Airbnb Rental Agreement: Free Template for Hosts
Last updated: July 2025
An Airbnb rental agreement is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and set clear expectations with guests. Whether you rent out a vacation home, apartment, or spare room, having a formal agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures both you and your guests are aligned on the rules, responsibilities, and terms of the stay.
This guide explains everything Airbnb hosts need to know about creating and using a short-term rental agreement, including when to send it, what to include, and where to download a free template.
Use case: Hosts often ask, “Can I require guests to sign a rental agreement on Airbnb?” or “What should I include in my Airbnb lease agreement?” This article answers both.
Looking for more resources? Check out our complete Airbnb house rules checklist.
Don’t see the form to download our free Airbnb rental agreement sample? Click here.
What is an Airbnb rental agreement?
An Airbnb rental agreement is a document that outlines the terms and conditions of a short-term stay. It acts as a mutual contract between the host and guest, defining rules about the property, occupancy, fees, house policies, and legal responsibilities.
While Airbnb enforces its own platform terms, it does allow hosts to require a separate rental agreement, as long as the terms are disclosed in the listing and communicated via Airbnb messages.
Why do you need an Airbnb lease agreement?
Even with Airbnb’s platform protections, a personalized lease agreement provides:
Clarity for guests on rules, safety protocols, and amenities
Legal protection in case of damages or disputes
Guest screening, as those unwilling to sign are less likely to follow house rules
Better guest experience by setting expectations from the start
Example: If you have a swimming pool, hot tub, or fire pit, outlining safety instructions and guest responsibilities in the lease helps avoid accidents and liability.
How to write an Airbnb rental agreement
You don’t need to start from scratch. Use a customizable Airbnb rental agreement template and make sure to include these key sections:
Essential components to include:
Property Details – Address, amenities, and property description
Contact Information – Phone and email for host and/or property manager
House Rules – Clear, non-negotiable policies (e.g., no smoking, quiet hours)
Occupancy Conditions – Maximum guests allowed, including extra beds or cribs
Minimum & Maximum Stay – Define stay limits and exceptions
Check-in & Check-out Terms – Include exact times and expectations
Airbnb Fees & Additional Charges – Break down fees such as cleaning or tourist tax
Rental Rates – Explain pricing structure, seasonal variation, or discounts
Damage Deposits – Terms, conditions, and refund policies
Discounts – Eligibility for groups like military or repeat guests
Insurance – Clarify AirCover and any additional coverage
Cancellation Policy – Include Airbnb’s cancellation terms and how you uphold them
Payment Details – Breakdown of what guests pay and how it’s processed
Signatures – Include names, dates, and initials for key sections
Sample Airbnb contract
Want to get an idea of what an Airbnb lease contract looks like? Take a look at our sample Airbnb rental agreement PDF below.
✅ Scroll to the bottom of the page to download a sample Airbnb rental agreement template.
When to send the Airbnb rental agreement
Let guests know about the agreement as early as possible:
In your listing description – Mention that a rental agreement will be required.
During booking communication – Share the agreement via Airbnb messages.
Before check-in – Send a digital copy or collect an e-signature online.
Avoid springing it on them at the last minute. Instead, give them time to review and ask questions before their arrival.
Pro Tip: Use Lodgify’s vacation rental software to automatically send rental agreements and reminders to guests. Automation reduces admin work and improves compliance.
Will requiring a rental agreement discourage bookings?
Some hosts worry that requiring a lease will turn guests away. While that may happen occasionally, in reality:
Most responsible guests won’t mind signing.
Those who push back are often the ones you’d prefer to avoid.
It adds a layer of professionalism that builds trust.
Think of it as a soft form of guest screening that protects you and improves the overall guest experience.
Automating Airbnb rental agreements with Lodgify
Manually managing rental agreements can be time-consuming. That’s why Lodgify offers tools to automate the entire process:
Send rental agreements automatically upon booking.
Store signed copies securely.
Customize templates based on property type or length of stay.
Try it out with a free 7-day trial and streamline your Airbnb operations today.
Download your free Airbnb rental agreement template
Implementing an Airbnb rental agreement should be standard practice for every host. It protects your property, sets expectations, and ensures guests enjoy a smooth, informed stay.
Download your free Airbnb lease agreement template now and start protecting your rental the right way!
Don’t see the form to download our free Airbnb rental agreement template? Click here.
*Disclaimer: This is NOT official legal advice nor an official legal document. Please consult an attorney or lawyer for more information about Airbnb rental agreement documentation.