10 Commandments for Safe & Suitable Hosting

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

A Practical Code for Long-Term Peace, Protection & Professionalism

The Hosting Game

Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned Superhost, safety and sustainability must take priority over short-term gains. Hosting is not just a transaction — it’s a relationship, a responsibility, and often, an extension of your home.

Check out this tried-and-true guide for mindful and safe hosting:

1. Prioritise Fit Over Filling Dates

Don’t rush to convert every enquiry into a booking. Vet your guests. Ask the right questions. If something doesn’t feel aligned, it’s okay to pass. 

2. Communicate Rules Early & Clearly

Reiterate your house rules before and after accepting a booking. Prevent surprises by being clear upfront.

3. Reference Local Norms

Even if not legally required, mention quiet hours, guest limits, or waste policies. It reflects responsibility and discourages misuse. Follow your local regulations and laws and highlight the requirements upfront to your guests.

4. Maintain a Balanced Level of Engagement

Be present without hovering. Especially during long stays or group bookings, stay gently alert and supportive.

5. Trust Your Experience & Instincts

Hosting draws on your past life roles — you have mastered various hats. If your gut says something’s off, listen.

6. Don’t Overextend for 5-Star Reviews

Prioritize authenticity and peace over people-pleasing. Long-term credibility beats short-term charm.

7. Leave Helpful, Detailed Guest Reviews

Go beyond “great guest.” Note cleanliness, rule-following, time schedules and communication. This helps protect fellow hosts.

8. Hold Boundaries Around Requests

You’re not a hotel concierge. If a request isn’t essential or aligned with your offer, it’s okay to say no.

9. Document, Prepare & Safeguard

Use checklists, photo documentation, and (where lawful) entry monitoring. These systems protect your property.

10. Prioritize Your Peace

Safe hosting is sustainable hosting. Respect your own time, energy, and space. Hosting should enhance your life, not overtake it.

Final Thought:

Hospitality is an experience. Safety is a system. Long-term hosting success requires both.😍

Happy Hosting 😇

[Elisa]

Hi @Dr-Jayanthi1 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this beautiful list!

Do you have a favorite commandment? If so, why?

I’m tagging other hosts to see if they prioritize one of these commandments over the others: @MaryJane8, @Montana20, @Nandini11, @Graham490, @Casa-De-La-Tierra0 and @Kelly333.

Happy hosting everyone! 😍

[Fernanda1634]

muito legal compartilhar 

para eu q sou nova aqui, as experiências valem muito.

___

It's really cool to share.

For me, as I'm new here, the experiences are very valuable.

[Google translation added by OCM]

[Elisa]

Hi @Fernanda1634 😊, 

Thank you for commenting here!

Do you have a favorite commandment from those shared by our host?

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

Hello @Fernanda1634 

Appreciate you taking time to go through my experiences - With a heart to host and mind to deliver the best you are "way to go". Best wishes, Happy Hosting 🤗

[Graham490]

Hi @Dr-Jayanthi1 

A good summary.. thank you.

One thing that you have not stated is desire... as a host you have to want to provide for others.. if the passion is not there or has been extinguished over time... stop hosting.

Regards, Graham

@Elisa 

[Elisa]

Hi @Graham490 😊, 

Thank you for this great thought.

What is your driving motivation or desire while hosting? 😍

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

Yes @Graham490 , Thank you for your valuable comments - Yes I am curious to know more about your driving motivation. Thank you for brining it in @Elisa 

Happy Hosting 😎

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

Hello @Graham490 , Your got it in - fantastic. I completely agree that the passion, commitment, desire, willingness are the driving forces for hosting. For many new hosts they are stranded inbetween the desire and the competition, the younger generation looks for quick results and many who have started with Airbnb want to try this as a second venture amidst their varied routine jobs. Each host brings in a different story, just wanted to make sure that it does not turn out to be a difficult story- the attempt wanted to focus on making it safe and long lasting for the newbies. 

Salute to your style and desire on hosting. Will be great to add on more than my 10 commandments to make hosting a pleasure for other hosts.

Appreciate your time and the comments.