Beyond the paper folder on the shelf
Modern guests expect information that is clear and easy to scan. A tidy, well structured guide makes it more likely they follow safety advice and less likely they call because they cannot find the stop tap or work the heating.
Emergency contact and address
Always provide a clear out of hours contact number and the full property address on one page. For rural Devon properties a What3Words address is often the quickest way for services to find you.
Essential components of a guest ready guide
- Plain language locations for stopcocks and the electrical consumer unit, with photos where possible.
- Simple heating and hot water instructions that match the controls actually installed.
- Fire exit routes and an assembly point that match your Fire Risk Assessment.
- Clear guidance for any smart locks, alarms or key safes guests will use.
- Waste and recycling arrangements that match the local council schedule.
Making the property easy to find
Devon lanes and rural tracks can turn a simple arrival into a stressful start. A three word address, a small local map and notes on landmarks can reduce lost guest calls and help emergency services reach you.
FAQ
What should be included in a holiday let guest guide?
At minimum: an out of hours contact number, the full property address (and What3Words for rural Devon locations), stopcock and consumer unit locations, heating and hot water instructions, fire exit routes, and any smart lock or key safe guidance.
Do I legally need to provide a guest information pack?
There is no single law requiring a guest pack, but your Fire Risk Assessment should be available at the property, and guests must be able to find the fire exits and emergency information. A clear guest guide is the practical way to meet that expectation and reduce your liability.
How do I make sure guests actually read the information?
Keep it short, visual and scannable. One page for the critical safety information — stopcocks, alarms, exits, contacts — works better than a thick folder. Photos of the actual controls at your property help more than generic diagrams.
How often should a guest guide be reviewed?
Any time something changes at the property — new heating controls, a different key safe code, updated fire alarm positions, or a change in out of hours contacts. A quick review before each season is a good habit.
Want a second pair of eyes on your guest information
As part of my wider property and compliance checks I can review how your guest guide lines up with what is actually on site. The aim is simple. Fewer gaps, fewer risks and fewer calls where a clear note would have solved it.
Many owners combine this with a Holiday Let Compliance Audit so everything is reviewed together.
Want a simple, joined-up view of guest readiness + compliance?
If you're unsure what's current or what's missing, start with a quick compliance check and a clear priority list.
Download the Free Compliance ChecklistLocal Dartmoor & Devon properties only. No hard sell — just a clear view of where you stand.