The house manual for Airbnb: everything you need to know

For any Airbnb host, providing a seamless and enjoyable guest experience is paramount. A well-crafted Airbnb house manual is a fundamental tool that elevates your hosting, reduces guest questions and secures glowing reviews. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to create an effective manual for your short-term rental, from essential contents to the benefits of going digital with a Touch Stay guidebook, making it a standout resource for your guests.
Jump to a section:

• What is an Airbnb house manual?
• Why is an Airbnb manual important?
• Printable vs. Digital Airbnb house manuals
• What should the Airbnb house manual contain?
• How to create an Airbnb house manual?
• Free Airbnb house manual template
• Where to add Airbnb house manual?

What is an Airbnb house manual?

An Airbnb house manual is a comprehensive guide providing guests with all necessary information about your rental property and its surrounding area. It's a personalised instruction booklet designed to help guests navigate their stay with ease, answering common questions proactively. Its primary purpose is to ensure guests feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their temporary home.

Manuals typically include operational details such as appliance instructions, Wi-Fi codes, and house rules. Beyond practicalities, they offer a warm welcome and local recommendations, enriching the guest experience. Whether a physical binder or a digital document, its goal remains clarity and enhanced guest satisfaction.

Pro tip: Discover what to include in your Airbnb welcome letter

Why is an Airbnb manual important?

An effective Airbnb house manual is a cornerstone of successful short-term rental hosting, offering significant benefits for both hosts and guests. It's a strategic tool for managing expectations, streamlining operations, and fostering positive guest relationships.

For hosts, a detailed house manual is crucial:

• Reduces guest questions: Significantly cuts down on common queries (e.g., Wi-Fi, heating operation, bin location), saving hosts valuable time.
• Enhances guest satisfaction: Guests feel relaxed and in control with information at their fingertips, leading to a smoother, more enjoyable stay and better reviews.
• Secures better reviews: A well-organised, informative, and thoughtfully presented manual contributes to a positive impression, directly influencing ratings and future bookings. Touch Stay data shows hosts with well-loved digital guidebooks receive higher engagement.
• Protects your property: Clearly outlining house rules, safety information, and appliance usage prevents misunderstandings and potential damage.
• Fosters a personal connection: A warm, inviting tone and personalised welcome message build rapport, humanising the hosting experience and impacting review outcomes. Our data confirms a correlation between welcoming tone and guest engagement.

Ultimately, an Airbnb house manual is an investment in efficiency and guest experience, ensuring smooth and stress-free stays.

Pro tip: check out our Airbnb guidebook template: 4 alternative ideas and examples

Printable vs. Digital Airbnb house manuals

Choosing between a printable or digital Airbnb house manual involves weighing convenience against modern capabilities. While both have uses, digital solutions are increasingly favoured for their efficiency.

Printable Airbnb house manuals:

Traditional physical binders or folders.

• Pros:
  • Tangible presence: Always visible in the property.
  • No tech required: Accessible without a smartphone or internet.
  • Simple to create: Basic word processing and a printer suffice.
    
    
• Cons:
  • Difficult to update: Changes require reprinting, which is time-consuming and costly.
  • Bulk and clutter: Can take up space and might not suit property aesthetics.
  • Wear and tear: Prone to damage, loss, or becoming unhygienic.
  • Limited interactivity: No direct links to online resources, videos, or maps.
  • Lack of analytics: No insight into guest engagement.

Digital Airbnb house manuals:

Accessed via a web link on smart devices. Solutions like Touch Stay are designed for this.

• Pros:
  • Easy to update: Content changes instantly from anywhere, ensuring current information.
  • Accessible anytime, anywhere: Guests can access it before, during, or after their stay.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduces paper waste.
  • Rich media integration: Incorporate photos, videos, interactive maps, and direct links.
  • Searchable content: Guests quickly find specific information.
  • Analytics and insights: Track guest engagement to refine content. Touch Stay data shows engaging content in digital format boosts readership.
  • Clutter-free: No physical presence needed in your property.
  • Seamless sharing: Easily shared via links in messages or QR codes.

Digital solutions are becoming the preferred choice for hosts aiming to optimise operations and enhance guest experience.

Want to effortlessly impress your guests? Create your Touch Stay Airbnb house manual in minutes! 

What should the Airbnb house manual contain?

