A Superhost's Guide to Your Vacation Rental Lease Agreement

A well-crafted vacation rental lease agreement is your first line of defense as a host. Think of it as your property's ultimate shield against misunderstandings, damage, and messy disputes. After more than a decade of hosting across different regions, we've learned that this isn't just some boring list of rules; it’s a professional document that clearly lays out expectations for everyone, protecting your investment and paving the way for a smooth, five-star stay.

Hint: Our sample Vacation Rental Lease Agreement at the bottom of the page.

Why Your Rental Needs a Rock-Solid Lease Agreement

We've learned one lesson the hard way: a solid agreement is the bedrock of a successful rental. In our early days, we figured the terms of service on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo had us covered. We were wrong. Relying solely on OTA policies, especially when you start taking direct bookings, leaves you dangerously exposed.

Your agreement is the ultimate house manual—but with legal teeth. It turns all those potential gray areas into black-and-white clarity, helping you run a much more professional and protected operation.

Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Your property is a huge investment. A lease agreement is the single best tool you have to protect it. It spells out exactly what is and isn't allowed, from smoking policies to party restrictions, giving you clear grounds for action if a guest breaks the rules. Without it, you’re left trying to resolve disputes based on "he said, she said" arguments, which almost never end in your favor.

A formal agreement also sends a powerful message to your guests: you're a serious, professional host. In our experience, the simple act of setting clear boundaries from the start tends to encourage more respectful behavior.

We see the lease agreement as a tool for communication, not confrontation. It’s about creating a shared understanding of how to care for the home, which ultimately leads to better guest experiences and peace of mind for us as hosts.

The Growing Need for Professionalism

The vacation rental industry isn't just growing; it's exploding. The global market is on track to hit nearly $98 billion in revenue by 2025, and the number of users is expected to blow past 1 billion worldwide by 2029. You can dive deeper into the latest vacation rental statistics and trends to see the full picture.

As the market matures, so do guest expectations and local regulations. Having a formal vacation rental lease agreement has shifted from a "nice-to-have" to an absolute necessity for anyone serious about building a sustainable business. It proves you're not just a casual host but a professional operator committed to a high standard of service and safety. For more tips on elevating your hosting game, check out our guide on how to run an Airbnb like a pro.

The Core Components of a Bulletproof Agreement

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a vacation rental lease agreement truly effective. Over the years, we’ve seen just about everything, and each experience has helped us refine our own template into something that protects our property while setting clear, fair expectations for our guests.

This isn't just about listing rules; it's about building a framework for a smooth, respectful stay. We'll walk through the foundational pieces of our agreement, explaining not just what to include but why each clause matters from our perspective as hosts. Think of these as the essential building blocks for a sturdy, reliable hosting business.

Identifying the Parties and the Property

This first part sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often it’s rushed. Getting the details right here is absolutely crucial. Your agreement needs to start by clearly identifying who is involved and what property the agreement covers.

• The Parties: State the full legal names of the "Homeowner" (that's you!) and the "Guest" (the primary person booking). This isn't just a formality; it establishes a clear contractual relationship with the individual responsible for the entire group.

• The Property: List the full, exact address of your rental. Don't forget to mention that the property is furnished and includes essentials like linens, towels, and utilities. This simple clarification heads off any future misunderstandings about what the rental fee actually covers.

Being precise here leaves no room for ambiguity. It’s the first step in creating a professional document that everyone can rely on.

Defining the Guest List and Occupancy Limits

One of the biggest risks for any host is an unauthorized party or a group that’s way larger than your property can safely handle. This is where you set firm boundaries right from the start.

We learned this lesson the hard way after a "quiet family of four" turned into a dozen college friends for a weekend reunion. Now, our agreement includes a specific section to list every single person in the rental party by name. This holds the primary guest accountable for everyone they bring onto the property.

Next, you need a crystal-clear maximum occupancy clause. This should be a hard number that can't be exceeded at any time—day or night—without your express written permission. For example:

Maximum Occupancy: The maximum number of guests is limited to 8 persons, including the Guest, at any given time. Exceeding this limit is a material breach of this agreement and may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund.

This clause is your best defense against unauthorized gatherings and helps you comply with local fire codes and safety regulations. It gives you clear, contractual grounds to intervene if things get out of hand. For more helpful insights, you can review this guide on 8 Key Things to Look for in a Lease Agreement.

