Every section a good welcome book needs, in the order guests look for things, with what to write in each. Copy it,
print the checklist, or build it straight into a digital guide.
Two or three warm lines set the tone. Name the property, say you hope they settle in, and tell them the one thing they need first.
Property name and a one-line welcome
Your name and how you prefer to be contacted
The single most useful tip (for example, the light switch is behind the door)
2. Arrival and getting in
The most stressful five minutes of any stay. Write it for someone arriving in the dark, in the rain, with a tired child.
Full address and postcode, plus a what3words or map pin
Where to park, and anything about permits
Key safe or door code location, with a photo of the door
Check-in time and what to do if they arrive early or late
3. Wi-Fi
The question every host is asked. Put it near the top, spelled exactly as it appears on screen.
Network name and password, exactly as typed
Where the router is, and how to restart it
Any dead spots in the house
4. House manual
One entry per appliance or quirk. Short steps, a photo where it helps, and the fix for the thing that always goes wrong.
Heating and hot water (with the boost button)
Oven, hob and dishwasher
Washing machine and dryer
TV and streaming logins
Shower quirks, fireplace or wood burner
Where the spare bedding, towels and bulbs are
5. Bins and recycling
UK collections vary by street. Tell guests which bin, which day, and where it goes out.
What goes in each bin
Collection days and where to leave the bins
Where the nearest bottle bank or tip is
6. Local recommendations
Five places you would send a friend beat forty copied from a tourist site.
Nearest shop and its opening hours
Two or three places to eat, with one that takes walk-ins
A walk from the door
Pharmacy, petrol and a cash machine
Rainy-day ideas
7. House rules
Keep it short and polite. Explain the reason where there is one.
Smoking, pets and parties
Quiet hours if you have neighbours
Maximum occupancy
Anything special about the property (septic tank, private water supply)
8. Safety and emergencies
Easy to find, never buried. Guests should be able to reach this in one tap or one page turn.
999 / 112 and the address to give them
NHS 111 and the nearest A&E
Fire exits, extinguisher, fire blanket
Stopcock, fuse box and gas meter locations
Your number and a local back-up contact
9. Check-out
Say what you actually need, nothing more. Guests are happy to help when the list is short.
Check-out time
Dishwasher on, bins out, windows shut
Where to leave the keys
A thank-you, and where to leave a review
Printable checklist
Rather not print it?
StayBinder turns this template into a QR welcome guide. Start from your Airbnb listing, fill in the sections above,
and guests scan once by the door. No app to download, and it keeps working offline once opened. 14-day free trial, no card.
A short welcome, arrival and access, Wi-Fi, a house manual, bins and recycling, local recommendations, house rules, safety and emergency information, and check-out instructions.
Should my welcome book be printed or digital?
Both have a place. A printed copy works in a power cut; a digital guide opens from a QR code, can be updated instantly and keeps working offline once opened.
How long should a welcome book be?
As short as it can be. Most guests read the first screen or page. Put Wi-Fi, check-in and check-out first and keep everything else scannable.
Where should I put the door code?
Not on the front page of a printed book that sits in the property. Send it shortly before arrival, or keep it in a digital guide you can update between stays.
Hang it by the door this afternoon.
14 days free, no card. Nothing is charged unless you choose a plan.
