usually 2:00 or 3:00 PM depending on the size of the property). If the previous guest overstays their welcome, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it affects the quality of the guest experience for everyone involved.

Why Cutting Off Electricity is Justifiable

I know, cutting off the electricity sounds like it could rub some guests the wrong way. But let’s break this down from a business perspective:

• Guests Are Informed: We make it clear from the moment they book that checkout is 11:00 AM. They are given plenty of warning and time to prepare. If they ignore that, we have to protect our business and commitments.

• You’re Protecting the Next Guest: The primary reason for cutting off the electricity is to ensure that the next guest’s experience isn’t ruined. If the previous guest isn’t respecting checkout time, and we don’t take action, the incoming guest could be left waiting for the property to be ready or—worse—entering a mess.

• It’s About Reputation: Yes, some guests might not like the cutoff and could even leave a bad review. But here’s the thing: you’re doing this to maintain your commitment to the next guest. If you don’t follow through with check-in times, you might get the bad review. That’s a far bigger issue than one disgruntled guest. Your future guests expect consistency and reliability. By implementing firm boundaries, you’re ensuring you can keep delivering on those promises.

The Impact of Setting Boundaries

Setting firm boundaries doesn’t just help with late checkouts—it helps set the tone for your entire rental business. When you communicate clearly, stay firm with your rules, and protect the guest experience at every turn, you’ll find that your stress levels decrease and your business runs much more smoothly.

Remember, it's not about being harsh—it's about being fair. Guests know they’ve been informed, and even if they don’t love the electricity cutoff, deep down they understand it’s necessary for the next guest’s experience. If they leave a negative review, it’s a small price to pay to maintain your commitment to quality service and timely check-ins.

Focus on the Bigger Picture: Hospitality and Growth

In the end, hospitality isn’t just about providing a bed to sleep in—it’s about ensuring that every guest, both the ones checking out and the ones checking in, has the best experience possible. You’ll make mistakes along the way, and there will be moments when things don’t go according to plan. But what truly matters is that you learn from those mistakes and continuously improve your processes.

The character of a business is built through consistency, transparency, and a commitment to the guest experience. And with the right strategies in place to tackle late checkouts, you can ensure that your guests—past and future—always have a smooth and seamless experience from start to finish.

If you’ve been struggling with late checkouts or trying to figure out a solution, give this system a try. It might feel a little daunting at first, but the peace of mind it brings is totally worth it.