Host operations checklist
Vacation rental house manual template for fewer repeat questions.
A house manual is where guests look when something practical comes up: Wi-Fi, appliances, trash, parking, thermostat, rules, safety, and checkout. This template keeps those details organized and guest-friendly.
House manual sections to include
Keep the manual practical. It should answer the questions that can interrupt a guest stay or create friction for cleaners, neighbors, or the host.
- Entry and parking: Door codes, gates, elevators, garage notes, permits, and street restrictions.
- Wi-Fi and entertainment: Network, password, router location, TV apps, speaker rules, and remote notes.
- Kitchen and coffee: Coffee maker, dishwasher, filtered water, cookware, grill, and food storage notes.
- Heating and cooling: Thermostat instructions, fan use, fireplace rules, AC limits, and seasonal reminders.
- Laundry and linens: Washer, dryer, extra towels, beach towels, spare blankets, and stain guidance.
- Trash and recycling: Bin location, pickup day, sorting rules, and what guests should do before checkout.
- Safety and emergency: Emergency contact, first aid, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, exits, and local emergency number.
- Checkout: A short list that protects cleaner time and leaves no ambiguity.
Copy-ready house manual text
Use [Access Method] to enter through [Door or Gate]. Parking is available [Parking Details]. Please avoid [Restricted Area] so we can keep neighbors happy and prevent tickets or towing.
You are welcome to use the cookware, dishes, coffee setup, and basic pantry items. Please run the dishwasher before checkout and leave anything fragile or unusual on the counter so our cleaner can reset it properly.
The thermostat is located [Location]. Please keep it between [Range] and avoid leaving doors or windows open while heating or cooling is running. For comfort issues, message us before changing any locked system settings.
Trash bins are located [Location]. Pickup is [Day]. Please bag trash before placing it outside, separate recycling if required, and do not leave loose food waste in outdoor bins.
For urgent emergencies, call local emergency services first. The first aid kit is [Location], the fire extinguisher is [Location], and the fastest way to reach your host is [Contact Method].
House manual versus welcome book
The house manual is the operational layer. It explains how the home works. The welcome book is the guest experience layer. It adds the welcome message, arrival flow, local guide, checkout, and tone that makes the stay feel more intentional.
Staybook Studio combines both: guests get the practical details they need, but the final PDF feels like a polished guide instead of a dense rules document.
Frequently asked questions
Should house rules go in the manual?
Yes, but keep them clear and practical. Guests are more likely to follow rules when they understand what to do and why it matters.
Can I use the same manual for Airbnb and Vrbo?
Yes. The property details are mostly platform-independent. The main difference is where you share the PDF or link in your guest messaging flow.
Make the manual guest-ready.
Add your house details, choose a guide style, and preview a polished vacation rental welcome book before paying.