An effective Airbnb house manual covers every aspect of a guest's stay. While content varies, a comprehensive manual should include these key sections:

• Welcome message: A warm and personal greeting.
• Emergency contacts: Essential numbers for urgent situations.
• Check-in and check-out instructions: Step-by-step guidance for arrival and departure.
• Parking instructions: Details on where guests can park.
• Home essentials: Practical information about basic amenities.
• How-to manuals: Instructions for using appliances and smart home features.
• House rules: Clear guidelines for respecting your property and neighbours.
• Special features: Highlights of unique amenities or services.
• Local transport and recommendations: Tips for exploring the area.

Let's delve deeper into each of these crucial elements:

Welcome message

Start your Airbnb house manual with a warm, friendly, and personalised welcome message. This makes a great first impression and sets a positive tone for your guests' stay, making them feel valued.

• Personal touch: Address guests by name (if possible).
• Express gratitude: Thank them for choosing your property.
• Set the tone: Convey enthusiasm for their visit and desire for a wonderful stay.
• Introduce your property: Briefly mention anything unique.
• Offer assistance: Let them know you're available for urgent questions, but encourage manual consultation first.
• Example opening: "Welcome to [Property Name]! We hope you have a relaxing stay. We've compiled our local knowledge into this guide to help you make the most of your time here."

Emergency contacts

Safety and peace of mind are paramount. This section clearly lists all necessary emergency contact numbers, ensuring guests know who to call and what to do in urgent situations.

• Emergency services: List local police, fire, and ambulance numbers (e.g., 999 in the UK).
• Your contact information: Provide your phone number and an alternative contact.
• Local medical: Include details for nearby doctors/hospitals.
• Non-emergency contacts: Plumber, electrician, or maintenance, with clear instructions.
• Key information: Location of first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and smoke alarms.
• Important note: Clearly state whether to contact you first or emergency services directly.

Check-in and check-out instructions

Clear, step-by-step instructions for arrival and departure are essential for a smooth guest experience, reducing confusion and delays.

• Check-in process:
  • Detailed key collection instructions (e.g., lockbox code).
  • Directions to the property, including access codes.
  • Check-in time and flexibility.
  • Initial entry instructions (e.g., turning on lights).
• Check-out process:
  • Specific check-out time.
  • Instructions for returning keys.
  • Requests for tidying (e.g., rubbish, dishwasher).
  • Information on turning off utilities and locking up.
  • Any final reminders.

Parking instructions

If parking is available, clear and concise instructions are vital to prevent guest frustration. This section eliminates guesswork about safe and legal parking.

• On-site parking:
  • Specify exact location (e.g., bay number, driveway).
  • Any required parking permits.
  • Restrictions (e.g., specific times, vehicle limit).
• Street parking:
  • Information on local regulations (e.g., permit zones, restricted hours).
  • Recommendations for nearby parking.
  • Instructions for payment if needed (e.g., app names).
• Accessibility: Note considerations for larger vehicles or accessibility.

Home essentials

This section covers practical daily living information, from connectivity to basic utilities, eliminating constant guest questions.

• Wi-Fi details:
  • Network name (SSID).
  • Password.
  • Router location for troubleshooting.
    
    
• Utilities:
  • How to operate heating/AC.
  • Location of fuse box.
  • Hot water information.
    
    
• Appliances:
  • Basic instructions for kitchen appliances (oven, microwave).
  • Washing machine/dryer instructions.
    
    
• Waste disposal:
  • Guidance on rubbish collection days and segregation.
  • Location of bins.
    
    
• Supplies:
  • Where to find extra towels, bedding, toilet paper, cleaning supplies.
  • Information on initial provisions.

How-to manuals

For homes with various appliances and smart tech, this section provides detailed operating instructions, preventing frustration.

• TV and entertainment:
  • On/off instructions, remote use.
  • How to access streaming services or connect personal devices.
    
    
• Heating/cooling:
  • Detailed thermostat adjustment steps.
  • Information on modes and schedules.
    
    
• Kitchen appliances:
  • Specific instructions for complex ovens, coffee machines.
  • Dishwasher operation.
    
    
• Other technology:
  • Smart home devices (e.g., smart speakers).
  • Alarm system instructions.
    
    
• Troubleshooting: Basic tips for common issues (e.g., Wi-Fi).

House rules

Set clear expectations for guest behaviour to protect your property and neighbours. Frame rules positively, explaining the 'why'.

