Copy-and-paste WhatsApp templates for short-term rental hosts: availability replies, direct booking, pre-arrival details, check-in instructions, during-stay help, house rules reminders, check-out and review requests
A host's phone buzzes with the same messages every stay: is it available, how do I get in, what is the Wi-Fi, where is the bin. These templates answer each at the right moment, and the agent sends most of them so the host does not.
Quick answer
Templates for the guest journey: availability and rate reply, direct booking confirmation with deposit terms, pre-arrival details request, check-in instructions (sent the day before), Wi-Fi and appliance help, house-rule reminders, problem report intake, check-out instructions, review request and a repeat-guest offer. The agent answers availability from the calendar, sends check-in and check-out messages as scheduled reminders, and answers during-stay questions from your property guide at any hour; deposits, damage and complaints go to the host. ReplyKit keeps the property guide as knowledge and the bookings as calendar entries.
Enquiries and booking
Available
Yes, {property} is free from {date} to {date}: {n} nights at {rate} per night, {cleaning fee}, total {amount}. It sleeps {n} with {bedrooms}. Photos and details: {link}. Shall I hold it for you?
Not available, alternative
Those dates are taken, sorry. {Property} is free {alternative dates}, or our {other property} nearby is free for yours: {link}. Would either work?
Direct booking confirmed
Booked: {property}, {date} to {date}, {guests} guests, total {amount}. Deposit of {amount} paid; balance due {date}. Cancellation: {policy}. Check-in from {time}, check-out by {time}. I'll send arrival details the day before.
Pre-arrival details
Looking forward to hosting you on {date}! Two things: your expected arrival time, and the names of everyone staying (for the building). Reply here whenever convenient.
Deposit mechanics are in bookings with deposits.
Check-in and during the stay
Check-in (day before)
Hi {name}, arrival details for tomorrow: address {address} ({map link}). Entry: {instructions, e.g. lockbox code {code}, door code {code}}. Parking: {details}. Wi-Fi: {network} / {password}. Check-in from {time}. The house guide is at {link}. Message here any time.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi network is {network}, password {password} (case sensitive). The router is {location}; if it's slow, unplug it for 10 seconds.
Appliance help
The {appliance} works like this: {steps}. There's a short guide at {link}. If it's not working at all, tell me and I'll get someone to look.
House-rule reminder (noise)
Hi {name}, a gentle reminder that quiet hours in the building are {times}; neighbours are close. Thanks for understanding.
Problem report
Sorry about that. Could you send a photo and tell me which room? I'll get {cleaner / handyman} onto it; usual response is {time}. If it's urgent (water, electricity, locks), call {number} now.
The agent sends the check-in message as a scheduled reminder; the property guide behind the answers is described in vacation rentals and Airbnb hosts.
Check-out and after
Check-out (morning of)
Morning! Check-out is by {time}. Before you go: {rules: strip the beds / load the dishwasher / take rubbish to {location} / leave keys {where}}. Safe travels, and thank you for staying.
Review request (day after)
Thanks for staying at {property}, {name}. If you enjoyed it, a review would mean a lot: {link}. If anything wasn't right, tell me here first so I can fix it for the next guest.
Repeat-guest offer
Hi {name}, {property} is free for {period} and past guests book direct at {discount}. If you fancy coming back, reply with dates and I'll hold them.
Repeat-guest messages go only to guests who agreed to hear from you; see consent rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can the agent answer availability questions?
Yes, from the calendar, with rates and a link, in the guest's language.
Can it send check-in instructions automatically?
Yes, as a scheduled reminder the day before, with codes and directions from your guide.
What about problems during the stay?
The agent collects a photo and location, gives the emergency number for urgent issues, and hands over to the host.
Does it work alongside Airbnb messaging?
Yes, for direct guests and for guests who move to WhatsApp after booking. Platform messages stay on the platform.
Every guest question answered, every check-in sent
Property guide as knowledge, bookings in the calendar, the host only for what matters. 7-day free trial, no card.
Sources and further reading
- WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy · opt-in, opt-out and prohibited-use rules every business must follow
- Harvard Business Review, The Short Life of Online Sales Leads (Oldroyd, McElheran, Elkington, 2011) · firms that responded within an hour were about seven times more likely to qualify the lead
ReplyKit is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or WhatsApp. This article is general guidance for running a small business, not legal, financial or regulatory advice.