How to Create a House Manual for Airbnb (Free)

A house manual answers every question your guests might have during their stay. A good one reduces messages, prevents issues, and earns better reviews. Here is how to create one and make it accessible to every guest.

What to Include

Arrival Information

Check-in time and instructions (lockbox code, smart lock steps)
Parking details and directions
WiFi network name and password
Key contact numbers (yours and emergency backup)

House Rules

Quiet hours
Smoking policy
Pet policy
Maximum occupancy
Trash and recycling schedule
Checkout procedures and time

How Things Work

Thermostat and HVAC controls
TV and streaming services (include login info if shared)
Kitchen appliances (coffee maker, dishwasher, oven)
Washer and dryer instructions
Hot tub or pool rules and operation
Smart home devices

Local Guide

Grocery stores and pharmacies nearby
Restaurant recommendations
Attractions and activities
Public transportation options
Hospital and urgent care locations
Beach access, hiking trails, or local parks

Emergency Information

Emergency services number (911 in the US)
Property address (guests often forget this)
Fire extinguisher and first aid kit locations
Circuit breaker and water shut-off locations
Your contact info and backup contact

Design Your House Manual

Free Tools

Canva - Use a booklet or guide template. Add photos of your space
Google Docs - Simple and effective for text-heavy manuals
Google Slides - Better for photo-rich, visual guides

Design Tips

Include photos of appliances and controls with annotations
Use numbered steps for anything that requires instructions
Organize with clear headings so guests can scan quickly
Add your property's branding or a welcome message
Keep the language friendly and conversational
Aim for 5-15 pages depending on your property

Share Your House Manual

The best house manual is one that guests actually read. Make it effortless to access:

Export your manual as a PDF
Upload it to Linkyhost to get a permanent link
Include the link in your Airbnb welcome message
Print a QR code and display it in the property
Add it to your automated check-in message sequence

Why a Link is Better Than a Printed Manual

Guests can access it on their phone before they arrive
You can update it without reprinting
It is always available, even if the paper copy goes missing
Multiple guests in a group can all access it simultaneously

Updating Your Manual

Review and update your house manual seasonally:

Update WiFi passwords if changed
Refresh restaurant recommendations
Add instructions for new appliances or features
Adjust seasonal information (pool opening dates, heating instructions)
Update local event calendars

Upload the new version to Linkyhost and the same link serves the updated manual.

Get Started

Create your house manual, export it as a PDF, and host it on Linkyhost for free. Share it with every guest via a single link.