Outlining the Term of the Lease

Clarity around dates and times is completely non-negotiable. Your agreement must specify the exact lease term to avoid any confusion about when a guest's stay begins and ends.

Our agreement explicitly states the check-in and checkout dates and times. For example:

• Check-in: 4:00 PM on [Start Date]

• Checkout: 11:00 AM on [End Date]

This precision helps you manage your cleaning and maintenance schedule like clockwork and prevents guests from overstaying their welcome, which can throw your entire calendar into chaos.

We also added a crucial sub-clause based on a past headache. A guest once caused damage but later claimed it was already there upon arrival. Now, our agreement includes a reporting window:

If the premises appear dirty or damaged upon Check-in, the Guest shall inform the Homeowner immediately. Failure to notify the Homeowner within 12 hours of arrival creates a presumption that the property was in good condition at the start of the stay.

This simple addition shifts the responsibility to the guest to report issues promptly, protecting you from false claims down the line. It’s a small detail, but it has saved us from major headaches. By laying this groundwork, you create a transparent and professional relationship from the moment a guest books.

How to Write House Rules That Actually Work

This is where your vacation rental lease agreement gets personal. House rules are way more than just a laundry list of "don'ts"—they're a reflection of your property and your style as a host. The real goal is to protect your investment without making your guests feel like they’re walking on eggshells.

Based on our experience, we’ve learned that the best rules are clear, totally reasonable, and written with a welcoming tone. It's all about setting professional boundaries while still showing your guests you genuinely want them to have an amazing time. Let’s break down how to write rules that actually protect your property and are easy for guests to follow.

Setting Clear Expectations on Major Issues

Some rules are just non-negotiable for most hosts, and it’s best to be direct and upfront about them. We always include these "big three" in our agreements to head off the most common—and most expensive—issues before they ever start.

• No Parties or Events: This is our number one rule, without a doubt. We state it plainly: "Parties, gatherings, or events are NOT allowed." We also define quiet hours (like 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to keep the neighbors happy. This one rule has saved us from countless headaches and helps attract guests looking for a peaceful getaway.

• Pet Policy: Our property has a strict no-pet policy because of family allergies and the intense cleaning it requires. If you do decide to allow pets, get specific. State the number, size, and breed allowed, and definitely consider adding a pet fee or a separate deposit. Be crystal clear about where pets aren't allowed (e.g., "Pets are not permitted on furniture.").

• Smoking Policy: We have a zero-tolerance policy for smoking of any kind—including marijuana and vaping—anywhere on the premises. We even specify that this includes outdoor spaces like decks or patios. A firm policy here is your best defense against lingering smells and fire hazards.

Being firm on these major points from the get-go is critical. It sets a professional tone and helps guests who might not be a good fit for your property self-select out before they even book.

Crafting Rules for Day-to-Day Living

Beyond the big stuff, your house rules should offer some gentle guidance on how guests should use the property day-to-day. This is your chance to maintain your home's condition and make the turnover process a whole lot smoother for your cleaning crew.

Think about the little things that make a huge difference. For example, we include a simple request for guests to handle their trash and wash their dishes before they leave. It’s a small ask, but it speeds up our cleaning process significantly.

A solid set of house rules should cover the essentials without overwhelming your guests. Here’s a quick look at the core rules we always include, why they're so important, and how you might word them in your own lease.

Essential House Rules and Why They Matter

Including these rules directly in your agreement gives you a clear and enforceable foundation to protect your property and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Disclosures Build Trust

Transparency is everything in the host-guest relationship. Your lease agreement is the perfect place to disclose any monitoring devices you have on the property. Being upfront builds trust and shows you respect your guests' privacy.

We have security cameras on the exterior of our property, and we make sure to disclose this clearly in our agreement.

Video Surveillance: This property has 2 outdoor cameras for security purposes, one located at the front entrance and one outside the garage. There are no indoor cameras on the property.

We also use a noise monitoring device that only detects decibel levels—it never records conversations. Our disclosure explains its purpose is to prevent parties while respecting privacy. When you frame these as security and safety measures, guests understand their purpose and often feel more secure.

