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House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Airbnb
Administrator Airbnb
‎02-08-2019 03:35 AM

To help your guests have a great stay, you want to make sure they can make the most of all the appliances and amenities in your home. And for your own peace of mind, you want to make sure they know how to operate those features correctly. Airbnb’s house manual tool can help you do both.

 

You can write clear, step-by-step instructions in your listing profile, so guests have access to these details at all times and use amenities the way they were intended. You won’t need to rewrite or resend emails to each guest. Creating this manual once can help you save time and protect your property.

 

“I have provided a house manual. It works out well for the most part, [especially for guests who are] into tech and not into paper,” said New Mexico Rebecca, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I personally do not use signs or tape or anything like that, as I live here and just do not want the visual clutter.”

 

The feature also allows guests to access the house manual on their smartphones, throughout their trip and even without a local data plan. That way, you can remind guests to check the manual and hopefully avoid “sending late night texts, frantic calls, and the worst: bad reviews,” said Neil, of Mountain View, California.

 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of Airbnb’s house manual tool, as well as some tried-and-tested tips from hosts like you.

 

How to create a house manual

 

On the web:

  1. Go to your listing(s)* on Airbnb.com
  2. On the listing you want to add a house manual to, click “Edit listing”
  3. Click “Listing details”
  4. Next to “Guest resources,” click “Edit”
  5. Under “House Manual,” write a description, instructions, or other information you want your guest(s) to know about your listing and its amenities, and then click “Save”

 

On the app:

  1. Go to your listing(s)* on the Airbnb mobile app
  2. Click on the listing you want to add a house manual to
  3. Under “Guest resources,” click “House manual”
  4. Write a description, instructions, or other information you want your guest(s) to know about your listing and its amenities, and then click “Save”

 

*If you’re a host managing six or more listings or using Airbnb’s professional tools, you have the ability to update your house manual across multiple listings and all at once on your listings page.

 

5 house manual tips from hosts

 

  1. Start with the wifi code

Wifi codes are often the first thing guests ask for when they arrive, so many hosts put it at the top of their house manuals. “They all want the wifi code, so that is my trick for having them open the house manual and hopefully read it,” said Marit Anne, of Troms, Norway.

 

  1. Include parking information

Street parking rules and signs can be confusing, especially if guests speak another language. Some hosts offered up examples of their instructions:

 

  • You're welcome to park in front of the white picket fence on the right side of the driveway, near the hedge.—Ben and Angel, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Parking is not provided on the property, but is available a ½ block from the apartment on [street name]. Please do not park in front of the unit, as permits are required and you’ll likely be ticketed or towed.—Jann, Santa Rosa, California, U.S.A.

 

  1. Tell guests where to find things and how to use fixtures

After a long journey, it can be difficult to find and use some home essentials. Hosts Joh and Gian, of San Francisco, California, offer up these examples:

 

  • Heater: You will find the thermostat on the wall, close to the TV. Please remember to turn it off when you leave.
  • Toilet: Please, nothing but toilet paper should go in the toilet. There’s a little trash bin for everything else.
  • Kitchen items: Dishes and cups can be found in the upper cabinets on either side of the microwave. Silverware is in drawer on the left side of the oven, and pans are in the cabinet. Feel free to use any of this as needed to prepare your delicious meal. When you’re done, you can put dirty dishes in the dishwasher. When we have a full load, we’ll start the machine.

 

Hosts with remote properties also recommend including instructions about trash, water, and other details unique to the area:

  • Trash: Place your trash in the 33-gallon trash can in the basement. Please do not put trash outside or on the porch, where birds, raccoons, and other creatures can get into it.—Kim, Upson, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
  • Water & Power: Please be conscious of the amount of water and power you use. Hot water is limited.—Fred, Placencia, Belize
  • Wildlife: Keep your dogs on a leash. We have a lot of wildlife in the area.—Christina, Nevada, U.S.A.

 

  1. Finish with step-by-step instructions for appliances and electronics

Hosts like Jessica and Henry, of South Korea, want to make it simple for guests from other countries to use their household items: “We give information on how to use my microwave, coffee machine, washing machine, and water dispenser because it's all in Korean!” Detailed instructions are key, add hosts Joh and Gian:

 

  • How to connect to Netflix, Prime Video, and other streaming services:
  1. Turn it on the TV in the bedroom and wait a moment. During this time you’ll only see snow
  2. After one minute, press the multi-colored, diamond-shaped button
  3. Choose the app you wish to connect to and press the main button. For Netflix, we invite you to use the “Guest” account we created just for you

 

  • Washer and dryer are inside the closet near the entrance of the apartment:

Washer (lower)

  1. Load it with clothes—only to the halfway point of the machine’s maximum
  2. Fill up half a lid with detergent, and pour it on the top of the dirty laundry. Optional: fill up half a lid of softener, and pour it inside the receptacle at the center of the machine.
  3. Pull the far left knob and turn it clockwise to choose the program. Typically, we use the ‘normal regular’ mode
  4. To start the washer, push the knob. You’ll hear the water filling up the tank. It usually takes 30 to 40 minutes for the ‘normal regular’ cycle to finish.

