Our listings are our business. We’re not doing this for “fun” or to “make a little extra income on the side.” We put $100,000 last year alone into our listings. And as with most well-run businesses, we have rules, which I will, on occasion bend, but in general, we will stick by our rules…It just makes for a smoother running business. I don’t want to always be having to let the crew know, this guest is arriving at 2:00, Friday’s guest is arriving at 3:30, etc… A few times a year I’ll do it, but not on a regular basis.
Also, our insurance doesn’t start with Airbnb until 4:00 and ends at 12:00 on Check-out day. In between those time, our insurance is in place. So the few times we do allow early check-ins, we are taking the risks on ourselves… something else to consider with “early birds.” 
My check in time is 3 pm for logistical reasons, and it is stated in my listing but almost without exception people ask if they can check in earlier. Depending on how much earlier, I decide each time. But one guest recently asked if she can check in at 6:45 am. Um, no. She is basically pulling an all nighter. I have no problem saying no in that case. Boundaries are constantly being tested and it takes practice to say no gracefully.
Yes! I had a guest inquire about so many things that were actually mentioned in my listing especially regarding distance to mass transit and the like and she only wanted to stay one night. I got impatient after the third exchange of Q & A and just suggested she stay closer to her intended places of visiting. Worked out for me because another guest booked two nights compared her her single night.
Gosh, AlexSJ…I doubt the OP is ‘un hospitable’.I think that was quite un called for…Many of us have OTHER LIVES…this Airbnb ‘job’ is rarely a full time job. We are being 'hospitable ’ by sharing our special places with total strangers…And rules are not ‘only in your head’…We all live by rules, and as property owners we make rules that fit our lives separate from our Airbnb. I suggest that the OP ‘get over’ feeling bad about saying ‘no’…I get that, but one has to have boundries and as someone else said, you give an inch and someone will try and take a mile…make rules that allow you to have a life, that keep you comfortable and safe, and stick to it…
So this just came up today, tomorrows guest asked if I could allow an early check in and waive the early check in fee, which to give her credit means she actually read the listing information. My response was that I was booked back to back all weekend and the only way I could ensure a early check in was to lock it in with a payment, otherwise the current guests may request and pay for a late checkout and then early check in would not be available.
So she is paying for the time. Time is money.
RR
I send mine with the number of the resolution like this but was told it’s not necessary.
@CeeBee Don’t expect people to actually READ anything. From my experience people just don’t care to read even basic instructions.
I do the same, with a whole day preparation time so it’s not a problem to do an early check-in. I probably wouldn’t if I had 1-2 night stays, but we have a 3-night minimum and most stays are between 6-10 days so I’m happy to leave a whole day between guests, especially as I am the Cleaning Crew …
In fact very few people actually ask for an early check-in as most flights from northern Europe arrive around mid-day and by the time they’ve picked up their rental car it’s usually pretty near to the stated 2pm check-in time. I always ask for a flight number and can see what time they land. Late check-out is nearly always possible and although I don’t state it in the listing, once they are here I ask what time their flight is and let them know they don’t have to rush off on the morning. Incidentally I’ve found that late -checkouters seem to leave the place tidier …
When I send the link I put the http:// before it and don’t use the www. Not sure of the click-ability depending on where the person is looking at it so always include the http.
Wow. OP’s rules better not be just in their head or stand by for getting flattened by humanity. Don’t make unnecessary rules for one, but once announced it’s critical to enforce. The next rule violation could endanger your property or safety. There’s nothing inhospitable about having rules that include a check in time when your business opens. Even donut shops do it.
As a frequent AIRbnb guest and a host, I for the life of me do not understand hosts that REFUSE early check-ins IF it can be accommodated.
My check in time is 2:00. Check-out 11:00. If I have a guest that is taking an early flight and has reached out to me early enough so that I can accommodate them it’s just no big deal. My place stays booked and most of my bookings are referrals and reviews. It’s because I take great care in providing a pleasurable experience while my guests are there and I always try to accommodate them in whatever way when I can. Yes I call it being a nice business lady because au know that nice can go a long way.
Some of the comments I’ve read from hosts regarding early check ins are ludicrous. I had to laugh at the host that said these are my hours, take it or leave it. I’d be laughing all the way down the road because I would definitely leave it!
We run a business but being an arse will get you no where. Kindness can and will go a long way!
Donut shops open at 6:00 AM - huge difference!
Accommodating guests is a plus- it’s only a minus when you as a host makes it one.
You seem like the type of host that guests flock to. Keep up the good work!
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