Finally, don't forget to state the consequences for rule violations clearly and professionally. Mentioning that violations may result in the forfeiture of the security deposit or immediate removal from the property gives your rules the teeth they need to be effective. It’s not about being punitive; it’s about being prepared.

Navigating Financials and Legal Details

Alright, let's get into the part of the vacation rental lease agreement that can feel the most intimidating—the money and the legal fine print. Nailing these clauses is absolutely critical for protecting your business from financial headaches and liability issues. Think of this section as the engine of your agreement; it drives all the financial transactions and provides the legal backbone to keep your operation running smoothly.

After years in this business, we can tell you that clear financial and legal terms prevent the vast majority of guest conflicts before they even have a chance to start. We’ll walk you through how we handle everything from security deposits to cancellations, using our own template as a guide.

Structuring Your Financial Clauses

When it comes to money, clarity is your best friend. Your guests need to know exactly what they’re paying, when it’s due, and what happens if their plans go sideways. Any ambiguity here is a recipe for chargebacks and bad reviews.

We’ve found the best approach is to break down all the financial components into distinct, easy-to-digest clauses.

• Rental Rates and Fees: State exactly where guests can find the total cost. If you’re on an OTA like Vrbo, you can simply reference the booking platform. For direct bookings, you need to spell it out: the nightly rate, cleaning fees, taxes, and any other charges.

• Payment Methods: Specify how you accept payment. Again, for OTA bookings, the platform handles this. For your direct bookings, list your accepted methods, whether it's credit cards through a processor like Stripe or direct bank transfers.

These clauses should leave zero room for questions. When a guest understands the costs upfront, it builds trust and starts the relationship on the right foot.

The Security Deposit Safety Net

The security deposit is your financial buffer against damages or rule-breaking. Your agreement must clearly outline the conditions under which you can make deductions. Don't be vague; spell it out.

In our own agreement, we specify that the deposit can be used for things like:

1. Damage to the property or its furnishings.

2. Excessive cleaning that goes way beyond a normal turnover.

3. Any costs we incur because of house rule violations.

This level of detail gives you solid ground to stand on if you ever need to withhold funds. It shifts the conversation from a subjective disagreement to a clear-cut contractual matter, which is exactly where you want it to be. Juggling these details can be a lot, which is why many hosts use specific tools to help. You can explore your options in our property management software comparison guide.

Defining Your Cancellation and Weather Policies

Cancellations are just part of the business. Your policy needs to be fair to both you and your guests while still protecting your income. We keep things simple and just reference the policy stated on the booking platform, which ensures consistency. If you take direct bookings, you’ll need to write out your own tiered refund policy (e.g., 100% refund 30 days out, 50% refund 14 days out).

And don't forget about things beyond anyone's control, like severe weather. Our "Inclement Weather" clause is very specific:

No refunds will be given unless state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations. In that event, any unused portion of the rent will be refunded.

This policy is firm but fair. It protects our revenue from weather-related cancellations while doing the right thing for guests in a true emergency.

Essential Legal Protections

Now for the legal clauses that shield you from liability. These are non-negotiable and should be in every single vacation rental lease agreement you issue.

First, an Indemnity and Liability clause is crucial. It clarifies that guests are responsible for their own safety and insurance. In short, this clause states that you, the homeowner, are not liable for accidents, injuries, or the loss of personal property during their stay.

Next up, you need to establish Jurisdiction and Choice of Law. This clause specifies that any legal disputes will be handled in the courts of your local city or state and governed by its laws. This is huge—it prevents you from being dragged into a lawsuit in a guest’s home state, which could be thousands of miles away.

When you're wading through these legal details, getting the terminology right is key. For definitions of various real estate and legal terms, a comprehensive real estate glossary can be an invaluable resource to make sure you understand every term you include.

Finally, we can’t stress this enough: while our experience and template are a great starting point, this is not legal advice. Local short-term rental regulations vary wildly from one town to the next. A small investment in a consultation with a local lawyer is one of the smartest business decisions you can make. It ensures your agreement is fully enforceable and gives you the maximum protection possible.

Implementing Your Agreement Seamlessly

Having a polished vacation rental lease agreement is one thing; getting it signed without creating a clunky experience for your guests is another. After years of refining our process, we’ve found a smooth way to integrate our agreement into the booking workflow. It protects us without burying guests in paperwork. The key is to adapt your approach based on how the guest books.

