Do people use a separate rental agreement on Airbnb?

Question

I have a short term rental agreement from an attorney I worked with but wasn’t sure if it was necessary when listing on Airbnb.   Obviously it would be helpful from a liability protection stand point to use it but was curious if the experienced STR folks use a separate agreement on Airbnb?

If yes, how do you handle the signing of it from a logistics perspective?   I feel like it would be seen as a nuisance from prospective renters and I haven’t seen a good place on the Airbnb listing to call out the agreement.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Ken Boone · Answer

We use an RA for both platforms and require a signature from our guests. Like others have said, VRBO has a process for this. In our listing on Airbnb we have a statement that says the guest will have to sign a rental agreement. Once booked we email the RA to them. We have indoor pools, and we spell out specific details concerning the pool and hot tub liabilities that the insurance company said we needed to have in our RA. Our insurance carrier advised us that although maybe not necessary, but would definitely assist in a claim if we collected a signature on the RA for our properties.

To this point it has not been a big problem although I wish Airbnb had a way to do this in the platform. The problem we do have equally on both platforms is that guests forget to sign and return and in a number of cases we have to remind them. We do not send out specific cabin check-in procedures until we have the signed RA.

To this point it has not been a big problem although I wish Airbnb had a way to do this in the platform.  The problem we do have equally on both platforms is that guests forget to sign and return and in a number of cases we have to remind them.  We do not send out specific cabin check-in procedures until we have the signed RA.

Mark Futalan · Answer

@Brad Spuhler

We primarily receive a lot of our bookings from Airbnb. We don’t use separate rental agreements on there as it’s my understanding, there isn’t a field or way to include one on there. As many have stated, it could slow down the process a little bit and most guests may not be inclined to want to do that. I’ve seen some where they put it in their rules and then have them complete and submit one before they check in. We booked an Airbnb by the beach and had the host had us complete one. Airbnb’s host guarantee and our home insurance policy have been sufficient for our 2 properties. If your stay is more than 30 days, I would definitely consider it.

Ryan Foster · Answer

Hi Brad -

For Airbnb, no.  There really isn't a function for this in the platform although I am sure you could get the agreement to them and back if you wanted.  However, it would really slow down the process and make it more difficult.  AirBNB's approach is more focused around we have you covered with 1M in insurance protection for stays done through the platform so outside agreements are not necessary.

For VRBO, yes.  VRBO takes a more traditional approach in the STR process.  The agreement is between the host and the guest.  They do offer an ability to upload a custom RA and have it delivered to the guest for signing.  Although it is optional because VRBO also covers the stay with a 1M policy when done through the platform.

I don't use an RA for AirBNB and do use one for VRBO.

I hope this helps.  I am sure others have some input as well.

John Underwood · Answer

I do not for Airbnb, they don't have this functuonality. I do use one on Vrbo.

Taylor White · Answer

Would anyone be willing to share with me a copy of their STRA for reference?

Valerie Rogers · Answer

I always get a signed rental agreement no matter where the booking came from. I would rather have that protection than be at the mercy of Airbnb to decide if they should cover damage done by their guests.

I do have a different rental agreement that I use for Airbnb bookings simply because the cancellation policy that I have to use on their site is different than what I use everywhere else. So the Airbnb version includes the Airbnb cancellation policy and the other versions include my normal cancellation policy.

We put this in our Airbnb House Rules:

Minimum age requirement to rent: 25 yearsGuest must be willing to provide a copy of a valid IDGuest must be willing to sign a copy of our rental agreement

I also copy & paste the ENTIRE contents of our rental agreement in the "Additional rules" field.

I never have a complaint from a VRBO guest about these requirements. I occasionally do get push back from Airbnb users.

Joey Morea · Answer

@Brad Spuhler

Just built one on JotForm.com . Send the link guest signs with finger and uploads Id. I also have the option that they can pay extra for pool heat and if they request sends them an invoice for that amount.

Jingru Sui · Answer

Listing on Airbnb (typically short term 30 days less) doesn't need lease agreement.

Paul Sandhu · Answer

No written agreement.  Just pay for a week in advance when you move in.  Pay for another week after 7 days.  Last week of occupancy is prorated.  If you have a problem, want a discount, or want to bring more people to fill empty bedrooms at the same price; gtfo.

Brad Spuhler · Answer

Thank you all! You confirmed what I was thinking.

Do people use a separate rental agreement on Airbnb?

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