A contract between the host family and the guest is an important instrument, which
contains the fundamental issues in this relationship.
A contract also helps to build a commitment and make clear to the guest that her/his
room is reserved and she/he is expected. You may consider charging a security deposit
for reservation and deduct the deposit from the first payment.
A well written contract will avoid misunderstandings and conflicts as it outlines
what the guest can expect from the host famly and also what the host family expects
from the guest.
If you are in doubt if an item should be in the contract or not, it is probably
worth to put it in as guests from different countries and different cultures may
have very different assumptions from yours (see Improving
communication for more tips about communication).
The following is a list of common items in contracts between host family and guest:
• Homestay duration with start and end date
• Fee: amount, currency and how it is paid (e.g.: all up front, weekly, monthly,
etc)
• Meals: which meals are included and which ones are not included
• House rules regarding to smoking, alcohol consumption, curfew time, telephone
usage both for local and international calls, laundry machine usage, locks and keys
responsibility, receiving friends at home, pets, etc.
• A reminder that the guest shall observe and abide all local laws and regulations
at all times
If some issue not covered in the contract arises, be pro-active. Explain the problem
to your guest and discuss the possible alternatives to solve the issue. Language
and culture may be a hurdle, but it is the natural part of receiving international
guests at your home.
Always keep in mind that your guest is in a different country to learn a new language,
a new culture and she/he has chosen your country and your city from all others places
in the world. She/he expects to have fun, enjoy her/his stay and go back home with
a very positive impression about your city.
Related topics: Improving communicating to your guest, Avoid frauds
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