The Surprising Truth About Airbnb House Manuals You’ve Been Overlooking

By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated January 30, 2025

A house manual is more than just a collection of instructions—it’s a vital part of hosting that provides essential information to guests, guiding them through their stay and ensuring that they feel comfortable and well-informed. By incorporating both practical details and personal touches, you can create a house manual that stands out and enhances the guest experience. The key is to strike the right balance between offering all the necessary information while also keeping the tone welcoming and personal.

The Home Essentials: Setting Up Your House Manual

When creating your house manual, the first priority is to provide guests with the essential information about the property. This section serves as a foundation, detailing everything they need to know about the house itself. It should include:

• Welcome Message: Start with a short and friendly greeting to set the tone. Something as simple as, “Welcome to our home! We hope you enjoy your stay,” makes a positive first impression.
• Listing Address: Ensure that the address is easy to find in case guests need it for taxi services or food delivery. While it may seem basic, it’s something people often overlook.
• Contact Information: Clearly state how guests can reach you or your manager during their stay. If you prefer certain methods of communication—whether phone calls, texts, or emails—make it clear. In a remote hosting situation, being easily accessible, even virtually, is crucial.
• Wi-Fi Password: This might be the most frequently referenced part of your house manual. Make sure it’s easy to find, and avoid complex passwords that might cause frustration.

Emergency Information: A Vital Section

Safety should always come first, especially when you’re hosting remotely. Since your guests may not be familiar with the area, it’s essential to provide detailed emergency instructions. The emergency section of your manual should include:

• Contact Information for Local Services: Guests need to know how to reach emergency services, whether that’s the police, fire department, or an ambulance. In some cases, guests may not speak the local language, so providing this information in multiple languages can be incredibly helpful.
• Location of Fire Extinguishers: Don’t assume guests will automatically know where important safety tools are. Specify the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and exits in case of emergencies.
• Evacuation Procedures: You should also include detailed exit routes for fire emergencies. For example, if your home has multiple stories, be sure to explain the safest and quickest way to evacuate.
• Airbnb Safety Card: If you haven’t already, print out the safety card provided by Airbnb in the Home Safety section. This card offers useful guidelines and emergency numbers that your guests can refer to during their stay.

House Rules: Reinforcing Expectations

House rules are critical for maintaining your space, especially when you won’t be physically present. While you might go over these rules during the guest’s arrival, the house manual ensures that they have a clear reference throughout their stay. The rules should be clear and concise, outlining key aspects like:

• No Smoking Policy: If you have a strict no-smoking rule, ensure that it’s prominently displayed and emphasized during check-in. For guests who might need clarification, like where smoking is allowed outside, give them options.
• Noise Considerations: If noise is a concern in your neighborhood, let guests know what quiet hours you expect, especially in the evenings.
• Guest Limitations: If your listing has a maximum guest limit or no overnight visitors policy, it’s crucial to reiterate this rule.
• Cleaning Policies: Specify if guests need to clean up certain things, like washing dishes, before checking out. If you provide housekeeping services, make it clear so guests know what to expect.

Appliances and Kitchen: How-To Guides for Smooth Functioning

Your guests may not be familiar with all the appliances and systems in your home. This section should provide clear instructions on how to operate key household items, particularly if they are unique or high-tech. For example:

• Heating/Cooling Systems: If you use a smart thermostat, provide step-by-step instructions on how to adjust the temperature. Guests may not be familiar with these devices, and clear directions will make them feel at ease.
• Kitchen Appliances: Whether it’s the coffee machine, oven, or microwave, include a basic guide on how to use these appliances. Don’t forget about other essentials like the toaster or dishwasher, especially if they require special settings.
• Recycling and Trash Disposal: In many cities, recycling protocols can vary. Be sure to specify how guests should dispose of waste and whether any bins need to be sorted.

Housekeeping and Linens: Providing Comfort

Your guests’ comfort is paramount, and ensuring that they have access to clean linens and towels can greatly improve their experience. Here, you should clarify your policy on housekeeping and how you handle towels and linens:

• Towel Instructions: If you offer multiple sets of towels, note where guests can find additional towels, especially if they plan to use them for different purposes (e.g., beach towels or bathroom towels).
• Laundry Procedures: If you expect guests to do laundry before checking out, include clear instructions on how to operate the washing machine and dryer. If you don’t want them to use certain linens, like your makeup towels, let them know beforehand.

Special Features: Offering Guests Unique Information

Every home has its quirks and special features, so be sure to highlight these in the house manual. Whether it’s an old bathtub stopper or a hidden feature, it’s better for guests to be informed ahead of time. For example:

• Unique Bathroom Features: If your home has older plumbing or vintage fixtures, such as an antique bathtub, make sure to explain how they work, or how guests should avoid potential problems (e.g., the water stopper).
• Special Instructions: If you have a hot tub, swimming pool, or another feature, provide clear guidelines for use and safety measures. This could include pool hours, cleaning instructions, or restrictions.

Neighborhood Information: Helping Guests Explore

A well-detailed neighborhood guide can make all the difference for your guests. Providing this in your house manual offers them a resource that will not only help them navigate your area but also give them suggestions for memorable local experiences. Sections to include might be:

• Restaurant Recommendations: Break them down by category—breakfast spots, lunch spots, dinner venues, and dessert places. Include personal favorites with the reasons why you love them and the type of food they serve.
• Coffee Shops & Bars: If your neighborhood has unique coffee spots or trendy bars, share them with your guests. Include details like hours of operation, a favorite drink, and a brief description of the ambiance.
• Shops and Attractions: Suggest nearby shops, museums, parks, or outdoor activities. Not everyone wants to go to tourist spots, and locals often know of hidden gems. Include the address, hours, and phone numbers for easy access.
• Entertainment Options: Inform guests of local events, live music venues, or places with ongoing entertainment. For example, if there’s a local band playing at a nearby venue or a community festival, make sure to share that.

City Guide: Discovering Local Fun

In addition to your neighborhood, provide guests with insight into your city or town. Highlight popular local attractions and activities, such as parks, festivals, or tours. For example, a local park might offer recreational activities, while a cultural museum may have events for visitors.

• Parks and Outdoor Activities: If your area has a public park, suggest ways to enjoy it. This could include activities like hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the scenery. Additionally, let guests know about any special seasonal events happening at the park, like summer concerts or winter ice skating.
• Cultural Hotspots: Include details on museums, art galleries, and cultural centers that guests may enjoy. Local festivals and events can add excitement to their stay.
• Transportation: Make sure guests know the best way to get around. Provide public transit information, ride-sharing apps, or parking suggestions for those who choose to drive.

Check-Out Instructions: Wrapping Up a Great Stay

The check-out process is a crucial part of the guest experience. In the House Manual, provide clear instructions on the steps guests need to take before they leave, so they aren’t caught off guard on the last day. Some things to include are:

• Check-Out Time: Remind guests of the agreed-upon check-out time, as they might get caught up in their vacation.
• Cleaning Instructions: Whether it’s stripping the bed or doing the dishes, make sure to provide instructions on what needs to be cleaned before they leave.
• Feedback Request: Encourage guests to provide feedback on their stay, either via your Airbnb platform or directly through email. Positive feedback is great for your reviews, but constructive criticism can help you improve.

By expanding and refining each section, you provide a thorough, comprehensive, and welcoming experience for your guests. A well-crafted House Manual can make a huge difference in the success of your short-term rental, and ultimately in the satisfaction of your guests.

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