Home Visit Readiness Checklist
A practical checklist to help you prepare for your home visit
London Homestays — a practical checklist to help you prepare
Last updated: 10 March 2026
Before your first placement, our approval process normally includes a call (or video call) and an in-person home visit. This checklist helps you get ready and understand what we typically look at, without any surprises.
Before the visit: what to have ready
- A quick summary of who lives in the home (including any regular visitors), plus pets and smoking (if applicable).
- Clear photos of the guest areas (bedroom, bathroom access and key shared spaces). If you can upload good photos on the application form, it helps us assess your home more quickly.
- Proof of ID (we’ll tell you what’s needed, depending on the placement type).
- A basic reference (for new hosts).
- Safety documentation where applicable — for example a current Gas Safe certificate where gas appliances exist.
- If you’d like to host 16–17 year olds: be ready for DBS checks and basic safeguarding training (provided by us).
- If you rent your home: please check your tenancy/lease allows paying guests (recommended).
During the home visit: the main areas we’ll look at
Guest bedroom
- Clean, comfortable room that matches the booking type (single/twin/double as agreed).
- Heating, lighting and ventilation are adequate.
- Storage space for clothes and personal items.
- Somewhere to study (desk/table in the bedroom, or agreed access to a quiet space elsewhere).
- Fresh bedding and a general weekly cleaning routine (as a typical expectation).
Bathroom access
- Reasonable access to a bathroom (and clarity on who shares it).
- Bathroom is clean and in good working order.
- Basic expectations are clear (for example, when showers are appropriate, tidy-up after use).
Shared spaces and day-to-day living
- Wi‑Fi is available and the password is easy to share on arrival.
- Kitchen access matches the meal plan booked (and any limits are clear).
- Laundry arrangement is clear (typical expectation is 1–2 loads per week).
- House rules are clear (quiet hours, visitors, keys, security, etc.).
Safety basics (plain English)
- Working smoke alarms are in place.
- Where gas appliances exist: a current Gas Safe certificate is available.
- Electrical wiring and appliances appear to be in good order (no obvious hazards).
- You can show guests the escape route(s) and what to do in case of fire.
- Recommended (good practice): a carbon monoxide detector where gas appliances exist.
Questions we typically cover
- Your availability and what types of guests you’re open to (adults-only vs 16–17 optional).
- Meal plan preferences and what “bed & breakfast” / “half board” means in practice in your home.
- House rules and boundaries (including overnight visitors — not usually permitted without approval).
- What to do if a guest asks to extend, cancel, or change plans (you contact London Homestays).
- Address requests: guests should not use your address for banking/credit/National Insurance without your explicit permission.
After the visit: what happens next
If your home looks like a good fit for what we need, we’ll explain the next steps and any follow‐ups clearly. If it’s not a match right now, we’ll tell you early on so you can decide whether you’d like to wait or leave it there.
Related resources
Everything you need to get started as a new host.
A ready-made template you can adapt for your home.
Guidance on fire safety, gas certificates and more.
Common questions about hosting and home insurance.
Need help or have questions?
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:30 (UK time)
In their words...
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3-
“London Homestays has been an excellent accommodation partner for our students. The team is always helpful, responsive and highly professional. They consistently match students with the right hosts based on individual requirements, ensuring a positive and comfortable homestay experience.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House 
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
The London Homestays portal is amazing. You can manage availability, update photos, and see when you’ve been paid — something I’m always chasing the other agencies. Can’t recommend it highly enough!
Sharon, host in Finchley
