Homestay (Airbnb-Style) Accommodation Agreements and Online Booking Documents

In recent years it has become increasingly common for owners of property, particularly in areas with high levels of tourism, to take in paying guests for short breaks. The popularity of websites such as Airbnb is testament to this. Homestays offer an alternative to hotel accommodation, with many guests preferring to be in a home environment and enjoying interaction with their hosts. Homestays also appeal to foreign exchange students who wish to experience life in an English home and spend time conversing with native speakers.

Offering rooms to homestay guests can provide owners with a useful source of income and can be a rewarding experience. However, it is essential that the agreement between the owner and the guest is properly documented. This will ensure that both parties know what is expected of them and will reduce the scope for disputes.

This subfolder contains a Homestay Agreement which is intended to be printed on paper and signed by both parties. As many homestays will be arranged online, or by telephone, we also offer a suite of documents for online or brochure-based bookings: the Terms & Conditions, Booking Form and Confirmation Letter. A contract is formed by the guest submitting a Booking Form and the owner sending the Confirmation Letter. The Terms and Conditions are incorporated in the contract. Ancillary documents include the template Regulations (house rules) and sample Tariff.

These Homestay Accommodation (Airbnb-Style) Agreements and Online Booking Documents are drafted using plain English so that they can be understood by lay people. Where it is necessary to use legal terms an explanation in plain English is included.

Homestay (Airbnb-Style) Accommodation Agreements and Online Booking Documents is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions

I take in paying guests in my own home. What agreement do I need? +

A homestay agreement, designed for owners who host paying guests in their own home, whether short break visitors or exchange students. It can be printed and signed, or for online and telephone bookings you can use the matching terms and conditions, booking form and confirmation letter. The folder also includes house rules and a sample tariff.

Does a lodger or homestay guest in my home get tenant rights? +

No. A guest who shares your home and does not have exclusive occupation is a lodger or licensee, not a tenant, so assured tenancy protection does not apply and they can be asked to leave under the agreement. Holiday and short stay occupation is also excluded from assured tenancies by the Housing Act 1988. A written homestay agreement keeps the arrangement clear.

Do I have to pay tax on the income from homestay guests? +

Usually yes, but the Rent a Room scheme may help. If you let furnished accommodation in your only or main home you can earn up to 7,500 pounds a year tax free under the Rent a Room scheme, reduced to 3,750 pounds if someone else also receives income from the property. Income above the limit is taxable. The abolition of the furnished holiday lettings regime does not affect Rent a Room. Check the current thresholds on GOV.UK.

What safety rules apply when guests stay in my home? +

Providing paying accommodation brings safety duties: an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas appliances, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire risk assessment and safe electrics. These apply even for occasional guests. GOV.UK guidance on small paying guest accommodation explains the fire steps. Keep records of your checks alongside the homestay documents.

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