Our strategy is twofold. For direct bookings made through our own website, we always require a full, digitally signed agreement. That’s non-negotiable, since we don't have the backing of a large platform. But for bookings on Airbnb or Vrbo, we take a different route. We embed a condensed version of our most critical rules right into the "House Rules" section, which guests must accept to book. This creates a binding agreement within the platform's ecosystem.

Tailoring Your Approach for Different Booking Channels

For direct bookings, we treat the agreement as the final step before the reservation is locked in. Once a guest pays, our system automatically sends them the lease agreement for an e-signature. This makes the process feel professional and official, reinforcing that they're booking with a serious host.

On OTAs like Airbnb, the condensed version focuses on the absolute essentials:

• Occupancy Limits: Clearly stating the maximum number of guests allowed. No ambiguity.

• Party & Noise Rules: Outlining quiet hours and our strict no-party policy.

• Key Policies: Mentioning our no-smoking and no-pet rules right upfront.

This approach works with the platform's built-in processes while still ensuring our core requirements are acknowledged and agreed upon.

Leveraging the Right Tools for the Job

Manually sending and tracking agreements is a massive time-sink, especially as your business grows. Thankfully, technology makes this part of hosting so much easier. We rely on a few key tools to automate our workflow and keep everything organized.

E-signature services are a game-changer for direct bookings. Platforms like DocuSign or HelloSign let you send professional, legally binding agreements that guests can sign from any device in just a few minutes. This completely eliminates the hassle of printing, scanning, and emailing—a major turn-off for modern travelers.

To really streamline things, it's worth exploring how various contract management software features can simplify documentation, tracking, and compliance. Many property management systems (PMS) also have this functionality built-in, automatically triggering the agreement to be sent once a booking is confirmed.

Communicating with Guests Professionally

How you present the agreement matters just as much as what's in it. We always frame it as a positive step that ensures a safe and wonderful stay for everyone. When our system sends the agreement for direct bookings, the email has a friendly, professional tone.

Here’s a little snippet of the language we use:

"We're so excited to host you! To finalize your reservation and ensure a smooth check-in, please take a moment to review and sign our standard rental agreement. It just covers the house rules and expectations to make sure you have a fantastic and safe stay."

This simple, positive framing turns a legal formality into just another part of our professional hospitality process. It's a small detail that contributes to a successful stay, which is a core part of our hosting philosophy. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on the 10 things you need to know to run a successful vacation rental.

The image below gives a simple look at a process flow for handling guest requests—another key part of maintaining a professional operation.

Having a clear, step-by-step process for everything, from agreements to maintenance requests, builds guest confidence and reinforces your role as a responsive, professional host.

Our Free Lease Agreement Template

To give you a running start, we’re sharing the exact vacation rental lease agreement template we’ve spent years refining in our own business. This is the same framework that has helped us protect our properties and host with confidence, so we wanted to provide a strong, experience-tested foundation you can build on.

As we mentioned, we don't make guests sign this separately for OTA bookings anymore; we just add a shorter version to the house rules on those platforms. However, we still use this full agreement for all direct bookings through our website. It’s been an invaluable tool for us.

Important Disclaimer: Please remember, we aren’t lawyers, just experienced hosts sharing what has worked for us. The information and template below do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. Its contents are for general informational purposes only.

We strongly encourage you to adapt this document and then have it reviewed by a qualified legal professional. Local and state regulations for short-term rentals can be surprisingly complex, and a quick consultation with a lawyer is the best way to ensure your agreement is fully compliant and enforceable in your area.

Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

This Short-Term Rental Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made by and between [INSERT OWNER’S NAME] (“Homeowner”) and [INSERT GUEST’S NAME] (“the Guest”) as of the date last set forth on the signature page of this Agreement. For good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Property: The property is located at [INSERT PROPERTY’S FULL ADDRESS]. The property is furnished and includes bed linens, towels, and utility expenses, including water supply, electricity, and gas.

