Summary
Protect yourself legally and set clear expectations by requiring guests to sign a rental agreement before completing their direct booking. Contract signing ensures guests acknowledge your house rules, cancellation policy, and terms before they book, reducing disputes and providing documentation if issues arise.
Before You Start
Before enabling contract signing, make sure you have:
An existing direct booking site created in Host Tools
A rental agreement or contract saved as a PDF file
Steps
Accessing Your Direct Booking Settings
Navigate to
Settings > Direct BookingClick the Edit button next to the direct booking site you want to configure
Enabling Contract Signing
Scroll down to find the Require Contract Signing toggle
Toggle the switch to enable contract signing
Upload your contract PDF by clicking the upload area or dragging and dropping your file
Click Save to update your settings
> ⚠️ Important: You must upload a contract PDF when contract signing is enabled. The feature will not work without a PDF attached.
Creating Your Rental Agreement
If you don't already have a rental agreement, consider including:
Property rules and policies (quiet hours, parking, smoking, pets)
Cancellation and refund policy
Check-in and check-out procedures
Liability and damage policies
Maximum occupancy limits
Contact information for emergencies
> 💡 Pro tip: Consider having a lawyer review your rental agreement to ensure it complies with local laws and adequately protects your interests.
What Guests Experience
When contract signing is enabled, guests will:
See your rental agreement PDF during the booking process
Be required to review and acknowledge the contract
Sign electronically before their booking is confirmed
Troubleshooting
I can't upload my contract PDF
Make sure your file:
Is in PDF format (.pdf extension)
Is not too large (try reducing file size if upload fails)
Is not password-protected or encrypted
I need to update my contract
To update your rental agreement:
Navigate to
Settings > Direct BookingClick Edit on your direct booking site
Delete the existing PDF and upload your new contract
Click Save
New bookings will use the updated contract. Existing confirmed bookings are not affected.
A guest says they can't view the contract
Ask the guest to:
Try a different browser
Disable any PDF blocking extensions
Download the PDF to view it locally
FAQ
Are signed contracts stored?
Yes, signed contracts are stored securely and associated with each booking. You can access them through your reservation details.
Can I use different contracts for different listings?
Yes, contract signing is configured per direct booking site. You can upload different contracts for different sites, or enable it for some sites and not others.
Is electronic signing legally binding?
Electronic signatures are generally legally binding in most jurisdictions. However, legal requirements vary by location. Consult with a legal professional if you have concerns about enforceability in your area.
Can I require both ID verification and contract signing?
Yes, you can enable both features on the same direct booking site. Guests will need to complete both before their booking is confirmed.