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Our responsible hosting articles provide key information on hosting in countries and regions across Europe.These articles include laws, regulations, taxation, and best practices for listings.

1. General advice about hosting places to stay

We believe hosting is a fantastic way to connect with people, and we want to help you succeed. While hosting offers rich experiences, it requires dedication. Our country-oriented hosting pages are a great starting point for learning how to deliver exceptional guest experiences while staying compliant with local regulations. Alongside our general hospitality standards, you'll find even more ways to be a responsible host there.

2. Health and cleanliness

As a Host, it’s your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all applicable laws, including local health guidelines. Our country-oriented hosting pages can be a good place to start learning about these health and safety guidelines.

3. safety

How do I ensure I am providing safe spaces for my guests?

Emergency procedures

• Emergency info. Provide local emergency numbers and directions to the nearest hospital
• Contact info. Share emergency contact information for yourself, as well as backup.
• Supplies. Provide a first aid kit
• Fire prevention. Maintain a functioning smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. Check that your property meets government safety guidelines for your area refer to our country-oriented hosting pages.
• Exits. Display a clearly marked fire escape route in your home.

4. Respecting Your Guests' Privacy & Safety

4.1 Privacy

Always be mindful of your guests' privacy. It's crucial to fully disclose any security cameras, recording devices, or noise decibel monitors at your listing. Please note that we generally don't allow security cameras or other recording devices inside a listing. Make sure you're also aware of and comply with all applicable local laws. You can learn more about our stance on [security cameras and recording devices here].

4.2 Occupancy

For everyone's safety, establish and adhere to safe occupancy limits for your property. Your local government might even have specific guidelines you need to follow.

4.3 Access & Hazards

Take a moment to identify any potentially hazardous areas in your space. Either remove these hazards or mark them clearly. Similarly, remove or lock up any objects that could be dangerous to your guests.

4.4 Child-Proofing

If children might be staying, ensure your home is safe for them. If it's not fully child-proofed, be sure to notify guests of any potential hazards.

4.5 Climate Control

Provide clear and safe instructions on how guests can use your heating or cooling systems.

4.6 Provide a clean and healthy place for guests

A spotless space helps keep guests happy and earns great reviews, plus it helps prevent the spread of viruses.

5. Helping your guests be good neighbours to your neighbours

Think about being a good neighbour

• Building rules. Let your guests know about any rules concerning your building’s common areas or interacting with your neighbours, e.g. don’t buzz your neighbours to let you in.
• Smoking. Post signs to remind guests if you don’t allow smoking, or provide ashtrays in the designated areas if you do.
• Parking. Relay parking rules for your building and neighbourhood to your guests.
• Noise. Remind guests about keeping noise down and be clear about your policy regarding guests inviting other people over.
• Pets. If you allow pets, provide guests with helpful information about things like local parks and local customs (e.g. cleaning up after your dog). Have a backup plan in case a guest’s pet upsets the neighbours (such as the number of a nearby pet hotel).
• House rules. It’s a good idea to include the information covered here in your listing’s house rules.

6. Getting the right permissions to host

Make sure you’ve checked in with all the people and organisations you need to before you host.

• Contracts. Check your HOA or Co-Op Board regulations to make sure there is no prohibition against subletting – or any other restriction against hosting. Read your lease agreement and check with your landlord, if applicable. You may consider adding a rider to your contract that addresses any concerns and outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of all parties.
• Flatmates/Housemates. Consider a flatmate/housemate agreement in writing which outlines things like how often you plan to host, how you’ll ensure guests follow House Rules and even whether you’ll share revenue.
• Neighbours. Think about discussing your hosting plan with your neighbours, along with how you’ll work with your guests to avoid disruptions.
• Subsidised housing. If you live in public or subsidised housing, there may be special rules that apply to you. Contact the property manager for more information.

7. Get to grips woth any general regulations

• Taxes. Ensure you look up any local taxes or business licence requirements that may apply. This may include things like hotel/transient occupancy tax, sales and other taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), or income tax.
• Permits or registrations. Check for any permitting, zoning, safety and health regulations that may apply. The governing authorities that regulate the use and development of property in your area may have useful information.
• Rent control/stabilisation. If you live in rent-controlled or rent-stabilised housing, there may be special rules that apply to you. Contact your local Rent board for more information.

8. Have the right level of insurance

Talk to your insurance provider about adding an extra layer of protection with your own renters or homeowners insurance.

• Basic coverage. Review your renters or homeowners policy with your insurance company to make sure you have adequate coverage.
• Liability. Ensure you have adequate liability coverage as well as property protection.