What to put in an Airbnb welcome book

A complete checklist for short-term rental hosts: the things guests actually look for, in the order they look for them. Use it with any format, whether that's a binder on the counter, a PDF, or a digital guide.

A good welcome book answers questions before guests have to message you. Most of those questions come in a predictable order: how do I get in, how do I get online, how does this thing work, what are the rules, how do I leave. Organize your book the same way and guests will find answers in seconds instead of scrolling through your house history.

1. Arrival: getting there and getting in

• The full street address, written exactly as it should go into a map app, plus a note if GPS gets it wrong
• Where to park: which spot, how many cars, street parking rules, and anything that gets towed
• Check-in time, and what to do if guests arrive early or late
• How to get in: lockbox location, smart lock steps, or keypad instructions
• Which door to use, especially if there's more than one entrance
• The one thing to do first, such as "turn the hot water heater to ON" or "the porch light switch is inside the left door"

2. WiFi

WiFi is the most-asked question at almost every rental, so it gets its own section near the top. Include:

• The network name and password, written in a clear font, with lookalike characters spelled out (is that a zero or an O?)
• A WiFi QR code so guests can join by pointing their camera at it
• Where the router is, and the "unplug it for ten seconds" fix if it drops out
• Any streaming setup: which TV apps are signed in, and a reminder to sign out of personal accounts

3. How the house works

This is where most host messages come from. Think about everything you'd explain to a friend house-sitting for you:

• Thermostat, heating and air conditioning, including any quirks
• TV and remotes: which remote does what, and which input to use
• Kitchen: coffee maker type, dishwasher pods, where the pots are, anything that's not dishwasher-safe
• Hot tub, fireplace, grill or sauna: on/off steps and safety rules
• Laundry: machine location, detergent, and whether guests are expected to wash towels
• Trash and recycling: where it goes, what goes where, and pickup day
• Blinds, fans, breaker panel, water shut-off: anything a guest might need in a pinch

4. House rules

Keep rules short and kind, and explain the reason when it isn't obvious. "Quiet hours start at 10 pm because our neighbours have a newborn" gets better compliance than "NO NOISE AFTER 10."

• Maximum occupancy and visitor policy
• Quiet hours
• Smoking, vaping and fireworks
• Pets, if allowed, and where they're not allowed (beds, furniture)
• Parties and events
• Any local rules guests are responsible for, like parking permits, fire bans or beach access

Your rules should match what's in your listing. A welcome book is a reminder, not the place to introduce a surprise rule.

5. Safety and emergencies

• The local emergency number and the property's address for emergency calls
• Nearest hospital or urgent care, and nearest pharmacy
• Fire extinguisher, first aid kit and flashlight locations
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations
• How to reach you, or your co-host, and what counts as urgent
• What to do in a power or water outage

6. Local recommendations

This is the section guests enjoy most and the one that sets your place apart. Skip the obvious chains and list what you'd actually send a friend to:

• Grocery store and the closest place for coffee
• Three or four restaurants, with a line on why each one is good
• A rainy-day option and a good-weather option
• Kid-friendly and dog-friendly spots, if your guests skew that way

7. Checkout

Make checkout a short list. Guests are packing, and a long chore list is how reviews go sideways.

• Checkout time
• Three to five tasks at most, such as running the dishwasher, taking out trash, or locking the door
• Where the key or lockbox goes
• A thank-you and a gentle mention that reviews help small hosts

Printed binder or digital guide?

Both work, and plenty of hosts use both. A printed binder is visible the moment guests walk in. A digital guide can be sent before arrival, so guests can read the check-in steps on the way. You can also update a digital guide when your WiFi password changes without reprinting anything. A common setup is a digital guide plus a printed QR sign on the counter that opens it.