The Complete Airbnb House Manual Checklist: What to Put on Every Coffee Table

By StayScan Editorial Team · Published · Last updated

The complete Airbnb house manual checklist. Emergency numbers, trash, HVAC, amenities usage, and checkout rules for your coffee table binder.

A great house manual answers every question a guest might have before they need to ask. This checklist is the result of analyzing the most common guest questions across thousands of vacation rental stays. Use it as your starting framework — every item is a question that guests have actually asked at 2 AM. Your goal is to make sure the answer is already in their hands.

The Complete House Manual Checklist

1. Emergency Information

  • Local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in the EU, 999 in the UK)
  • Nearest hospital address and phone number
  • Nearest pharmacy with 24-hour service
  • Your contact number and preferred messaging app (WhatsApp, SMS)
  • Co-host or backup contact if you are unavailable
  • Fire extinguisher location and instructions
  • First aid kit location
  • Emergency exit route from the property

2. Wi-Fi and Connectivity

  • Network name (SSID) — clearly printed, no ambiguity
  • Wi-Fi password — case-sensitive, clearly formatted
  • Router location (in case guests need to restart it)
  • Backup internet option if available (mobile hotspot, neighbor's network)
  • Smart TV streaming login credentials (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

3. Check-In Instructions

  • Door code or key location (with photos if possible)
  • Step-by-step entry instructions (e.g., "Press the code, wait for the green light, then push the handle")
  • Parking instructions and assigned spot number
  • Building access codes if applicable (gates, elevators, garages)
  • Late arrival instructions (after-hours entry, noise considerations)

4. Appliance Instructions

  • Heating and air conditioning (thermostat type, ideal temperature range)
  • Washing machine and dryer (cycle settings, detergent location)
  • Dishwasher (loading tips, detergent type)
  • Oven and stove (gas or electric, any quirks)
  • Coffee machine (type, cleaning instructions, where to find supplies)
  • Microwave (any settings to avoid)
  • Garbage disposal (what can and cannot go down it)

5. House Rules

  • Quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 8 AM)
  • Maximum guest count and visitor policy
  • Smoking policy (inside, outside, balcony)
  • Pet policy (if applicable — pet fee, areas allowed)
  • Party policy (usually prohibited)
  • Pool or hot tub rules (hours, supervision requirements)

6. Trash and Recycling

  • Bin locations (inside and outside)
  • Collection days and what goes in each bin
  • Recycling rules specific to your municipality
  • Where to leave bins on collection day

7. Local Area Recommendations

  • Nearest coffee shop (with walking time)
  • Nearest grocery store (with hours)
  • Two restaurant recommendations at different price points
  • Nearest public transportation stop
  • One hidden gem or local experience

8. Checkout Instructions

  • Checkout time (clearly stated, e.g., "11:00 AM")
  • What to do with linens and towels
  • What to do with dishes and kitchen
  • Trash disposal before leaving
  • Thermostat setting before departure
  • Door locking procedure (key return, code lock)
  • Parking spot checkout (if applicable)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I print this checklist or make it digital?

Both. Print a slim summary (emergency contacts, Wi-Fi, checkout time) and place it on the coffee table. Then put the full checklist in a digital guidebook accessible via QR code. Guests get the quick reference in print and the detailed version on their phone.

How often should I update my house manual?

Review it every six months, or whenever something changes (new appliance, new Wi-Fi password, new local recommendation). A digital guidebook makes this trivial — update once and every future guest sees the latest version.

What if my property is unique (boat, treehouse, RV)?

Add property-specific sections. A boat needs mooring instructions and bilge pump info. A treehouse needs ladder safety and weight limits. An RV needs dump station locations and propane refilling. The checklist above covers the 90% common case — add your 10% unique items on top.

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