2. Rental Party: The rental party shall consist of the Guest and the following persons:

3. Maximum Occupancy: The maximum number of guests is limited to [x] persons, including the Guest, at any given time.

4. Term of the Lease: The lease begins at 4 p.m. on [INSERT START DATE] (the “Check-in Date”) and ends at 11 a.m. on [INSERT END DATE] (the “Checkout Date”). If the premises appear dirty or damaged upon Check-in, the Guest shall inform Homeowner immediately. If the Guest fails to notify Homeowner or its representatives within 12 hours of any dirty appearance or damage, it is presumed that the premise was without defect at the time of Check-In.

5. Rental Rules and Restrictions: The Guest agrees to always abide by the following rules and restrictions while at the property and shall cause all members of the rental party and anyone else The Guest permits on the property to always abide by the following rules while at the property:

   i. Parties, gatherings, or events are NOT allowed in the house. Quiet hours are between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
   ii. PETS are NOT allowed.
   iii. Smoking and the use of Marijuana is STRICTLY prohibited anywhere on the premises, including in the immediate outdoor areas of the house (deck, garage area, master balcony, or front entrance).
   iv. The total number of occupants will not exceed 8 people at any given time.
   v. All trash and perishables must be disposed of and dishes washed before departure by the rental party.
   vi. Only use appliances for their intended uses.
   vii. Guests found in the possession of illegal substances will be reported to the authorities immediately.
   viii. Guest may not keep flammable, toxic, or corrosive materials within the property.
   ix. Individuals other than those in the rental party may not stay overnight at the property.
   x. Security of vehicles is the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner.
   xi. Guests who fail to comply with these rules & restrictions will be invited to leave the house. No refunds will be issued for any remaining days. In addition, your security deposit will not be refunded.
   xii. Guest is severally and jointly liable for damages and costs arising from a violation of the rules listed above attributed to any actions of the rental party and anyone else the Guest permits on the property.

6. Video Surveillance: This property has 2 outdoor cameras for security purposes, one located at the front entrance and one outside the garage. There are no indoor cameras on the property. The cameras are not to be adjusted, tampered or in any other way disturbed and the view of the cameras is not to be obstructed. Any of these described actions will constitute a breach of contract.

7. Noise monitoring disclosure: This property is equipped with noninvasive, noise monitoring technology that identifies noise disturbances without violating the Guest's privacy. The technology cannot record sounds or speech. The technology can only alert of noise disturbances. The device is not to be adjusted, tampered or in any other way disturbed. Any of these described actions will constitute a breach of contract.

8. Access to the Property by Homeowner: The Guest shall allow Homeowner or its representatives access to the property and areas reserved for the Guest and the rental party for purposes of repair and inspection.

9. Security Deposit: The amount and due date of the security deposit are as stated at the time of booking on the third-party reservation source * or direct e-mail communication from the Homeowner to the Guest, as applicable. The security deposit shall be refunded to the Guest provided no deductions are made due to:

   i. damage to the property or furnishings;
   ii. dirt or other mess requiring excessive cleaning; or
   iii. violation of rental rules and restrictions; or
   iv. any other cost incurred by Homeowner due to the Guest’s stay.

10. Rental Rates and Fees: Rental rates and fees for this property are as quoted on the third-party reservation source * [OR INSERT FEES HERE].

11. Payment methods: Acceptable payment methods are directly through third-party reservation sources * [OR MODIFY AS APPLICable].

12. Cancellation Policy: The cancellation policy is as stated on the third-party reservation source *, or direct e-mail communication from the Homeowner to the Guest, as applicable. [OR MODIFY AS APPLICABLE]

13. Inclement weather: If there is a major snowstorm or hurricane, no refunds will be given unless the state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations. From this point, any unused portion of the rent will be refunded to the Guest.

14. Indemnity and Liability: The Guest and members of the rental party are responsible for their own travel and health insurance. The Homeowner and its representatives shall not be liable nor held responsible in any way for accidental bodily injury, death, or damage/loss to personal effects of the rental party. By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that all members of the rental party and its invitees are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises. The Guest is severally and jointly liable for damages to the property attributed to any member of the rental party and anyone else the Guest permits on the property.

15. Jurisdiction and Choice of Law: This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of [ADD YOUR CITY OR JURISDICTION, AS APPLICABLE]. Jurisdiction and venue for all purposes and disputes arising out of this agreement shall be in a proper court in [ADD YOUR CITY OR JURISDICTION, AS APPLICABLE].

