How to Write an Airbnb Host Kit

You will get the same three questions every single stay: how to work the temperamental thermostat, where to put the trash bags on Tuesday, and which light switch controls the porch. If you don't put these answers in a physical kit, you'll spend your weekends answering texts at 11 PM.

Most hosts make the mistake of writing a manual that reads like a legal contract. Guests don't read blocks of text. They skim for keywords while holding a suitcase. If your "House Rules" section is a wall of text, guests will ignore the part about not smoking in the bedroom.

Keep the kit in a high-visibility spot. A bright binder on the coffee table or a framed QR code on the fridge works. Use a physical folder for the heavy lifting. Digital guides fail when the Wi-Fi drops, and that is exactly when guests need to know how to reset the router.

Step by Step

1. Audit your home from a stranger's perspective. Walk through the front door and try to turn on the TV. If you have to press "Source" then "HDMI 2" then "Input," write those exact buttons down. Example: "TV: Press Source $\rightarrow$ HDMI 2 $\rightarrow$ Enter."
2. List the "Hidden" utilities. Don't assume people know where the water shut-off valve is or how to operate a specific brand of dishwasher. Write a one-sentence instruction for the quirkiest appliance. Example: "Dishwasher: Press 'Start' and then firmly close the door within 4 seconds or it won't run."
3. Map the local radius. Forget the tourist traps. List the nearest 24-hour pharmacy, the best coffee shop within four blocks, and the specific grocery store that doesn't have a massive line on Sundays. Example: "Joe's Coffee (2 blocks East) - get the cold brew."
4. Define the checkout checklist. Be ruthless and brief. If you want the dishwasher started, say it. If you want the lights off, say it. Example: "Checkout: 1. Start dishwasher. 2. Lock front door. 3. Message us via the app."
5. Create a "Troubleshooting" cheat sheet. This prevents most emergency calls. List the solution for the most common fail points. Example: "No hot water? Check that the red lever under the sink is turned fully to the right."
6. Set the communication boundary. Tell them exactly how to reach you and when. Example: "Text me for emergencies. Email me for local recommendations. I respond within 2 hours."

A Simple Structure to Follow

# Welcome to [Property Name]

## The Essentials
- Wi-Fi Name: [Network Name]
- Wi-Fi Password: [Password]
- Door Code: [Code]
- Host Contact: [Phone Number]

## Quick Start Guide
- Thermostat: [How to change temp]
- TV/Streaming: [How to access Netflix/Cable]
- Trash: [Day of week] / [Location of bins]

## House Rules
- Smoking: [Allowed/Not Allowed]
- Pets: [Policy]
- Quiet Hours: [e.g., 10 PM - 8 AM]

## Local Favorites
- Coffee: [Name + Distance]
- Groceries: [Name + Distance]
- Dinner: [Name + Dish to order]

## Checkout Instructions
- Time: [e.g., 11:00 AM]
- Tasks: [Task 1, Task 2, Task 3]

The Tone for Difficult Guests

Write for the person who is stressed, tired, and slightly annoyed that the key didn't turn on the first try. Avoid passive-aggressive phrasing like "We kindly ask that you respect our home." It sounds condescending. Instead, use direct, helpful imperatives.

Instead of "Please ensure the trash is taken out," write "Take trash to the blue bin in the alley." It is a command, not a request. This removes ambiguity. Ambiguity leads to guests doing whatever they want.

The Trash and Recycling Edge Case

This is where most host kits fail. Telling a guest "Trash goes outside" is useless if your city has three different bins for paper, plastic, and landfill.

Use a photo. Take a picture of the bins in the alley and circle them in red. Label them "Paper," "Plastic," and "Landfill." Write the specific pickup schedule: "Landfill is Tuesday morning; Recycling is every other Thursday." If you don't specify the day, you will end up paying a fine from the city or dealing with a pile of bags on your porch.