FAQs
Preparing Your Home
What do I need to do before my first trip?
Prepare photos of your home and submit the onboarding form here
Once submitted, we will guide you through the next steps.
Do I need to take listing photos myself?
Yes. For now, photos are taken by you (the host).
However, we provide a detailed photo guide and review process to ensure your listing looks great. You can view the photography guide here
Professional photography services may be introduced in the future.
How should I prepare my home for guests?
You are not required to do any preparation, but the following steps can help reduce your initial cleaning and setup costs and speed up the process:
- tidy and declutter the home
- leave some wardrobe and storage space for guests
We also strongly recommend removing valuables such as cash, expensive jewellery, and designer fashion items, as Travacant is not responsible for the loss or damage of these items.
How long does the setup process take?
Initial cleaning and setup usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home and the amount of personal belongings.
This includes:
- cleaning
- preparing guest bedding and toiletries
- organising personal belongings into host-only storage areas
- documenting the home
When should I leave the home before my trip?
Standard guest schedule:
Checkout time: 10–11am
Check-in time: 3–4pm
Ideally you should also depart around 10–11am and return around 3–4pm.
Earlier returns or later departures may require blocking that night for reservations to allow time for cleaning and preparation.
Personal Belongings and Storage
Do I need to pack everything before leaving?
No.
However, we recommend removing valuables such as:
- cash
- expensive jewellery
- designer fashion items
We are not responsible for the loss or damage of these items.
Leaving some space in wardrobes, the fridge, freezer, and other storage areas for guests can also help speed up the setup process.
Can I keep personal items at home?
Yes.
Personal belongings will be organised into labelled host-only areas that guests cannot access.
However, we still recommend removing valuables such as cash, expensive jewellery, and designer fashion items.
Will guests use my bedding and towels?
No.
Guests receive separate guest-only bedding and towels.
However, guests will use your pillows and duvets, which are protected by the guest bedding.
How do you document my home and belongings?
Your home is documented through photos and videos at several stages:
- initial setup
- after each guest checkout
- after cleaning
- after final restoration before your return
You will receive updates during this process if you choose to receive them during onboarding.
What storage options are available?
Currently, belongings are organised into labelled host-only areas within the home using wardrobes, cabinets, or other storage spaces.
In the future we plan to introduce off-property storage options, particularly for longer trips.
Booking and Key Exchanges
How do bookings work?
Bookings are currently managed through third-party platforms such as Airbnb.
Guest reservations are reviewed, vetted, and approved by us before acceptance.
What if there are no bookings?
If no booking is made, there is no cost to you.
For trips that are 5 days or longer, we may still collect your keys before your trip in case bookings occur during your absence. If no booking occurs, no cleaning or documentation will be carried out.
For trips shorter than 5 days, we may block those dates until the next time you choose to host with us again.
Will I be notified when a booking is confirmed?
Yes.
You will receive notifications through both email and WhatsApp whenever a reservation is confirmed.
How do key exchanges work?
Before your trip we arrange a key exchange that fits your schedule.
We then manage guest check-ins, checkouts, and all key logistics during your trip.
What if I do not have two sets of keys?
We require at least two sets of keys for guests and management.
If you only have one set, you may either:
- make a copy yourself, or
- authorise us to make a copy for you.
Changing Dates and Cancellations
Can I change my trip dates?
Yes.
However, if guest reservations have already been accepted, changes may be subject to our cancellation policy.
You can request a change here
Can I extend my trip?
Yes. Trip extensions can usually be arranged depending on existing reservations.
You can submit an extension request here
What is the cancellation penalty?
Penalties may apply if confirmed guest reservations are cancelled without a valid reason and supporting evidence.
Because bookings are currently hosted through Airbnb, cancellation penalties generally follow Airbnb’s host cancellation guidelines.
The applicable penalty depends on how close the cancellation occurs to the guest’s check-in date.
The general cancellation fee structure is as follows:
- A minimum cancellation fee of $50 USD may apply.
- If a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of check-in, or after check-in has already occurred, the fee is 50% of the value of the remaining nights not stayed.
- If a reservation is cancelled between 48 hours and 30 days before the scheduled check-in, the fee is 25% of the total reservation amount.
- If a reservation is cancelled more than 30 days before check-in, the fee is 10% of the total reservation amount.
- For reservations lasting 28 days or longer, the fees listed above are calculated based on the non-refundable portion of the booking at the time the cancellation occurs, rather than the full reservation value. This non-refundable portion may include up to the 30-day period following the cancellation date.
These guidelines may change depending on Airbnb’s policies at the time of cancellation.
How can I cancel without a penalty?
Cancellations without penalty require both a valid reason and supporting evidence.
Examples may include:
- serious illness
- emergency home repairs (such as a gas leak or burst pipe)
- major disruptive events such as natural disasters or travel restrictions
Evidence may include:
- a doctor’s letter
- photos or documentation of the damage to your home
- official documentation confirming the emergency repair
Safety, Guests and House Rules
How do you vet guests?
Before accepting a reservation, guests must provide:
- the purpose of their visit
- a brief self-introduction
- identity verification
Are guests required to verify their identity?
Yes.
Guest identity verification is required before check-in.
Are parties or large gatherings allowed?
No.
Parties, large gatherings, and commercial activities are strictly prohibited.
Reservations may be cancelled if we suspect these activities.
What happens if guests damage something?
In the rare event that this occurs, we first attempt to resolve the matter directly with the guest.
If necessary, we may file a claim through Airbnb’s host protection policies, supported by the documentation we collect before and after each stay.
What happens if something goes missing?
This situation would be treated as potential theft.
We first attempt to resolve the issue with the guest. If necessary, we may file a claim through Airbnb and may contact local authorities depending on the situation.
Do you monitor guest behaviour during their stay?
We do not physically monitor guests during their stay as this would violate privacy.
However, guest vetting and house rules are designed to minimise risk.
During Trip and Returning Home
What if my neighbour complains?
Guests are vetted before booking to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour.
If a complaint is received, a warning will be issued to the guest. Continued violations of house rules may result in the guest being removed from the property.
Will I receive updates during my trip?
You can choose whether to receive updates.
Updates may include:
- checkout photos
- cleaning documentation
- reservation notifications
Payout notifications are always sent to you via both email and WhatsApp.
Who communicates with guests during their stay?
We manage all guest communication.
You do not need to handle guest messages, bookings, or logistics during your trip.
How does cleaning between stays work?
Professional cleaning is carried out after each guest stay.
Your home is documented after each checkout and after each cleaning.