Getting Started and why you should list with Houfy
Last updated August 24, 2026
Here are a few reasons why you should join Houfy:
Communicate directly with your prospective renters via phone, text, or email so you can vet them before booking; no hidden phone numbers or emails. Set your own rules; Houfy does not override your cancellation policies.
Create FREE local guidebooks that you and your guests can share on social media.
Houfy is a great tool in addition to your own website. We offer calendar, quote, reviews, and pricing embed tools.
Use your Houfy listing as a website to link to your Google My Business Listing or Facebook page & be found on Houfy for travelers who google your property to avoid paying service fees. Have your repeat guests book for FREE on Houfy!
FAQ About Houfy
Want to save time?
Before creating your listing, send a quick TEST INQUIRY as a traveler to this listing. It will save you a ton of time during set up since you will have already seen the process of a traveler booking: where they are presented your policies, where they agree to them, what the message field prompt says, where the credit card field is, and what notification the traveler receives on their end. NOTE: This listing has a payment processor connected, so it is online bookable. Listings without a connected processor receive inquiries rather than booking requests.
1) Import or manually add listing to Houfy
Adding your listing is extremely simple! You can do this by using our import tool if you have a VRBO/Airbnb listing OR just manually add your listing. After clicking the link above, be sure to scroll down to use the import tool. The import tool adds your listing to our network in seconds. This will import you entire listing except for the Calendar and Rates.
2) How do Rental Agreements work on Houfy?
Hosts can add a rental agreement or choose not to use one at all. Travelers will "click to agree" to your policies before booking or sending an inquiry. Hosts can require guests to return a signed agreement along with ID if they wish.
Tips for creating a rental agreement:
Here are some sample Rental Agreements hosts are welcome to use.
Reasons why it's a good idea for guests to sign a rental agreement.
Reasons why it's a good idea to verify ID of the credit card holder.
Why it's a good idea for guests to sign and acknowledge your cancellation policy.
Here is where travelers view your rental agreement during the booking process.
3) How do lodging taxes work on Houfy?
Does Houfy collect, file, and remit my lodging tax?
4) How do payments work on Houfy?
Follow these steps to let your guests pay online, just as they would on Airbnb or Vrbo. Houfy supports three processors - Stripe, Square and PayPal - and you connect whichever one you already use.
5) How can I set up a damage deposit on my listing?
6) Final and most important step when listing on Houfy
**** Be sure to do test inquiries in order to become familiar with the platform. You may need to have a family member or friend test with another email address and go through the entire booking process, as owners cannot book their own properties.***
Get started marketing your Houfy listing with these easy tips
Join our Facebook groups:
Our Facebook Member Group is currently the quickest way to receive customer service/tech support. Also receive the latest insights and updates. Houfy uses powerful programs which can easily be changed to any of your wishes/suggestions.
Join our Houfy Vacation rentals Group to advertise your availability to travelers or post ISO (in search of) requests.