16. Partial Invalidity: If any provision of this Agreement is held by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way. If any provision of this Agreement is in conflict with any terms or conditions binding on the parties because of a third-party agreement, such as a policy through a third-party reservation source *, only the provisions expressly in conflict are considered void; the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way. [DELETE THIS PART IF RENTED DIRECTLY]

17. Attorney’s Fees and Costs: If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and necessary disbursements incurred both before or after judgment in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

18. Privacy Policy: The Homeowner is the sole owner of the information collected from the Guest. The Homeowner only has access to/collect information that the Guest voluntarily gives to the Homeowner via email or another direct contact from the Guest. The Homeowner will not sell or rent this information to anyone. The Homeowner will use the Guest's information to respond to the Guest, regarding the reason the Guest contacted the Homeowner. The Homeowner will not share the Guest's information with any third party outside of the Homeowner's organizations, other than as necessary to fulfill the Guest's request, e.g. to book a reservation. Any review left by the Guest on this property's website or third-party reservation source * is considered public and may be used by the Homeowner for marketing purposes. Unless the Guest asks the Homeowner not to, the Homeowner may contact the Guest via email in the future, even after this agreement expires, to tell the Guest about specials, new products, or services, request the Guest's voluntary participation in surveys, or changes to this privacy policy.

The parties agree to the terms of this Short-Term Rental Agreement, as evidenced by the signatures set forth below.

• Refers to Vrbo.com, Airbnb, or any other third-party reservation source where the property is advertised by the Homeowner.

Homeowner

The Guest

Frequently Asked Questions About Lease Agreements

Over the years, we've chatted with countless hosts who are working through the same hurdles we once did. Getting a vacation rental lease agreement up and running brings up a lot of questions. We’ve pulled together some of the most common ones we hear, with answers straight from our own playbook.

Do I Need a Separate Agreement on Airbnb or Vrbo?

This is probably the number one question we get. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have their own terms of service, we've learned the hard way that a separate, signed agreement offers a critical extra layer of protection.

When a major issue pops up, it gives you direct legal recourse that's much stronger than relying on a platform’s resolution center.

For our listings on those platforms, we take a hybrid approach. We include a condensed version of our most important rules—no parties, no smoking, max occupancy—right in the listing that guests agree to when they book. For direct bookings, though, a full, signed agreement is non-negotiable. Without the platform's backing, it's your single best line of defense.

What’s the Best Way to Get an Agreement Signed?

For direct bookings, the signing process has to be seamless. You don't want to create friction right after they've paid. We absolutely swear by e-signature services like DocuSign or HelloSign.

These tools create a legally binding record of the signed agreement and are incredibly easy for guests. They can sign on any device in just a couple of minutes.

We’ve baked this step right into our booking confirmation workflow. As soon as payment is confirmed, an automated email shoots out with the agreement. We frame it as the final, simple step to securing their much-anticipated trip.

How Do I Actually Enforce My Agreement?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Having a signed document transforms a potential shouting match into a straightforward business conversation.

We always say, "Enforcement begins with clear communication." If a rule is broken, the first step is to refer back to the specific clause in the signed agreement. A friendly reminder often resolves minor issues.

For more serious violations, like an unauthorized party, the agreement gives you the contractual grounds to take action. This could mean asking guests to leave immediately or withholding the security deposit as outlined in your terms. It takes the emotion out of it and puts the focus back on the terms they agreed to.

Should I Really Have a Lawyer Review My Agreement?

Yes. A thousand times, yes. While our template is a fantastic starting point built from a decade of real-world hosting, short-term rental laws can vary wildly by city, county, and even state.

A quick consultation with a local lawyer is a small investment that pays for itself in peace of mind. They'll make sure your agreement is valid, enforceable where your property is located, and offers you the maximum legal protection possible. Honestly, we can't stress this enough—it's one of the smartest things you can do for your business.

Building a professional, trustworthy hosting business is all about getting the details right—from your lease agreement to the guest experience itself. We built SmoothStay to help fellow hosts create beautiful, customizable digital guidebooks that answer guest questions before they're even asked. Save time, reduce repetitive inquiries, and earn more 5-star reviews by visiting SmoothStay to start your free trial today. It's built by hosts, designed for guests.