Introduction

At OH-Stay.com, we have created this resource to help our hosts understand their responsibilities and to provide an overview of the legal, regulatory, and practical aspects of hosting. All hosts must comply with our Hosting Standards and ensure full adherence to all applicable laws and regulations for their property and location.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We encourage all hosts to verify information independently, as regulations may change. The ultimate responsibility for compliance lies with each host.

Table of Contents

• Health and Cleanliness

• Local Regulations

• National Taxes

• Regulations and Permissions

• Safety

• Good Manners

• Insurance

• Other Hosting Information

Health and Cleanliness

Information about OH-Stay.com’s cleaning protocols can be found in our Responsible Hosting Guide.

Government Advice

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Croatian government has issued a set of public health and hygiene recommendations that should be observed when offering short-term rental accommodations. Hosts are advised to review these recommendations to ensure their property meets the required standards.

National Taxes

Tax obligations in Croatia vary depending on your individual situation. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a qualified tax professional or research your obligations carefully.
In general, all income earned as a host on OH-Stay.com is taxable income and may be subject to rental tax, income tax, or VAT depending on the nature of your hosting activities.

Tax Filing Deadlines

In Croatia, tax forms are typically due by the end of February of the following year.
Check with the Tax Administration to determine whether you must declare your hosting income. You can find the relevant figures in your OH-Stay.com earnings statement.
It’s also advisable to review whether you qualify for tax deductions, credits, or allowances that may apply to you.

Free Tax Guide

To help you understand your hosting tax obligations, OH-Stay.com has partnered with an independent accounting firm to provide a free tax guide containing general information on Croatian tax requirements for hosts.

Regulations and Permissions

Before hosting, ensure that your property meets all legal and contractual requirements. Restrictions may arise from leases, local laws, zoning rules, or building regulations.
For tailored advice, contact your local municipality or a legal professional. The information below offers general guidance.

Contractual Agreements and Permits

Some lease agreements, property regulations, or community association rules may prohibit or limit subletting or hosting. Review your contracts carefully and, if needed, contact your landlord or local housing authority.
In some cases, an addendum to your lease or contract may be arranged to clarify responsibilities and permissions for hosting.

Mortgage Restrictions

If your property is under a mortgage or home loan, check with your lender to confirm that short-term rentals are allowed and whether additional insurance or notification requirements apply.

Subsidized Housing Restrictions

If you live in subsidized or social housing, note that subletting is often restricted or requires formal approval. Contact your housing authority or association for specific details.

Housemates

If you share your home, it’s good practice to create a housemate agreement outlining expectations regarding hosting frequency, guest behavior, shared spaces, and any revenue arrangements.

EU Consumer Protection Law

Under EU consumer protection laws, individuals offering goods or services online must provide transparent information to consumers.
When you host through OH-Stay.com, it is considered a service. We offer tools and resources to help you determine whether you should identify as a professional host and to ensure compliance with EU consumer obligations.

Misuse

OH-Stay.com takes potential misuse of properties seriously. We will take appropriate action if notified of violations and provide resources for local authorities to report misuse.

Safety

At OH-Stay.com, guest and host safety is a top priority. A few simple precautions can ensure a safe and comfortable stay for everyone.

Emergency Contact Information

Provide your guests with a contact list including:

• Local emergency numbers

• The nearest hospital’s contact information

• Your direct phone number

• A backup contact number in case you’re unavailable

Also, ensure guests know how to reach you quickly, including via the OH-Stay.com messaging system.

Medical Supplies

Keep a first aid kit accessible and inform guests of its location. Check it regularly to ensure supplies are complete and up to date.

Fire Prevention

If your property includes gas appliances, ensure compliance with gas safety standards and install a carbon monoxide detector. Provide and maintain a fire extinguisher and review your property’s fire safety plan periodically.

Exits

Make sure your property has clearly marked emergency exits. Display a fire escape map in a visible location to guide guests during an emergency.

Hazard Prevention

Reduce risks around your property by:

• Identifying and removing trip or fall hazards

• Securing exposed wires or cords

• Ensuring stairways are stable and have railings

• Locking away potentially dangerous tools or substances

Child Safety

If your property has features that might not be safe for children, list these in the “Additional Notes” section of your OH-Stay.com listing. You may also note that your property is not suitable for infants or young children.

Climate Control

Comfort is key to a positive guest experience. To maintain a safe and pleasant environment:

• Ensure proper ventilation

• Provide clear usage instructions for heating and air conditioning

• Check that thermostats function correctly

• Service appliances regularly

Good Manners

Responsible hosting includes helping guests understand how to respect your community and follow local customs. Clear communication helps create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Building Rules

If your property includes shared areas or communal facilities, make sure your guests are aware of the rules for these spaces.

House Rules

Include your house rules in the Additional Notes section of your listing on OH-Stay.com. Clearly explaining expectations upfront helps prevent misunderstandings.

Neighbours

Inform your neighbours about your hosting activities when appropriate. This promotes transparency and helps maintain good relationships within your community.

Noise

Guests may visit for various reasons, including celebrations. To prevent noise disturbances, consider:

• Implementing a quiet hours policy

• Restricting parties or unregistered guests

• Limiting pets or child stays if needed

Parking

Provide guests with clear parking instructions, such as:

• Park only in designated spaces

• Avoid parking during street cleaning hours

• Follow overnight or restricted parking rules

Pets

Before allowing pets, verify that your lease or building rules permit them. Offer your guests practical information such as:

• Nearby pet exercise areas

• Waste disposal points

• Contact details for local pet care services or kennels

Privacy

Always respect guest privacy. OH-Stay.com’s rules on surveillance devices outline acceptable use. Additionally, check for local privacy laws that may impose extra requirements.

Smoking

If smoking is not allowed, display clear signage. If permitted, designate outdoor smoking areas and provide ashtrays to maintain cleanliness.

Insurance

Consult with your insurance agent or provider to ensure you have appropriate coverage and liability protection for short-term hosting.
Not all standard policies cover guest-related damages or incidents, so it’s important to confirm coverage details before hosting.

Liability and Basic Coverage

Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to confirm adequate protection for your property and guests.

Important: Hosts are solely responsible for their conduct and compliance. OH-Stay.com does not control individual host behaviour and is not liable for their actions. Non-compliance may result in suspension or removal. OH-Stay.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party sites linked in this resource.