Dryer (upper)

  1. Before putting laundry in to dry, remove the filter and clean up any lint before putting it back. Never turn on the dryer without properly placing the filter
  2. Use the far right knob to set the program that you want. Turn it clockwise. Typically, we use the ‘very dry’ mode
  3. Press the “on” button and the cycle will start. You will hear a loud beep when the cycle is done

 

  1. Keep it brief & friendly

Lastly, many hosts stress the importance of keeping your house manual short and to the point. “You don’t want it to make a guest feel like they have to walk across a minefield to make sure they keep the host happy. Find the right balance between your needs and making your guests feel welcome in your home,” said Tina, of Nanaimo, Canada.

 

Once you’ve published your instructions, confirmed guests will be able to access your house manual on their smartphones. Creating this manual once will help save time, protect your property, and pave the way for a five-star stay.

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Sandy-and-Nick0
Sandy-and-Nick0 in
Peabody, MA
Level 2
‎04-05-2019 05:13 PM
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We really think this is a. Great idea and will be setting this tool up soon. Thanks 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Misa9
Misa9 in
Paris, France
Level 2
‎04-10-2019 01:04 AM
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Thank you. It is great to be able to do so, yet I wanted to upload photos (one picture sometimes worths many words) yet I did not find how to do so. Is it possible?

Thanks

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Nikolaos37
Nikolaos37 in
Greece
Level 2
‎10-14-2019 07:23 AM
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Hello there dear Misa,

 

It's easy to make your own! I made some easy templates ready to use! You would find more here > https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicedesignsCreations?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Cover Athens Premium House Manual.jpg

 

Desk Welcome Quick exaple 1.png

 

Examplebasic2.png

 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Jill195
Jill195 in
Flagstaff, AZ
Level 3
‎04-10-2019 07:47 AM
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I paid my university students to do the UPLOADING of my few photos for my Airbnb ad. Very grateful for them however, they did not TEACH me how to do it!

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Chelse0
Chelse0 in
La Grange, KY
Level 2
‎04-16-2019 03:38 PM
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Great information.  Clear, simple, friendly rules lead to better experiences for both guests and hosts. 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Phyllis91
Phyllis91 in
Los Angeles, CA
Level 2
‎04-17-2019 01:37 PM
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Thanks!

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Marg11
Marg11 in
Warwick, Australia
Level 2
‎04-21-2019 01:09 AM
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We have a welcome letter which we give guests with their keys then take them on a tour. However, to persuade them to read it we have the wifi code almost last so they need to look for it! 

 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Carol-Kay0
Carol-Kay0 in
Spartanburg, SC
Level 1
‎04-21-2019 05:38 AM
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Wow I really needed this- very helpful 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Ivirruth0
Ivirruth0 in
Austin, TX
Level 2
‎04-25-2019 07:21 PM
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Thanks!

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Dev4
Dev4 in
Toronto, Canada
Level 9
‎05-14-2019 08:56 PM
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Dear hosts,

Can you post photos or videos in the house manual? 

Are the instructions shared to the guests directly after booking? 

My concern is that we use lockbox for key exchanges in certain units. Don't want the guests to have the checkin instructions if they cancel. They can potentially book, cancel and retain the instructions. Not that all guests will do it. But even if one guest does that the property is in danger. 

Looking forward to some comments and feedback.

Regards,

Dev

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Nikolaos37
Nikolaos37 in
Greece
Level 2
‎10-14-2019 07:11 AM
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Hi there Dev,

 

I made some templates ready and easy to use!

Desk Welcome Quick exaple 1.png

 

Example basic1.png

 

Cover Athens Premium House Manual.jpg

 

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Esther359
Esther359 in
Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
Level 3
‎06-12-2019 11:27 PM
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Awesome post! I will revise my House Manual right away! Thanks

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Richard-and-Nadia0
Richard-and-Nadia0 in
Gulf Breeze, FL
Level 2
‎06-23-2019 03:31 PM
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Very helpful.  Thank you!

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Nikolaos37
Nikolaos37 in
Greece
Level 2
‎10-13-2019 04:32 PM
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You can also check out our 3 new templates to creat your perfect house manual. Creat your own unique manual with our help. No software needed! Edit online on a computer, easy to use and  save as a PNG High Quality, JPG, PDF print/standard files. Print at home or have printed! Please follow the link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicedesignsCreations?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

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Re: House manual tips: protect your home & save time

Nikolaos37
Nikolaos37 in
Greece
Level 2
‎10-14-2019 07:06 AM
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I made some templates on this occasion. I hope it will be helpful!  Check the link bellow: : https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicedesignsCreations?ref=seller-platform-mcnavExample basic1.png

 

Examplebasic2.png

 

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