Guests: Getting Started

Rent a space in 3 easy steps

1. Find your dream holiday rentals: Use our search function to find the rentals that match your needs. Keep it simple for a broader search. You can view the description, check the calendar to see availability and read past reviews. Check any specific information provided by the owner to make sure that it is suitable..
2. Confirm availability with the owner: Once you have found the rentals that best match your needs, confirm availability with the owners by clicking on the "Booking enquiry" tab and follow the steps.
3. Book your chosen rental: Once owners confirmed availability to you, book your chosen rental. To do so, click on the "Calendar and booking" tab on your chosen rental's page and simply follow the steps. You will be asked to pay for the full amount of your stay with your credit card and you will be covered by HouseTrip’s cancellation policy. Please understand that owners may ask you to pay for additional fees such as refundable damage deposits (additional fees are listed in the booking process): these are separate arrangements offline, after the rental has been booked through HouseTrip..

How do I search for properties?

We have search boxes under the “Search rentals” tab (click on “Search rentals” in the top tab that appears on every page of the website). Your search can be as detailed as you want it to be: you can search by location, check-in and check-out dates, number of bedrooms (or all criteria together), etc.
Look at property details, photos, availability, rates and reviews from past guests to identify the perfect property for you.

Does HouseTrip insure my rental experience?

No yet but we are working on it.
If you would like to insure your holiday, there are several insurance companies that offer travel insurance.

What do check-in/check-out dates mean?

Check-in is the day you arrive at the property. Check-out is the day you leave the property. Each property has a different check-in and check-out times that are specified on the property profile page. To be sure, contact the host.

What is minimum length of stay?

This is the minimum number of nights a host wants you to book for. Minimum lengths of stay can change throughout the year (e.g. a host might have a 2 nights minimum length of stay during a weekend and set it at 1 night the following week).

Who can see my HouseTrip profile?

Your HouseTrip profile is made available to owners you contact through HouseTrip.
In addition, if you leave a review of a property or post on a wall, we allow other HouseTrip users to see who provided the review. This helps us ensure honest feedback from our members and accurate reviews on our service. HouseTrip does not allow visitors to browse user profiles.

How do you prevent scams?

How do I ask a question to the owner?

Click on “Booking enquiry” on the page of the rental you are interested in. Then, simply follow the steps.

Can I see where the rental is located?

Yes, click on the “Map” tab on the rental's page, you will a location (symbolised by a red tag).

What is the difference between entire property/private bedroom/shared room?

Entire property means that the host will not share the property with you during your stay. Private bedroom means you get your own bedroom. Shared room means it’s either a living room/common space, or someone else will share your room.

How can I leave review on a property that I have stayed at?

HouseTrip only allows reviews from guests who booked properties through its payment system. This maintains honest reviews from past guests.
If you booked a property from HouseTrip, after your stay you will receive an email asking for your feedback.

Guests: Using HouseTrip

How do I cancel a booking?

You can cancel your booking according to the HouseTrip cancellation policy chosen by your rental's owner. To cancel your booking, please call HouseTrip support on +41 21 6526211 or send us an email at support@housetrip.com

How long does a owner have to reply to my booking?

They have a window of maximum 36 hours to accept or decline the booking. You will be notified via email about the status of your request.

Can I visit a property before booking it?

If you want more details about a property before booking it, please contact the host through our messaging systems and ask them to upload them. They can have an unlimited amount of photos on their profile page so you should have enough information to be certain of your choice.

If a host declines my booking request or does not respond, will I still get charged?

No. Your credit card is only charged when a booking is accepted.

Where can I find the details of my bookings?

Go to your personal profile and click on the “My bookings” tab.

I contacted my host after he confirmed my booking, but there was no response. What do I do?

After a booking is accepted, both host and guest receive each other's contact info (email, phone, full name, address). It's a good idea to immediately contact one another regarding the details of the trip (arrival time, flight info, directions, etc). If email and phone attempts don't receive a response, please contact support@housetrip.com.

What information should I get prior to arriving?

Hosts should provide information about check–in/check–out procedures, directions, keys, and an emergency contact in case the host won’t be on the premises with you. We recommend contacting your host for this information prior to arriving.
Additionally, hosts are great resources for local information on top restaurants and attractions so be sure to ask for some tips!

How are keys exchanged?

Every host has a system for key exchange. Methods include personal welcome at the property, lock boxes, emailing you a keyless entry code and postal mailing you a key prior to your departure.

I don’t manage to contact the owner, how do I do?

To contact the host directly, click on “Booking enquiry” on the rental's page.

The dates of my stay have changed; what do I do?

Contact the host directly to make sure the property is available during your new dates. In any case and in particular if your length of stay is modified, the host may apply new charges.

The number of guests has changed; what do I do?

During the process of your booking, certain terms were agreed upon between you and the host. If those terms changed, you should contact the host immediately and see with him/her if new charges apply.

I just made a booking; what happens next?

The host will receive an email with your booking. They have 36 hours to respond. You'll receive an update from us when they accept, decline, or don't respond.

What if I'm travelling with pets?

Look on the property description (in the “Suitability” section) if “Pets not allowed” is mentioned. If it isn’t mentioned, you should be allowed to bring your pets with you. We still recommend contacting the host to make sure.

The host is asking for money to ship the keys. Do I have to pay it?

Please contact us at support@housetrip.com before sending money for keys.

What happens if I booked a property but the host doesn't show up?

In this case, please contact us immediately. The HouseTrip system holds the guests’ money until 2 days after the beginning of the stay. The host would not receive any money, be banned from our site, and we would do our best to help you find alternative accommodations.

What if a owner does not reply to my messages?

We recommend contacting several owners in a destination you are travelling to as it increases your chances of getting replies.

I have a pending booking request. Where can I see its details?

Go to your personal profile and click on the “My bookings” tab.

Guests: payment

Do I pay through the website?

To book a property you need to pay your full stay amount online, so that we can protect your payment and make sure you are covered by our cancellation policy. Our Terms and Conditions proscribe paying the payment outside of the platform.

When do I pay for the property?

To book a property you need to pay your full stay amount online. You provide your credit card details during the booking process.

What payment methods do you offer?

Guests book rentals using their credit card. We accept all major credit cards.

Do you support other currencies than Euros?

Not yet, but we plan to soon.

Do you charge any fee?

We retain a low 3% service fee as compensation in servicing your booking. We also charge the hosts a commission on each transaction.

Can I get a receipt for my booking?

Yes, you can view and print your receipt by going in the “My bookings” tab in your personal profile.

How many days does a cancellation take to process to my card account?

Please allow 3-5 business days for the credit card company to process your refund.