General info about hosting places to stay

We encourage Hosts to think carefully about their responsibilities. Hosting offers rich experiences, but it comes with a certain level of commitment. Our local responsible hosting pages can be a good place to start learning how to offer the best guest experience while complying with your local laws. In addition to the Hospitality Standards, here are some ways you can be a responsible Host.

Safety first

Start by making your space safe for guests

Emergency procedures

• Emergency info. Provide local emergency numbers and directions to the nearest hospital
• Contact info. Share emergency contact information for yourself, as well as backup.
• Supplies. Provide a first aid kit.
• Fire prevention. Maintain a functioning smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. Check that your property meets government safety guidelines for your area (e.g. International Building Code).
• Exits. Display a clearly marked fire escape route in your home.

Minimise hazards

• Privacy. Always be mindful of your guests’ privacy. Fully disclose whether there are security cameras or other surveillance equipment at or around your listing and comply with applicable local, regional and national laws.
• Occupancy. Establish safe occupancy limits – your local government may have guidelines.
• Access. Identify any potentially hazardous areas in your place and either remove the hazard or mark it clearly. Remove or lock up any objects that may be dangerous to your guests.
• Child-proofing. Ensure your home is safe for children, or else notify guests of potential hazards.
• Climate. Give clear instructions about how to safely use the heating or cooling systems.

Provide a clean and healthy place for guests

A spotless space helps keep guests happy and earns great reviews, plus it helps prevent the spread of viruses.

• Enhanced cleaning. Hosts must also follow Airbnb’s 5-step cleaning process between each stay. Find out more in the Airbnb Resource Centre.
• Safety practices. To help give guests peace of mind and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Airbnb launched its mandatory COVID-19 safety practices, which included wearing a mask and social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines.

Helping your guests be good neighbours to your neighbours

Think about being a good neighbour.

• Building rules. Let your guests know about any rules concerning your building’s common areas or interacting with your neighbours, e.g. don’t buzz your neighbours to let you in.
• Smoking. Post signs to remind guests if you don’t allow smoking, or provide ashtrays in the designated areas if you do.
• Parking. Relay parking rules for your building and neighbourhood to your guests.
• Noise. Remind guests about keeping noise down and be clear about your policy regarding guests inviting other people over.
• Pets. If you allow pets, provide guests with helpful information about things like local parks and local customs (e.g. cleaning up after your dog). Have a backup plan in case a guest’s pet upsets the neighbours (such as the number of a nearby pet hotel).
• House rules. It’s a good idea to include the information covered here in your listing’s house rules.

Getting the right permissions to host

Make sure you’ve checked in with all the people and organisations you need to before you host.

• Contracts. Check your HOA or Co-Op Board regulations to make sure there is no prohibition against subletting – or any other restriction against hosting. Read your lease agreement and check with your landlord, if applicable. You may consider adding a rider to your contract that addresses any concerns and outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of all parties.
• Flatmates/Housemates. Consider a flatmate/housemate agreement in writing which outlines things like how often you plan to host, how you’ll ensure guests follow House Rules, and even whether you’ll share revenue.
• Neighbours. Think about discussing your hosting plan with your neighbours, along with how you’ll work with your guests to avoid disruptions.
• Subsidised housing. If you live in public or subsidised housing, there may be special rules that apply to you. Contact the property manager for more information.

Get to grips with any general regulations

There may be legal and regulatory issues you should consider before hosting on Airbnb.

• Taxes. Research any local taxes or business licence requirements that may apply, such as hotel/transient occupancy tax, sales and other turnover taxes, including Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), or income tax.
• Permits or registrations. Check for any permitting, zoning, safety and health regulations that may apply. The governing authorities that regulate the use and development of property in your area may have useful information.
• Rent control/stabilisation. If you live in rent-controlled or rent-stabilised housing, there may be special rules that apply to you. Contact your local Rent board for more information.

Have the right level of insurance

Talk to your insurance provider about adding an extra layer of protection with your own renters or homeowners insurance.

• Host Guarantee. Airbnb offers Host damage protection, as part of AirCover for Hosts, but this does not take the place of homeowners or renters insurance.
• Basic coverage. Review your renters or homeowners policy with your insurance company to make sure you have adequate coverage.
• Liability. Ensure you have adequate liability coverage as well as property protection.