Ready-to-Use Short-Term Rental Platform Agreement
A short-term rental platform agreement helps property owners, guests, and booking intermediaries set clear terms for reservations, payments, cancellations, property use, deposits, and dispute handling. This ready-to-use template provides a practical structure that can be adapted to local law and the specific platform arrangement.
A short-term rental platform agreement records the terms under which a property is advertised, booked, and occupied through an online intermediary. It can clarify the relationship between the host, the guest, and, where applicable, the platform or property manager. Clear written terms reduce misunderstandings about payments, cancellations, house rules, and responsibility for damage. This template is designed as a practical starting point for short stays and platform-assisted bookings.
Purpose of a short-term rental platform agreement
This agreement establishes the essential conditions of a temporary stay rather than a long-term residential tenancy. It identifies the accommodation, confirms the reservation period, and states the price and payment method.
When a booking platform is involved, the agreement should also explain whether the platform acts only as an intermediary or has additional duties, such as processing payments or managing communications.
Parties and booking role
Identify the host or lawful property manager, the guest making the reservation, and the platform only if it is a contracting party or has a defined operational role. Do not assume that an online listing itself replaces a written agreement or local legal obligations.
Essential details to include
The agreement should match the confirmed booking information and any mandatory disclosures required in the location of the property. A detailed description of charges is especially important where the platform collects funds on the host's behalf.
| Document field | Purpose | Frequent error |
|---|---|---|
| Property address | Identifies the accommodation covered by the booking | Using only a listing title or incomplete address |
| Stay dates and times | Defines check-in, check-out, and duration | Omitting arrival and departure times |
| Total price and fees | Shows rent, cleaning fee, taxes, and other charges | Leaving service fees or taxes unexplained |
| Security deposit | Sets the amount and conditions for deductions | Failing to state the return period |
| Cancellation terms | Explains refunds and notice requirements | Conflict between the agreement and booking policy |
Payments, deposits, and cancellation
State whether payment is processed by the platform, paid directly to the host, or divided between them. Specify the currency, due dates, permitted payment methods, applicable taxes, and whether platform service fees are refundable.
Security deposit and damage claims
If a security deposit is required, define the permitted reasons for withholding it, the evidence that may be used, and the deadline for returning any unused balance. Local consumer, housing, and deposit rules may impose additional requirements.
- Confirm the total accommodation charge and every separate fee.
- State the booking reference number and payment schedule.
- Describe the cancellation deadline and refund calculation.
- Set a reasonable process for reporting damage or missing items.
- Specify the deadline and method for returning the deposit balance.
Editable template
Document template
SHORT-TERM RENTAL PLATFORM AGREEMENT
Place: ____________________ Date: ____________________
This Short-Term Rental Platform Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between:
Host / Property Manager: ____________________, of address ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
Guest: ____________________, of address ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
Booking Platform / Intermediary (if applicable): ____________________, booking reference ____________________.
The Host agrees to provide temporary accommodation to the Guest under the following terms:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Property address | ____________________ |
| Accommodation description | ____________________ |
| Check-in date and time | ____________________ |
| Check-out date and time | ____________________ |
| Maximum number of occupants | ____________________ |
| Accommodation charge | ____________________ |
| Cleaning fee, taxes, and other charges | ____________________ |
| Security deposit | ____________________ |
| Payment method and due date | ____________________ |
| Cancellation policy | ____________________ |
- Temporary stay. The Property is provided solely for temporary accommodation during the agreed booking period. The Guest shall not use it as a permanent residence or for any unlawful purpose.
- Payment. The Guest shall pay the amounts stated above through ____________________. Any platform charges, taxes, or additional fees are as specified in the booking confirmation and this Agreement.
- Security deposit. The security deposit may be used only for documented damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, missing items, unpaid agreed charges, or other lawful amounts. Any remaining balance shall be returned within ____________________ days after check-out, subject to applicable law.
- Property use. The Guest shall comply with the maximum occupancy limit, house rules, applicable building rules, and all lawful instructions concerning noise, parking, smoking, pets, visitors, and use of facilities.
- Condition and damage. The Guest shall promptly report any defect, damage, loss, or safety issue. The Guest is responsible for damage caused by the Guest or the Guest's invitees, except for normal wear and tear.
- Cancellation and early departure. Cancellation, refund, and early-departure rights are governed by the policy stated above and any mandatory legal protections that apply.
- Platform role. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the booking platform acts only as an intermediary for reservation, communication, or payment processing and is not the owner or operator of the Property.
- Applicable law and disputes. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of ____________________. The parties shall first seek to resolve disputes in good faith before using any available legal remedy.
House rules / special conditions: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
By signing below, the parties confirm that they have read, understood, and accepted this Agreement.
Host / Property Manager signature: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Guest signature: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Platform representative signature (if applicable): ____________________ Date: ____________________
Edit the text right here. Changes are stored in your browser, and you can print them or export to Word and PDF.
Property use and house rules
Set out the permitted number of occupants, rules on visitors, smoking, pets, noise, parking, and use of shared areas. Rules should be lawful, proportionate, and consistent with the listing and platform policy.
Include check-in instructions, key or access-code arrangements, and emergency contact information. A written inventory with dated photographs can help both parties document the condition of the accommodation.
Use the same rental price, cancellation policy, occupancy limit, and house rules in the listing, booking confirmation, and signed agreement to avoid conflicting terms.
Practical steps before signing
Review the booking record before the stay begins and ensure that the person signing has authority to rent or manage the property. Adapt the template to local registration, licensing, tax, consumer protection, and housing requirements.
- Verify the identities and contact details of the host and guest.
- Compare the agreement with the platform booking confirmation.
- Complete the property, payment, deposit, and cancellation fields.
- Sign or accept the agreement and keep a dated copy with the booking records.
Frequently asked questions
Does a platform booking replace a rental agreement?
Not necessarily. A platform confirmation may contain contractual terms, but a separate agreement can provide clearer property-specific rules, payment details, and records of acceptance.
Can a host keep a security deposit?
A host may only make deductions in accordance with the agreement and applicable law, such as for documented damage beyond normal wear or unpaid agreed charges. The applicable legal process varies by jurisdiction.
Should the platform sign the agreement?
Only include the platform as a party if it agrees to contractual obligations or is legally acting beyond a booking intermediary. Otherwise, identify its limited payment or communication role where relevant.