Houfy Listing Platform Guidelines
Essential guidelines and best practices for property owners and managers to provide guests with exceptional experiences and ensure successful bookings.
Introduction
These Listing & Platform Guidelines form part of the binding agreement between you (the property owner or manager) and Houfy Inc. They outline the mandatory requirements and best practices for listing a property on Houfy and are enforceable under the Terms of Service. These guidelines ensure that online booking is simple, secure, and consistent so guests are more likely to return in the future.
Members of the Houfy services acknowledge and agree to comply with our Listing & Platform Guidelines when listing a property on Houfy. These policies are incorporated by reference into, and governed by the Terms of Service or other similar written agreement between you (Member) and Houfy Inc.
Our Core Values
Put our members first
We prioritize the needs and experiences of both property owners and guests.
Ensure secure bookings
We maintain a safe and trustworthy platform for all transactions.
Professional environment
We foster a professional community focused on quality service.
Quality accommodations
We promote high standards for vacation rental properties.
Important Notice
Houfy reserves the right to remove any content that violates any of the following guidelines. Violations may result in reduced visibility, removal from search results, or complete removal from the platform. In addition, Houfy reserves the right to suspend, limit, or terminate platform access at its sole discretion if it determines that a listing, user, or behavior presents a reputational, legal, or operational risk—even if not explicitly listed in the guidelines below.
Booking Guidelines
These guidelines ensure a smooth booking experience for both property owners and guests, maintaining trust and reliability in the Houfy platform.
You cannot cancel a material number of confirmed requests
Members may not cancel a significant or repeated number of confirmed bookings without valid justification. Patterns of cancellation may result in enforcement actions, including removal from the platform.
Houfy retains the right to request documentation to substantiate cancellation reasons and may apply restrictions or penalties based on the volume, timing, or pattern of cancellations, even if each cancellation appears individually justified.
You must maintain an accurate calendar
Your calendar should be kept accurate at all times. This will save potential guests from spending time submitting booking requests for unavailable dates and will save you time in having to respond about availability.
You cannot use one listing to drive bookings for multiple unlisted properties
Each property must have its own dedicated listing. Using one listing to promote multiple properties is not permitted.
Best Practices for Booking Management
- Keep your calendar updated in real-time
- Respond to booking requests promptly
- Honor all confirmed reservations
- Communicate clearly with guests about availability
- Use accurate pricing and availability information
Content Guidelines
Use the fields in the listing editor for their intended purpose. Proper content guidelines ensure a consistent and professional experience for all users on the platform.
Prohibited Content in Listing Text Areas
The following types of information are not permitted in text areas of your listing (unless otherwise indicated by field names):
Do
- Use fields for their intended purpose
- Provide accurate property descriptions
- Include relevant amenities and features
- Use clear, professional language
- Focus on guest experience and comfort
Don't
- Include contact information in descriptions
- Add external website links
- Use HTML formatting
- Copy content from other listings
- Include misleading information
Content Quality Standards
All content should be original, accurate, and focused on providing valuable information to potential guests. Avoid copying content from other listings or sources, and ensure all descriptions accurately represent your property.
Violations of these content standards may result in immediate removal or suppression of your listing, and repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination.
General Guidelines
These fundamental guidelines ensure that all listings maintain high standards of accuracy, authenticity, and usefulness for potential guests.
Accurate Property Portrayal
A listing must accurately portray the rental property, including all amenities, features, and limitations.
Best Practices:
- Use recent, high-quality photos
- Describe amenities honestly
- Mention any restrictions or limitations
- Update information when changes occur
Precise Location Selection
The advertising region selected for a listing must be as exact as possible to help guests find your property.
Best Practices:
- Select the most specific location available
- Ensure the region matches your property location
- Consider proximity to attractions and amenities
- Update location if your property moves
Original Content Only
Listings may not contain information copied from another listing. All content must be original and specific to your property.
Best Practices:
- Write unique descriptions for each property
- Avoid copying text from other listings
- Create original content that highlights your property's unique features
- Use your own photos and descriptions
Quality Assurance
These guidelines are designed to provide the best experience possible for both property owners and guests. By following these standards, you help maintain the quality and trustworthiness of the Houfy platform.
Enforcement & Consequences
Violations of these guidelines will result in enforcement actions proportionate to the nature, frequency, and impact of the violation. Houfy reserves sole discretion in determining the appropriate enforcement action, including warnings, listing removal, account suspension, financial penalties (where applicable), or permanent ban.
Houfy is not obligated to provide notice before enforcement action, though it may do so as a courtesy. In the event of a dispute, the final decision rests with Houfy unless otherwise required by law.
Common Violations
Potential Consequences
Reduced Visibility
minorYour listing may receive less visibility to travelers in search results.
Inquiry Restrictions
moderateYour ability to receive inquiries may be temporarily disabled.
Search Result Removal
severeYour listing may be completely removed from search results.
Platform Removal
criticalComplete removal from the Houfy platform for serious violations.
Appeal Process
If you believe an enforcement action was taken in error, you can submit an appeal through our support system.
Members must provide evidence supporting their appeal, including screenshots, communication records, or documentation relevant to the action. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in automatic denial of appeal.
Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we strive to respond within 5-7 business days.
Disclaimer: These guidelines are not exhaustive. Users are responsible for understanding all applicable local laws, regulations, and taxes relevant to their property listings and hosting activities. Houfy assumes no liability for user noncompliance.
Need Help?
If you have questions about these guidelines or need assistance with your listing, we're here to help. Explore our resources below or contact our support team.
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Quick Tips
- Review these guidelines regularly to stay compliant
- Contact support if you're unsure about any guideline
- Keep your listing information updated and accurate