What you need to know about hosting families

With many offices, schools and daycare centres closed around the world, parents now have more flexibility with where they live and work. Many are interested in travelling more often – even temporarily relocating their families – to places with more space and access to the outdoors.

While catering to children might not be safe in some spaces, here’s what you should know if you are open to welcoming them into your space.

If you’re unsure about welcoming guests with children into your space, there are a number of steps you can take to feel more at ease.

Communicate in advance about what is – and isn’t – available in your space.

Help parents pack accordingly by detailing all the family-friendly amenities you already have to hand. Your guidebook can also include recommendations for where to pick up or replenish supplies.

Take basic safety precautions to help protect your guests and your home.

• Help put everyone’s mind at ease by installing a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm as well as a fire extinguisher near the kitchen hob
• Remember to mark off these amenities on your listing and don’t forget to regularly replace batteries
• Include local emergency numbers in your house manual and on a quick reference card for guests

Know what to do if there’s an issue.
No matter how prepared you are, accidents may still happen – but there are a few ways you can help protect yourself when hosting on Airbnb.

• Request money through the Resolution Centre: You can go through the Resolution Centre for missing or damaged items, extra services or other trip-related issues – like losing a house key. You can also send money to a guest to help compensate for issues, such as if your space wasn’t ready at check-in.
• Get to know AirCover for Hosts: AirCover for Hosts includes Host damage protection and Host liability insurance. It’s always included and always free.