Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals
Use these phrases to communicate with your host, ask about house rules, and solve common issues during your stay.
Key Phrases
Où est la boîte à clés ?
neutralWhere is the lockbox?
Very common term for the lockbox in short-term rentals.
Comment est-ce que je peux trouver les clés ?
politeHow can I find the keys?
More polite — good for a formal message to the host before arrival.
C'est quoi le code du wifi ?
casualWhat's the wifi code?
Casual spoken French — perfect for a quick text message.
Quel est le mot de passe du wifi ?
neutralWhat is the wifi password?
Standard and neutral phrasing.
Est-ce que je dois sortir les poubelles ?
neutralDo I have to take out the trash?
A common question to avoid extra cleaning fees.
Est-ce que je dois nettoyer la cuisine avant le départ ?
politeDo I have to clean the kitchen before checkout?
Use this to clarify the house rules for checking out.
L'eau chaude ne marche pas.
casualThe hot water isn't working.
'Ne marche pas' is the most natural way to say something is broken.
Il y a un problème avec le chauffage.
neutralThere is a problem with the heating.
A softer way to report an issue than saying it is broken.
Je peux vous envoyer un message ?
casualCan I send you a message?
Good for checking how the host prefers to communicate.
Est-ce que je peux vous appeler si j'ai un problème ?
politeCan I call you if I have a problem?
More polite and complete question for emergencies.
Je vais laisser les clés sur la table.
neutralI am going to leave the keys on the table.
Uses the near future to explain your checkout plan.