Homeyhuts Ground Rules for Hosts

Welcome to Homeyhuts! We value both hosts and guests, and our goal is to ensure an excellent experience for everyone. To maintain high standards of hospitality, safety, and community respect, please adhere to the following ground rules. These are essential to being a responsible and successful host on the platform.

1.Accurate and Complete Listings

  • Honest Descriptions: Always provide truthful, detailed descriptions of your property. Highlight all features, amenities, house rules, and potential issues (e.g., nearby construction or other disturbances). Misleading or incomplete information can result in guest dissatisfaction and negative reviews.
  • Quality Photos: Upload recent, high-quality photos that accurately represent the space guests will be staying in. Ensure the photos reflect the property’s current state and amenities. Consider professional photography to maximize bookings.
  • Regular Updates: Continuously update your listing to ensure that information about pricing, amenities, rules, and availability is accurate. Outdated information can cause booking problems or disputes.

2.Communication

  • Timely Responses: Reply to all guest inquiries, booking requests, and other communications within 24 hours, or sooner if possible. Quick responses show professionalism and build trust with guests.
  • Clear Instructions: Provide clear and comprehensive check-in/check-out instructions, house rules, Wi-Fi passwords, and any necessary information. Consider sending a digital welcome guide.
  • Emergency Contact: Be available during a guest's stay or designate an emergency contact. Ensure the guest knows whom to contact in case they need immediate assistance.

3.House Rules and Guest Expectations

  • Respectful Behavior: Ensure that guests understand and follow your house rules. This may include expectations regarding noise levels, cleanliness, use of shared spaces, and general behavior.
  • Guest Limits: Clearly state the maximum number of guests allowed. Overcrowding can create safety concerns, legal issues, and uncomfortable conditions for guests.
  • Pets and Smoking: Clearly specify your policy regarding pets and smoking. If you allow pets or smoking, outline any additional restrictions or areas where they are permitted.
  • Check-in/Check-out Timing: Ensure that check-in and check-out times are clear, and coordinate efficiently to avoid overlaps between bookings.

4.Safety, Compliance, and Regulations

  • Legal Compliance: You must ensure your property complies with all local laws and regulations, including any necessary permits for short-term rentals, safety standards, and tax obligations. Be aware of zoning laws and restrictions on short-term rentals.
  • Safety Measures: Equip your property with essential safety equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency lighting. Test these items regularly and replace them as needed.
  • Emergency Procedures: Provide clear instructions on emergency exits and protocols. Make sure guests know what to do in the event of fire, power outages, or other emergencies, and provide relevant contact numbers (e.g., emergency services and property management).

5.Cleanliness and Property Maintenance

  • High Standard of Cleanliness: Ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned and prepared before each guest's arrival. Pay special attention to high-contact areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and door handles, especially in light of public health concerns.
  • Regular Maintenance: Carry out regular maintenance to ensure that all utilities and amenities (e.g., HVAC systems, appliances, and plumbing) are in good working order. Promptly address any repair issues brought up by guests.
  • Linen and Supplies: Provide clean, fresh linens, towels, and essential supplies like toilet paper, soap, and kitchen basics. Stock extra supplies for longer stays.

6.Respect and Professionalism Toward Guests

  • Privacy Respect: Do not enter the property during a guest’s stay without prior notice and consent unless it's an emergency. Guests value their privacy, and unauthorized entry can lead to disputes.
  • Professional Conduct: Treat your guests with the highest level of courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Respect all guests regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other characteristic.
  • Conflict Resolution: If any issues or conflicts arise, address them calmly and professionally. Always seek to resolve disputes in an amicable manner.

7.Review and Feedback

  • Encourage Guest Reviews: Encourage guests to leave reviews about their stay. Positive reviews build trust and attract future bookings.
  • Respond Professionally to Reviews: Whether positive or negative, respond to guest reviews with professionalism and respect. Use feedback as an opportunity to improve and address concerns.

8.Financial Obligations

  • Transparent Pricing: Clearly communicate all costs associated with the stay, including additional fees like cleaning fees, extra guest fees, or pet fees. Avoid any hidden costs that may lead to disputes or dissatisfaction.
  • Timely Payments and Refunds: Ensure that all payments and refunds are processed promptly and in accordance with Homeyhuts’ policies. Refunds should be issued quickly if a cancellation is warranted.

9.Cancellation Policy

  • Clear Cancellation Policy: Clearly state your cancellation policy within your listing. Ensure that the policy is fair and easy for guests to understand, including any timelines and conditions for refunds.
  • Fair Cancellations: Hosts are not permitted to cancel bookings except in extraordinary situations (e.g., property damage). Ensure that all cancellations are handled fairly and consistently to avoid inconvenience to guests. Homeyhuts will assist in managing cancellations and finding alternative accommodations for guests where necessary.

10.Community and Neighbor Relations

  • Be Mindful of Neighbors: Ensure that guests respect the local community. Inform guests of quiet hours, local noise regulations, and proper behavior in shared spaces.
  • Comply with Local Guidelines: Follow any community or homeowners association (HOA) rules and local regulations applicable to short-term rentals. Ensure that your guests are aware of these rules as well.

11.Insurance and Liability

  • Secure Suitable Insurance: Hosts should secure appropriate insurance to cover liability and property damage. Homeyhuts does not provide insurance for your property, so it’s important to have the right coverage in place.
  • Host Liability: You are responsible for any damage caused by guests during their stay. Ensure that you have processes in place to handle such situations professionally.

By adhering to these ground rules, you contribute to a respectful, safe, and positive experience for your guests, the local community, and the Homeyhuts platform. Thank you for being a part of our hosting community!

If you have any questions or require further support, contact us at wecare@homeyhuts.com