Host resources
Practical guides and checklists to help hosts from arrival to departure.
Approved hosts can use the Host Portal to update profile details, upload documents and check bookings.
New to hosting? Start here
Host vs lodger: which is right for you?
A 30-second decision tool plus the honest comparison — flexibility, income and where people go wrong.
Host Start Pack
Everything you need to know before you apply.
Introduction to hosting
What hosting involves and what we look for.
Host Guidelines & FAQs
Expectations, responsibilities and common questions.
Home Visit Readiness Checklist
What to prepare before your home visit.
Welcoming your first guest (10 steps)
A calm, practical checklist from arrival to departure.
Hosting students under 18
Under-18 hosting: full guide
Comprehensive guide to DBS checks, safeguarding requirements and policies.
Hosting 16-17 year olds: should you opt in?
It's optional. What changes, whether it suits your household, and reporting routes if you have a concern.
Host code of conduct for under-18s
Your responsibilities when hosting students aged 16–17.
Child protection policy
Our safeguarding policy and commitment to student welfare.
Arrival and departure checklists
House rules and day-to-day expectations
House rules, visitors and address use
Setting expectations for visitors, daytime routine and address use.
House Rules Example Template
A sensible example set of house rules you can edit and share.
Meal plans explained
What each meal plan includes and tips for hosts.
Additional tips for hosting students
Practical extras from experienced hosts — routines, communication and making guests feel at home.
When things don't go to plan
Home safety, security and insurance
Home safety & security basics
Fire, gas, electrical and security essentials for your home.
Insurance: questions to ask your insurer
A practical checklist of questions before you host.
Hosting 16–17-year-olds has additional safeguarding requirements. See our Safety hub for full details and policy links.
Go to the Safety hubQuestions or concerns
Office support: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Phone lines are open 11am–3pm.
- Phone: 020 8395 0333
- Email: info@londonhomestays.com
- WhatsApp: 020 8395 0333 (message-only service, monitored during office hours). Please do not use WhatsApp for emergencies.
Out-of-hours emergency support
Out-of-hours emergency support is available for genuine emergencies relating to current placements only. Out-of-hours emergency phone numbers are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail. We do not publish emergency numbers on the website.
