The Perfect Airbnb House Manual (What to Include)

Every time a guest messages you asking "Where do we put the trash?" or "How do we turn on the hot tub?", it means your House Manual has failed.

Guests are in a new environment, and they don't want to spend 20 minutes figuring out how to work your specific coffee maker. A great House Manual acts as a silent concierge, anticipating their questions and reducing the number of messages you receive.

Here is how to structure the perfect Airbnb House Manual in 2026.

Digital vs. Physical Manuals

You need both.

1. The Digital Guidebook: Send a link to a digital guidebook (using a tool like Touch Stay, Hostfully, or a simple Notion page) in your automated Pre-Arrival message 48 hours before check-in. Guests use this to plan their trip on the plane.
2. The Physical Book: You must have a physical binder or laminated booklet sitting visibly on the kitchen counter. When the wifi drops or the TV won't turn on, guests will not search their email for a link; they will grab the book.

The 5 Crucial Sections of the Manual

Keep the manual heavily formatted with bold headers, bullet points, and short sentences. Guests will not read dense paragraphs.

1. The "Emergency/Immediate" Page (Page 1)

This page should be instantly visible when they open the book.

• The WiFi: Network Name and Password (in large, bold font).
• Host Contact Info: Your phone number for true emergencies.
• Emergency Services: 911 (or local equivalent), address of the nearest hospital, and the exact physical address of the property (guests often don't know the address of where they are staying if they have to call an ambulance).

2. House Quirks & Instructions

Do not assume guests know how to operate appliances.

• The TV: Step-by-step instructions (e.g., "Use the Black remote to turn on the TV, use the White remote for the Apple TV").
• Heating/Cooling: How to use the thermostat.
• The Coffee Maker: Where the filters are, how to start the machine.
• Hot Tub/Fire Pit: Strict instructions on how to operate them safely.

3. The House Rules (Stated Positively)

Do not write a list of aggressive "DO NOTS." Frame the rules around respect and care.

• Bad: DO NOT LEAVE TRASH IN THE HOUSE.
• Good: Trash Collection: Please place all tied trash bags in the green bin outside the garage to keep the property pristine and pest-free.
• Key rules to include: Quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM - 8 AM), Pet rules (if applicable), and parking restrictions.

4. Check-Out Instructions

Make this a simple checklist.

• Check-out time (e.g., 11:00 AM firm).
• Start the dishwasher.
• Turn off lights and AC.
• Lock the front door. (See our guide on Why you shouldn't ask guests to clean).

5. The "Local Secret" Guide

This is where you add hospitality value and earn your 5-star review. Do not just list the top 10 tourist traps they can find on Google.

• The best coffee: Where to go at 7 AM.
• The best dinner: Give two options (one fancy, one casual) and note if they need reservations.
• The hidden gem: A quiet beach, a local hike, or a bakery that only locals know about.

The "Direct Booking" Easter Egg

Your physical house manual is the perfect place to drive direct bookings.

On the back page of the manual, or on a separate card inside, print a QR code.

"Enjoyed your stay? Skip the Airbnb fees next time. Scan this code to book directly on our website, and use promo code REPEAT for 10% off your next visit."

Further reading

• How to Automate Guest Messaging
• How to Get More 5-Star Reviews
• Handle Early Check-In Requests

Frequently asked questions

When should I send automated messages to guests? Send messages at 5 key touchpoints: booking confirmation (immediate), pre-arrival instructions (1–2 days before check-in), check-in day welcome, mid-stay check-in (day 2 for stays of 3+ nights), and post-checkout thank you with review request.

How do I handle difficult guest communications? Respond promptly (within 1 hour during business hours), acknowledge the issue, apologize without over-explaining, offer a concrete solution, and follow up to confirm resolution. Keep all communication on the platform for documentation. Never argue or get defensive.

What should I include in my check-in instructions? Include: exact address with parking instructions, access code or key location, Wi-Fi network name and password, thermostat instructions, emergency contact number, house rules summary, and links to your digital house manual. Send 24 hours before check-in.