• Quiet hours: Specify times for noise consideration.
• Smoking policy: Clearly state if smoking is permitted and where.
• Pet policy: If allowed, outline rules (e.g., off furniture, waste disposal).
• Guests: Clarify rules regarding additional visitors or parties.
• Damage/breakages: Instructions on reporting accidental damage.
• Security: Reminders to lock doors/windows when leaving.
• Respect for property: Encourage responsible use of utilities.
• Check-out expectations: Reiterate cleanliness and waste disposal.

Pro tip: Learn everything you need to know about creating and enforcing Airbnb house rules

Special features

Highlight unique amenities that enhance a guest's stay, ensuring they discover and utilise them.

• Outdoor areas:
  • Instructions for hot tub, pool, BBQ, or fire pit.
  • Location of outdoor furniture.
  • Rules regarding noise.
    
    
• Recreational amenities:
  • Details about games room, home cinema, gym, or shared facilities.
  • How to access and use equipment.
    
    
• Unique services:
  • Information on complimentary services (e.g., bikes).
  • Details on booking additional services (e.g., private chef).
    
    
• Local hidden gems: Share insider tips about the property or surroundings.

Local transport and recommendations

Transform your manual into a valuable local guide, showcasing your knowledge and enhancing the guest experience.

• Public transport:
  • Nearest stops/stations.
  • Links to local transport websites/apps.
  • Information on ticket purchase.
    
    
• Taxis/ride-sharing:
  • Local taxi numbers or recommended apps.
    
    
• Walking/cycling:
  • Suggest scenic routes.
    
    
• Local dining:
  • Recommendations for restaurants, cafes, pubs (cuisine, price, booking advice).
    
    
• Attractions/activities:
  • Local landmarks, museums, parks, shops, entertainment.
  • Mention seasonal events.
    
    
• Grocery stores:
  • Locations and opening hours of nearest shops.

How to create an Airbnb house manual?

For a professional, efficient, and engaging solution, modern hosts turn to specialised digital platforms like Touch Stay, transforming guest communication.

Touch Stay is designed specifically for short-term rental hosts, offering an intuitive platform to build beautiful, comprehensive, and accessible digital guidebooks. Here’s why it’s ideal:

• Simplicity and speed: User-friendly dashboard for easy content creation and instant updates.
• Mobile web app convenience: Guests click a simple link; no app download required, ensuring seamless access.
• Rich media and interactivity: Embed photos, videos, and interactive maps, enhancing the guest experience.
• Optimised for every device: Your manual looks great on any screen, and can be saved as a PDF.
• Guest insights: Analytics show popular sections, helping you refine content proactively.
• Time-saving for hosts: Reduces guest questions, freeing up your time.

Ready to save time and enhance guest experience? Start your 14-day free trial with Touch Stay today – no card details needed!

Free Airbnb house manual template

Where to add the Airbnb house manual?

Once your Airbnb house manual is perfected, making it accessible to guests is crucial. Integrating it effectively ensures guests can find and use it when needed.

Here are key places and methods for adding your Airbnb house manual:

• Airbnb listing description: Mention a comprehensive guide is provided. For digital manuals: "Upon booking, you will receive a link to our digital house manual with all property details, local recommendations, and check-in instructions." (Do not put the direct link here). For printable: "A comprehensive house manual is available in the property upon your arrival."
  
  
• Airbnb message threads: The most effective way to share your digital manual link.
  • Pre-arrival message: Send the link a few days before check-in for guests to review.
  • Welcome message: Include the link again on check-in day.
  • During stay: If a guest asks a question, answer and provide the link: "You can also find all these details and more in our digital guide here: [Your Touch Stay Link]".
    
    
• Welcome email (if applicable): If collecting guest emails, send a dedicated welcome email with the manual link.
• QR code in the property: For digital manuals, print a QR code and place it prominently for easy access.
• Physical presence (for printable manuals): Place it in a noticeable and accessible spot (e.g., coffee table).

By strategically placing your Airbnb house manual, you empower guests in a noticeable and easily accessible spot within the property, such as on a coffee table, bedside table, or kitchen counter.

By strategically placing your Airbnb house manual where guests can easily find it, you empower them with information, reduce your workload and contribute significantly to a five-star guest experience. Don't let your valuable guide go unread – make it prominent and effortlessly accessible!

Transform your Airbnb hosting experience! Create your Touch Stay digital guidebook now