An Airbnb rental agreement provides protection to both guest and host. Nowadays more and more hosts are opting to draw up an Airbnb vacation rental agreement in a bid to safeguard their property and business.
Wondering how you can benefit from an Airbnb rental agreement and what points to include in yours? Check out our guide and create a comprehensive vacation rental agreement that will work for your Airbnb business.
What is an Airbnb rental agreement?
An Airbnb rental agreement is an Airbnb contract between a host and a guest, highlighting the responsibilities of both parties. The host sets the Airbnb terms and conditions of the vacation rental agreement, and this governs the guest’s stay at your property. As a host, you can include penalties and fees to be charged to guests that break property rules.
Outlining your house rules and property policies in your listing will draw attention to what you expect from guests. However, this is not as legally effective as a vacation rental agreement signed by both parties.
How can an Airbnb vacation rental agreement protect your business?
Renting out your property to a complete stranger can be unnerving, and carries plenty of risks.
Protect yourself by asking guests to sign an Airbnb lease agreement, this will provide peace of mind. As a host you can:
- Emphasize house rules and ensure your guests understand them.
- Avoid renting out your pad to guests who are not willing to comply with your house rules.
- Outline penalty fees e.g. smoking fee or fees for extra guests.
- Secure compensation for damage – The Airbnb Host Guarantee covers major damage but doesn’t cover more minor issues such as lost keys or a broken chair.
- Encourage guests to respect your property. If guests have agreed to the terms and conditions outlined they will be more likely to stick to the rules and look after your property carefully.
- Keep your vacation rental in brilliant condition for much longer – eliminating the need for pricey repairs.
What should you include in an Airbnb rental agreement?
Creating your very first vacation rental property agreement can prove challenging. We suggest you ask an attorney to look through the agreement before you start using it. Though each rental agreement contains its own Airbnb terms and conditions, in many cases the general stipulations are similar. Here are some ideas on what you might need to include in your contract with a guest.
General Information about your guests and your property
Your vacation rental agreement should include:
- The parties involved in the agreement.
- Your full name and address.
- The full name of your guests. It’s always wise to record the name of each guest so you can protect your property from extra “unexpected” visitors.
- Relevant information about your property.
- A list of all available amenities at your rental.
Terms of Payment
Clarify the exact nightly rate of your property, the amount required for a security deposit and any extra fees. If you do charge a security deposit, confirm the amount, and explain when and why it might be collected. Terms of payment should also include charges for any extra services you offer to guests e.g. bicycle rental or breakfast.
Cancellation Policy
Your vacation rental agreement should provide guests with information on your cancellation policy (there are plenty of options to choose from). Make sure the Airbnb terms and conditions relating to your cancellation policy are clear. You don’t want guests to be caught off guard due to a misunderstanding over their eligibility for a full refund should they need to cancel.
Check-in and Check-out
Add information about check-in and check-out dates and times to your Airbnb rental agreement. If you offer a special option of a late check-out specify whether special charges will apply. Also, if you have any additional rules regarding check-out (for example, to start the dishwasher upon check-out) you can indicate those here.
House Rules
You can also use your Airbnb rental agreement to highlight your house rules and the consequences of breaking them. This will give you additional protection from damage to your property and any other related issues.
Cleaning and Maintenance
No host wants to find their rental in a complete mess after guests check out. Make sure to outline your expectations regarding cleanliness. Don’t expect your guests to polish your property from top to toe, but you can ask if they can kindly strip the beds and take out the trash. Now and again the odd unforeseen problem may occur e.g. issues with the heating or water. Provide guests with clear instructions on what to do if such a situation arises.
Final Points to Think About
Your Airbnb rental agreement is the perfect place to include any useful additional stipulations, for example, specific parking instructions and information on appropriate noise levels.
It’s essential that you tell your guests about the Airbnb rental agreement prior to booking Therefore, upload your rental agreement to your Airbnb account or email the contract to your guests. If they are in agreement and are happy to comply with your rules, you can move forward with the booking, safe in the knowledge that you will be reducing the most common issues associated with letting out your property.
Happy Hosting!