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:

1. Export your manual as a PDF
2. Upload it to Linkyhost to get a permanent link
3. Include the link in your Airbnb welcome message
4. Print a QR code and display it in the property
5. 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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing too much text without visuals. Guests are not going to read a 20-page wall of text. Use photos of appliances, annotated screenshots of smart home apps, and clear icons to make instructions scannable. A photo of the thermostat with arrows pointing to the right buttons is worth more than a paragraph explaining the same thing.

Not including the property address. Guests frequently need to provide the address for food delivery, ride-sharing, or emergency services, and they often cannot remember it. Put the full address on the first page.

Forgetting the WiFi password. This is the single most asked question by guests. Make the network name and password prominent — ideally on the first page and also on a printed card in the property.

Making the manual hard to find. A physical binder works for guests who are already in the property, but many want to review details before arrival. Host the manual as a PDF on Linkyhost and include the link in your booking confirmation message. Print a QR code and place it on the refrigerator or entryway.

Not updating seasonal information. If your manual says the pool is open but it is December, guests lose trust in all the other information too. Update your manual at least twice a year for seasonal changes.

House Manual Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have not missed anything:

• Property address and emergency contact
• Check-in and checkout times and procedures
• WiFi name and password
• Parking instructions
• House rules (quiet hours, smoking, pets, max guests)
• Thermostat and HVAC instructions with photo
• TV and streaming service instructions
• Kitchen appliance guide (coffee maker, dishwasher, oven)
• Laundry instructions
• Trash and recycling schedule and location
• Local restaurant and grocery recommendations
• Emergency services and nearest hospital
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit locations
• Checkout procedures (linens, trash, keys)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a house manual be?

Aim for 5-12 pages. This is enough to cover all essential information without overwhelming guests. Use clear headings so guests can jump to the section they need rather than reading the whole document. Include a table of contents for manuals longer than 8 pages.

Should I print the manual or share it digitally?

Both. Keep a printed copy in the property for guests who prefer paper, and host a digital version on Linkyhost for mobile access. The digital version is especially useful because guests can access it before they arrive and you can update it without reprinting.

How do I share the house manual with guests?

Upload the PDF to Linkyhost to get a permanent shareable link. Include this link in your Airbnb welcome message, booking confirmation email, and automated check-in message. Place a printed QR code in the property that links to the same PDF. When you update the manual, upload the new version and the same link serves the updated content.