What is the correct time for check-in and check-out? Since December 2025, the answer has a federal rule. Ordinance No. 28 of the Ministry of Tourism, published in September 2025 and in effect since mid-December, defined that the daily rate corresponds to 24 hours of use of the unit and that the interval for cleaning between one guest and the next cannot exceed 3 hours. In practice, those who set the check-out at 12:00 PM cannot schedule the check-in for after 3:00 PM.
This guide explains what the ordinance determines, shows time combinations that comply with the rule, how to charge for early check-in and late check-out, and what needs to be informed to the guest.
What does the 24-hour daily rule say?
- 24-hour daily rate: corresponds to 24 hours of use of the accommodation unit, already including the time for tidying and cleaning;
- Cleaning up to 3 hours: the interval between the departure of one guest and the arrival of the next cannot exceed 3 hours. Thus, the guest has at least 21 hours of use;
- Times defined by the hotel: each lodging establishment sets its own check-in and check-out times, within this calculation;
- Duty to inform: hotels and intermediaries that sell daily rates, such as OTAs, must inform the check-in and check-out times and the scheduled cleaning time in advance;
- Cleaning during the stay: the hotel must offer tidying and inform in advance the frequency and criteria for changing bed and bath linen. The guest can waive the tidying, provided they express this explicitly;
- Enforcement: it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism, with the penalties of the General Tourism Law (Law 11,771/2008).
The rule applies to hotels, inns, resorts, hostels, flats, and apart-hotels registered as lodging establishments. It does not apply to residential properties rented through platforms like Airbnb, which follow the Civil Code and municipal laws. For the complete set of sector regulations, see the guide on the lodging law.
Check-in and check-out combinations that comply with the rule
- check-out at 12:00 PM and check-in at 3:00 PM: 21 hours of use and 3 hours for cleaning;
- check-out at 12:00 PM and check-in at 2:00 PM: 22 hours of use and 2 hours for cleaning;
- check-out at 11:00 AM and check-in at 2:00 PM: 21 hours of use and 3 hours for cleaning;
- check-out at 10:00 AM and check-in at 1:00 PM: 21 hours of use and 3 hours for cleaning.
Combinations such as check-in at 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM leave 5 hours without use and do not comply with the rule. If housekeeping needs more time, the solution is to reinforce the cleaning staff on high-turnover days, not to push back the check-in.
Early check-in and late check-out: can you charge?
Yes. The ordinance allows charging a different rate for use outside the scheduled time, provided that the conditions and values are clearly communicated in advance. This turns a common request into revenue: a late check-out until 4:00 PM can have a fixed value, and departure after that can become a new daily rate. See more about how to charge and operate the late check-out.
The best time to offer it is before arrival, in the confirmation or pre-arrival message, when the guest is still organizing their trip.
Where to inform the guest of the times
- on the website and in the booking engine, before payment;
- in the quote sent via WhatsApp;
- in the reservation confirmation and pre-arrival message;
- on OTAs, with the same times as the direct channel;
- at the reception, in view of the guest.
With automations, the pre-arrival message goes out automatically with the times and the value of the late check-out, without depending on someone to remember.
What to review in the operation
- check if the current times comply with the 24-hour rule;
- measure how long the cleaning takes for each type of room on high-turnover days;
- adjust the housekeeping schedule to fit within 3 hours;
- define the policy and price for early check-in and late check-out;
- update the website, OTAs, message templates, and the reception checklist.
Frequently asked questions about check-in and check-out
Can the hotel set its own check-in time?
Yes. The ordinance leaves the times to the discretion of the lodging establishment, provided that the daily rate is 24 hours and the cleaning interval does not exceed 3 hours.
Does the rule apply to Airbnb?
No. Residential properties rented through digital platforms are outside the ordinance and follow the Civil Code and municipal laws.
Can the guest waive room tidying?
Yes, provided they state this explicitly. Waiving tidying does not relieve the hotel of the obligation to maintain hygiene and safety conditions for other guests.
Clear times avoid disputes at the reception and open up space to sell late check-out. DeskHotel brings this information to the quote, confirmation, and automatic messages, all in one platform.
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Sources: Ministry of Tourism, Ordinance No. 28, of September 16, 2025 (summary by the Public Ministry of Paraná); Panrotas, "Airbnb: new hotel daily rate rules do not include rented residences," 12/15/2025.