Check-out checklist for hosts

A calm check-out avoids common problems and helps the next arrival run smoothly.

A calm check-out avoids common problems (keys not returned, important items left behind) and helps the next arrival run smoothly.

Quick checklist (at a glance)

Use this as a quick tick-list. The detail below explains each point.

☐ Confirm the departure time and travel plan.
☐ Collect all keys, fobs and access cards before the guest leaves.
☐ Do a quick room check (including drawers, under the bed and plug sockets).
☐ If you find something urgent (passport/ID/essential medication), contact the guest immediately and let London Homestays know straight away.
☐ Note any damage or maintenance issues and tell us promptly.
☐ Keep a forwarding contact (and follow-on address if available) in case something is found later.
☐ If the guest was happy, you can mention that a Google review for London Homestays is appreciated (no pressure).
☐ Update any changes in your Host Portal (availability, photos, household updates).

Before departure (the day before or a few days ahead)

Confirm the departure time and whether the guest will leave early (for example before you are awake or before you leave for work).
Agree how keys will be returned (hand-to-hand is best where possible).
If you have agreed any final laundry, cleaning, or meal arrangements, confirm these calmly and clearly.
If the guest is moving on, ask for a simple forwarding contact (email/phone) and, if available, a follow-on address.

On the day of departure

1) Keys and access

Collect all keys, fobs and access cards before the guest leaves (including any spare sets you provided).
If the guest leaves when you are not at home, agree a secure handover method in advance.

2) Quick room check

Check the room together if possible (drawers, wardrobe, under the bed, bathroom shelf).
Check plug sockets and charging areas for forgotten items (chargers, adapters).
If you notice damage or a maintenance issue, tell us promptly so we can support next steps.

After departure

Check the room again for commonly forgotten items (chargers, adapters, clothing, toiletries, items in drawers or under the bed).
If you find something urgent (passport/ID documents/essential medication), contact the guest immediately and let London Homestays know straight away — they may need it urgently.
For non-urgent items, contact the guest using the agreed forwarding details. If you need support, contact London Homestays during office hours.
Update any household changes in your Host Portal (for example new pets, smoking changes, household changes, updated photos, or changes to availability).

Feedback and reviews (optional)

If the guest enjoyed their stay, you can mention that reviews help other guests feel confident about homestay. We recommend asking in a friendly, no‑pressure way.

If you’d like, you can invite the guest to leave a Google review for London Homestays and mention your first name (or family name) in their review.
Avoid asking guests to share your address or personal details publicly.

If there is a problem or concern

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (phone lines 11am–3pm).

Contact methods:

Phone: 020 8395 0333
Email: info@londonhomestays.com
WhatsApp: 020 8395 0333 (message-only service, monitored during office hours). Please do not use WhatsApp for emergencies.

Emergency support:

Out-of-hours emergency support is available for genuine emergencies relating to current placements only. Out-of-hours emergency phone numbers are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail (we do not publish them on the website).

Related resources

In their words...

“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“LSC Stanton has been working with London Homestays since 2011 and we are very pleased with the quality of accommodation and service they give to us. We have a good relationship with the team and they are always on hand to deal with any last-minute requests.”
Nick Bray, Managing Director, London Study Centre.
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy