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Updated over 2 years ago on . Most recent reply
![Drew Clayton's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/1569172/1621513686-avatar-drewdc.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=653x653@147x227/cover=128x128&v=2)
Do you ask guests to sign a lease for a stay at your STR?
I've started having guests sign a lease for my short-term rental in Ohio after hearing of some hosts whose guest issues or damage were not covered by Airbnb's Aircover. I include the note in the initial booking confirmation message that a short-term rental lease will be required to be signed, and that they need to send me their name, email, and home address for the form, which I then put into a Docusign template to forward to them for signature.
While I like the idea of extra protection, it's also a turnoff to guests who've never been asked for this by other hosts. I myself have never been asked to do it when I'm staying somewhere. Since I'm just getting my property off the ground, I don't want to risk any reason for a guest to feel disgruntled and lower my rating.
I'd love thoughts from experienced hosts who've been through this.
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![Michael Baum's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/615681/1675553241-avatar-michaelb393.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=2316x2316@0x385/cover=128x128&v=2)
- Olympia, WA
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Exactly what @John Underwood said. We have a pretty comprehensive agreement that is on both AirBNB and VRBO and when you book the house, you accept the agreement.
EDIT - Now on VRBO everyone opts for the insurance which covers up to 3k of damage etc. I have had to use it 2x in the last 5 years with zero hassle. I have used the AirBNB insurance once and it wasn't a problem either. Guests broke a window (the locking mechanism not the glass). VRBO guests destroyed the futon frame.