Not sure what to check when a guest leaves?

When a guest moves out at the end of a booking, things can get awkward if you don't know what to inspect.

"I can't tell if this damage was already here or caused by the guest."

"If the next guest complains later, how will I prove what happened?"

Checkout checks aren't guesswork — follow a simple, recorded routine and it gets a lot easier.
Here's a clear checklist of what hosts should check and record when a guest leaves.

Checkout checklist

① Compare with pre-move-in photos

If you have photos taken before move-in, compare them side by side with the current condition at checkout.

If you didn't keep pre-move-in records, start now — take photos before the next guest arrives.

② Check items by category and record problems

Go through furniture, appliances, wallpaper, and flooring item by item. If you find damage, take photos or videos on the spot.

Saying you "checked" without evidence leaves no proof later.

③ If there's damage, tell the guest immediately

If you wait until after they leave, it's easy for the guest to say they weren't informed. If you find a problem, explain it while they're still there and show the recorded evidence — that's the smoothest way to handle it.

④ If a deposit deduction is needed, submit evidence

Deposits are held and returned by the platform, not kept directly by hosts.

A host's job is to submit the reasons for any deduction along with evidence like photos or videos to the platform — you don't have to handle disputes alone.

Do I have to record everything right then and there?

Yes — if possible, check and record before the guest leaves.

Over time it's harder to tell if an issue was preexisting or new, and the guest may be harder to reach once they've gone.

How do SamSamM2 and plott LIFE differ on checkout checks?

The basic check—compare pre-move-in photos and inform the guest on the spot—is similar on both platforms.
Because the platform holds deposits and centralizes support,
hosts only need to submit evidence for deductions; the platform handles processing and dispute response, so you don't manage it alone.

Find it stressful to decide and handle checkout deductions alone? [Start hosting on plott LIFE →]

FAQ — Common questions about checkout checks

Q. What's the first thing to check when a guest leaves?

A. If you have pre-move-in photos, start by comparing them to the current condition.
If not, begin taking photos from this checkout onward.

Q. I found damage after the guest already left — what now?

A. Record photos and videos immediately, then submit the evidence to customer support or the settlement channel.
The longer you wait, the harder it is to determine the cause.

Q. Do hosts handle deposit deductions themselves?

A. No, the platform holds and returns deposits.
Hosts only submit deduction reasons with evidence.

Q. I get confused about what to check — is there a standard?

A. Decide on items to check in advance — furniture, appliances, wallpaper, flooring — and use the same order each time to avoid missing anything.

Checkout is much easier if you record it on the spot

Compare with pre-move-in photos and tell the guest about any issues you find.

plott LIFE — 0% fee short-term host platform

0% fee (current) · Easy contracts · Platform support for damage claims · No listing fee