This protocol provides clarity & consistency
Host Responsibilities
Why These Policies Exist- Synopsis
These policies aren’t here to make things complicated. They exist because the current travel rental structure is full of blurred lines, unclear expectations, and avoidable disasters. OHK was formed to solve that.
Every requirement, from mandatory vetting to contracts to deposit hold clarity is designed to protect both hosts and guests from miscommunication, mismatched expectations, and the classic “that’s not what I was told” scenario.
1. Accuracy & Transparency
Hosts must provide clear, truthful, and up-to-date information about their property. Accurate depth of field, that doesn't present a room to appear larger or longer. This includes current detailed photos (including up-close photos), amenities, conditions, layout, surrounding noise levels, and any limitations or quirks guests could expect.
2. Mandatory Vetting Participation
By listing a property, hosts agree to complete the required vetting steps.
Skipping or bypassing vetting is not permitted under the platform’s “See It Then Book It” model.
3. Availability & Responsiveness
Hosts must respond to guest questions, scheduling requests, and virtual-tour arrangements within 48 hours for booking requests or questions, but for guest issues- respond as soon as possible.
If availability changes, hosts must update their listing promptly.
4. Virtual Tour Requirements
If a potential guest requests a live virtual tour, hosts must provide it.
This ensures the guest can verify the property before finalizing their booking.
5. Deposit & Hold Agreements
If a host accepts a deposit to temporarily hold a property, they must:
• Clearly communicate the time frame of the hold
• Confirm the deposit terms in writing
• Honor the agreed hold period before offering the space to another guest
(Deposit alone is not a booking agreement; and deposits must accompany a receipt)
6. Contract Encouragement
Contracts provide legal protection, are optional, but it IS strongly recommended; we provide a contract sample, which can be modified to suit your needs. OHK encourages all parties to use a contract, similar to checking into a hotel. If a host chooses to use one, they must provide it to the guest promptly and ensure the terms are clear. If the contact is not in the guests native language the host must provide a version in the language guests prefer.
7. Safe, Ready Property
Hosts must ensure the property is clean, safe, functional, and prepared for guest arrival according to what was shown, stated, and agreed upon.
8. Legal Compliance
Hosts are responsible for complying with local laws, housing regulations, taxes, and rental requirements related to offering their space.
9. Guest Reviews
Host reviews should focus on the guest’s conduct during the stay rather than expectations that were already clearly presented beforehand. For example, if a household includes children, everyday sounds such as a crying baby or children playing are expected and should not be cited as a negative in a review, as this information was known prior to booking.
Reviews are best used to reflect the guest’s communication, reliability, respect for the home, adherence to house rules, and overall behavior throughout the stay. Hosts can note how the guest handled shared spaces, unexpected situations, check-in and check-out procedures, and whether the guest treated the property and neighbors with consideration.
Reviews should remain factual, professional, and relevant to the hosting experience.
Reviews that do not follow these guidelines may be unpublished or removed. In such cases, the reviewer will be notified and given the opportunity to revise the review to meet OHK review standards.
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An active membership constitutes a binding agreement and legal acceptance of all OHK protocols and terms & conditions. Non-compliance may result in removal from the platform.
Guest Responsibilities
1. Honest Intent & Communication
Guests must provide truthful information about their stay needs, number of occupants, and any special requirements.
2. Conduct Vetting Process
Guests may request a live virtual tour and are responsible for using and reviewing all vetting materials provided.
They should only proceed with a booking once they have fully evaluated the property.
3. Deposit & Hold
If a guest pays a deposit to hold a property:
• Host must respect the agreed hold period
• Host understands that this is not a booking agreement
• Host must follow up within the time frame to continue or release the hold
4. Request Contract & Review (Highly Recommended)
Similar to checking into a hotel, there's a contract that you sign, the same protocol applies to this situation. If a host provides a contract, guests must read and understand the terms before signing. Guests are responsible for asking questions, if anything needs clarification. If the contact is not in your native language the host must provide a version in the language you prefer.
5. Respect Property & Outlined Rules
Guests must follow the house rules, care for the property, and behave respectfully toward the host, neighbors, and the space itself.
6. Communication
Guests should respond to hosts within a reasonable or stated time frame regarding scheduling, questions, or required documents.
7. Compliance
Guests must respect all laws, community rules, and building policies during their stay.
8. Guest Company (visitors)
Unregistered visitors are not automatically allowed.
Guests must always discuss any plans to have company before booking or request permission from the host in advance.
9. Listing & Host Reviews
Because OHK allows guests to personally view or vet a property before booking, reviews should focus on the overall experience rather than conditions that were visible prior to payment. Reviews are best used to reflect the building and neighborhood environment, how the host handled any unexpected issues, the quality of communication, responsiveness, and professionalism throughout the stay.
Cleanliness, furnishings, and the functionality of the home and its equipment (i.e.: kitchen pots & pans) should have met your expectations before booking and completing payment.
Reviews that do not follow these guidelines may be unpublished or removed. In such cases, the reviewer will be notified and given the opportunity to revise the review to meet OHK review standards.
An active membership constitutes a binding agreement and legal acceptance of all OHK protocols and terms & conditions. Non-compliance may result in removal from the platform.