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A vacation rental business isn't just about offering a cool space with luxury amenities. As a property owner, you must ensure a smooth, stress-free stay with clear expectations for you and your guests. This is where short-term rental agreements come into the frame.

A rental contract outlines the responsibilities of both parties to ensure transparency and trust. From clarifying the rental period to listing your property's do's and don'ts, it's a must for your hosting essentials. In this article, we've rounded up our top tips and best practices to customize your rental agreement template. Let's dive in!

A short-term rental agreement is a legal contract between the homeowner and their prospective tenants

renting the property for a short duration. It lays out the rental terms, including the rental period, house rules, payment, etc. This formal document aims to protect both parties in case of disputes, clarifying in writing their responsibilities.

As a vacation rental host, this gives you peace of mind when hosting complete strangers in your home, so even if problems arise, you can hold them accountable for agreeing to your terms and conditions beforehand. A short-term rental agreement is also known as:

Short-term rental contract for property manager

Why Do You Need a Short-term Rental Agreement?

Most hosts avoid rental agreements since legal work can be tedious and time-consuming. However, if you jump right on profit without setting boundaries with guests, you risk the longevity of your vacation rental business. Here are a few reasons why a rental agreement pays out in the long run:

Short-term rental agreement for residential property

What Should I Include in a Vacation Rental Agreement?

Before jumping on downloading residential lease agreement templates online, make sure to consult with an attorney to advise you on your state and local laws. Below, we've rounded a list of general questions your vacation rental agreement should aim to answer.

A vacation rental agreement should include your property info, such as:

Your guest information should always appear in your rental contract:

To avoid troublesome guests or miscommunications, list:

Dodge guest misunderstandings by including:

In case you or your guests want to cancel the reservation, your rental contract should specify the following:

Set clear expectations of cleanliness, such as:

To deter ill-intentioned guests in the first place, specify the following:

The final step that ensures the validity of your vacation rental contract is having it signed by both parties. Signatures signify the agreement's legality, protecting parties in disputes or disagreements.

Signed agreement for short-term rental hosts

FAQs for Short-term Rental Agreements on Houfy

Does Houfy Require Hosts to Use a Rental Agreement?

No, Houfy doesn't require hosts to use a rental agreement but strongly recommends it for the extra layer of protection.

 first and upload a rental agreement later. This allows you to save time during the initial listing creation process and fine-tune your agreement when everything's up and running.

Absolutely. Requesting identification from guests is a common practice among many hosts. There are various reasons why hosts ask for guest ID, such as security measures and compliance with local regulations.

Can Guests Digitally Sign My Rental Agreement?

Yes, Houfy offers a convenient feature called the 

. If you already have listed your vacation rental, you can find it by clicking the "+" sign in the top right corner of your dashboard. Test it out and conveniently enable guests to sign your rental agreement digitally.

Can I Customize My Rental Agreement for Each Reservation?

Certainly, you can upload a sample agreement and tell guests they'll receive a customized template after their reservation.

Contract for short-term rental

Where Can I Find Rental Agreement Templates?

While consulting with your attorney and following your state's laws is essential, you can find rental agreement templates shared by other hosts. These templates can serve as a helpful starting point, but customize them to suit your requirements.

Where Do Travelers View My Rental Agreement?

, they must agree to your rental agreement, cancellation policy, and house rules. Only then can they proceed with their booking.

To upload your rental agreement, navigate to "Manage Listings," then click on "Edit" and "Settings." Within the settings, you will find the option to add your rental agreement under "Rules." Alternatively, you can utilize Houfy's digitally signed Rental Agreement Creator.

Hosts have various methods to collect guest IDs. Some hosts include a request for ID within their rental agreement, while others prefer guests to text or upload their ID through the Rental Agreement Creator feature on Houfy.

How Does Houfy's Rental Agreement Creator Work?

Vacation rental agreement for vacation rental property

Secure Your Business With a Short-term Rental Agreement

Whether you rent a city apartment, a cottage in the woods, or a treehouse, lease agreements protect you and your guests from miscommunications and disagreements. Putting the initial effort into creating your rental lease agreement will pay for years to come and keep your business safe from any problems that might arise.

, you don't have to create your short-term rental contract from scratch. With our predesigned rental agreement, you can take the guesswork out. Not on Houfy yet? Join an extensive community of book-direct homeowners who rent their homes without OTA fees or other commissions. Take a more active approach to your short-term rental business and lose the middlemen who take large chunks of your profit. 

Short-term Rental Agreement: A Guide for Houfy Hosts

Learn how to protect your property and guests with a comprehensive short-term rental agreement. Set clear expectations, and ensure a smooth hosting experience.

Short-term Rental Agreement: A Guide for Houfy Hosts

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