Lending a home to friends and family: rules to agree

Before lending a home to friends or family, agree who is coming, the dates, cleaning, linen, pets, additional visitors and any expenses. A few precise rules help preserve the relationship: everyone knows what they may do and what they need to ask about.

A useful rule describes an understandable action. “Leave the house clean” can mean very different things; “tidy the kitchen, empty the bins and gather used linen” is easier to understand. The aim is a pleasant stay for guests and host alike.

Define who is coming and which areas are accessible

Confirm the number of people expected and the sleeping arrangements. Explain whether friends may visit during the day or stay overnight. An additional guest can affect the home’s capacity, use of equipment or the arrangements agreed.

Boundaries can be simple: one bedroom stays private, the garage is not accessible or some belongings are not for use. Explain these before the stay, then include them in the welcome book. They do not need a lengthy justification.

On KazaKlub, offering a Kaza does not mean accepting every request. Sharing without losing control starts with choosing the people and hosting arrangements.

Agree on cleaning and linen

Distinguish between what is done before arrival, everyday upkeep and what is expected on departure. If professional cleaning is planned, confirm who arranges it and how the cost will be covered. Do not let guests discover this expense after the stay.

Discuss pets and particular uses

A pet’s presence should be discussed before confirmation. Specify accessible areas, cleaning needs and any limitations of the home. A garden is not automatically fenced or suitable.

Also discuss uses that matter to you: smoking, noise, a barbecue, parking, sports equipment or visitors. Base the discussion on the home’s actual features and applicable rules, without drawing up unnecessary restrictions.

Make expenses clear before reaching an agreement

If a contribution is planned, specify the expenses involved, the calculation method or agreed amount, and when to pay. The word “free” should not suggest that no costs will ever be requested if you have agreed to share certain expenses.

Also distinguish the arrangements for the stay from the platform’s features. KazaKlub plans concern access to the service; they do not replace your discussion about the home and possible costs.

A practical set of house rules to personalise

You can copy this summary into a document shared with the people involved. It helps organise the stay and is not a legal contract template.

We agree on a stay from [date] to [date], for [expected guests].
The areas available for use are [specify]. Private areas are [specify].
Additional visitors and pets are [agreed conditions].
Linen is [provided or to be brought] and will be [departure instructions].
Expected cleaning includes [specific actions].
Agreed expenses are [costs and calculation method or amount].
A change of dates, damage or difficulty will be reported to [private contact].
Keys will be returned by [agreed method].

Plan how to respond to the unexpected

Ask your friends or family to tell you promptly about breakages, a major breakdown or a change of plans. A photo and factual description help explain the situation. Avoid arranging repairs or spending money without discussing it, except where immediate action is needed to make things safe.

If a disagreement arises, return to what was agreed and what actually happened. Preparation reduces misunderstandings; it does not guarantee that nothing will go wrong. Insurance questions need checking separately, as explained in our article about lending and insurance.

To calculate the agreed expenses, use our example of sharing water, electricity and heating costs. The house rules clarify the agreement; readings and bills explain the calculation.

Frequently asked questions

Are written house rules useful within the same family?

Yes, when several households have different habits. They avoid assuming everyone knows the owner’s preferences or the instructions from the last stay.

Can a rule change after confirmation?

Discuss the change with the people involved, especially if it affects their expenses or arrangements. A new restriction should not come as a surprise on arrival.

Should every home in the Klub have the same rules?

A few shared principles can help, but each home has its own equipment, limits and hosting arrangements. Explain what is particular to each Kaza.

To turn the rules into practical information, complete the welcome book template with details of how your home works.