contracts or rental agreements.

[Rebecca2501]

Do any hosts use any sort of a additional contract or rental agreement for their long term guests that are staying in a room in their home? I ask this question, as even though I have my house rules spelled out in my listing, along with a "house manual" that has important info about my home, like parking, heat, cooling, my dogs etc etc. I have also now had to highlight certain rules and put up reminders or the rules for a specfic space in each room. With all of that in mind, I still constantly have guests just disregarding them and continue to do so even after gentle reminders do not work but me having to text them directly or speak to them in person about the issue, and........they still continue to do what they want.

They are not huge things but are very important that I make sure to tell them about them upon checkin. Such as, always turning on the exaust fans when showering, as when it gets humid here it can create mold or other issues with the ceiling and my walls soaking wet. Locking the door when you leave or come home, to many times has my home been left totally unlocked all night. Running my dishwasher with nothing but 3 cereal bowls in it as they didnt want to wash them, putting the bowls on the counter then "to dry". Repeatedly using items that are not theirs, as they continue to wash 1 item of clothing and using a full washer cycle to do so along with dry time. Extended bathroom times when there is 3 people who all have to get out the door in the morning, and after being told to limit the time, continues to do it.

I ask guests to make sure my linins and towels they have for their stay get washed at least twice a month, or they are welcome to buy their own. I know for a fact the 2 current guests I have, have not been doing that, at all.

I feel like a mother to 4 kids again and feel more every day like a nag as I have to keep reminding them, putting up notes, texting them, and they are guests who have already been in my home a month or more on 3 month contracts for their work. I keep telling myself they are not here forever but I mean come on. They are professional adults, and I have explained the reason for my rules and they continue to ignore them. They are also reminded that I do not ask anything of my guests except to follow the rules.

I need the income or honestly as going through a divorce, until it is done I would lose my home, but my mental health right now from having to babysit and cleanup after them non-stop is taking its toll. Once again, I ask nothing that is anything more then one would reasonably expect from a guests even if it was family. Basic considerations. It seems after each guest, who finds new rules to keep breaking I am constantly needing to add to my rules, change the working, come up with new ways to word the rules but yet nothing seems to work. I know from all I have read that Airbnb offers NO support for hosts regarding any of this, but yet if I canel the booking for breaking my rules, unless it is one of the ground rules that Airbnb has on the listing page,  I will get a penalty and the guest gets nothing. Am I the only one who seems that is very unfair when a host has a good record and no issues. 

Is there anything I can do, that I am not thinking about besides take my listing off the platform?

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Rebecca2501,

Thank you for sharing this—you're absolutely not alone, and your frustration is completely valid. Hosting long-term guests in your own home brings unique challenges, especially when boundaries and basic respect are not upheld.

Yes, many hosts do use an additional rental agreement for long-term stays, especially when guests are occupying shared spaces. It’s not officially enforceable through Airbnb, but it does serve two purposes:

Sets expectations clearly in writing, especially for things like shared bathroom use, cleaning, laundry habits, and utilities.

Shows guests that you treat this professionally, which often leads to more respectful behavior.

Make sure any agreement aligns with Airbnb’s Terms of Service, and always keep communication on the platform. You can upload a PDF or send it via Airbnb messages and ask them to confirm they’ve read and agreed to it before check-in.

Also, your house manual and posted reminders are completely reasonable—but if they’re still being ignored, it might be time to adjust your guest screening. You might want to focus on shorter stays, or set stricter criteria around guest profiles and reviews. You deserve peace in your own home.

Lastly, I’d also recommend documenting all incidents clearly and reaching out to Airbnb Support if safety or property care is involved—even if you don’t cancel, it's good to have a record.

Your mental health matters. You’re doing your best to maintain your space, your livelihood, and your well-being. I hope things improve soon—and please don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow hosts here for support.

Wishing you strength and better guests ahead,

[Rebecca2501]

Thank you so much for your response and your support @Elegant-Homes-Retreat0 ..That alone almost brought a tear along with some relief  hearing I am not alone in some of my challenges...I try to be so welcoming, accomadating, nice, gracious and generous in a huge space that is more then big enough to be shared. I just never thought after raising 4 kids along with half the neighborhood kids that people would be like this in a strangers home while at the same time feeling like I have no choice with my current situation as it is with NEEDING the income as well.

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Rebecca2501,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. Hosting can be deeply personal—especially when you’re opening your home with kindness and generosity. It’s tough when guests don’t show the same level of respect in return. Please know you’re absolutely not alone. Many of us have felt exactly what you’re feeling, and it’s okay to acknowledge how hard it can be at times.

It’s clear you pour so much care into your space and your guests. That matters—even when it doesn’t always feel appreciated. Keep showing up with the grace and strength you’ve already proven you have (raising four kids is no small feat!). And don’t hesitate to lean on this community—we’re here for each other, through all the highs and lows.