What is an Airbnb Rental Agreement and Why Would You Need One?

iGMS
Published: December 26, 2025
Regulations & Compliance
What is an Airbnb Rental Agreement and Why Would You Need One?

Summary

This article discusses the importance of using an Airbnb rental agreement to protect hosts by clarifying house rules, defining guest expectations, and offering legal protection. It recommends including specific clauses such as guest names, property details, check-in/out dates, house rules, costs, and HOA rules. Hosts should consider using a rental agreement, and should have their attorney review it before use.

Key Insights

  • An Airbnb rental agreement clarifies any arrangements that you’ve made with your guests and reduces the risk of renting to unsavory guests. It also gives you greater legal protection.
  • Although separate Airbnb rental agreements are less commonly used on Airbnb than other vacation rental platforms and are not obligatory, you may want to consider using one because it ensures clarity and legal protection.

Action Items

  • Include specific details in your agreement, such as the full names of all guests, property address, check-in/check-out dates and times, clear house rules, rental costs, emergency access information, damage policies, HOA rules, and parking information.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium
  • Hosts should have their attorney review the rental agreement to ensure compliance with local laws, insurance requirements, and Airbnb's terms.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: high

Tools & Resources

  • iGMS: iGMS can help with check-in and checkout details.

Common Mistakes

  • You cannot alter the agreement after the guests pay for the booking per Airbnb’s terms.

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