Host with VEEVE, london:
Guides for successful hosting, and some FAQs answered
Joining Veeve
What are the home criteria to list my home with Veeve?
When you express interest in listing with Veeve, we’ll assess your home’s location and suitability before scheduling a visit. During the visit, we’ll evaluate your home from a guest’s perspective to ensure it meets these key criteria:
General
- Condition: Your home should be in good shape—walls, floors, and furnishings should be free of damage.
- Appliances: All should be fully functional, clean, and safe.
- Whole Home: We only list entire homes, not individual rooms.
- Guest-friendly: Your home should feel welcoming with enough space for guests to store their belongings.
- No Smoking: Homes with regular indoor smoking can’t be listed.
- Pets: Let us know if you have a pet; we can list your home with an air purifier if needed.
Appliances, Furniture & Amenities
- Wi-Fi: Fast internet is essential.
- Smart TV: A must-have for entertainment.
- Extras: Games or entertainment options (ping-pong table, home cinema, etc.) are appreciated but not required.
- Kitchen: Must include a cooker, oven, hob, and grill. A microwave and coffee machine are great bonuses.
- Fridge/Freezer: Ample space for guests’ food.
- Laundry: A washing machine is required, a dryer is a bonus.
- Comfortable Beds: King-size or larger in the primary bedroom is preferred.
- Bathrooms: At least one bathroom for every two bedrooms is ideal.
- Furnishing: Adequate sitting and dining space for guests.
Decoration
- Stylish: Thoughtful décor, artwork, and soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and throws add to the appeal.
Location
- Central London: We list homes in Zones 1 and select areas in Zones 2-4. Homes outside of Zone 2 need to be larger (accommodating at least 6 guests).
- Proximity: Ideally, your home should be within a 10-minute walk to a coffee shop, tube station, and convenience store.
- Neighbourhood: We’ll evaluate the area as well, ensuring it’s guest-friendly.
Special Extras (Bonus Features)
If your home has any of the following, it could help increase its appeal (and possibly its rate!):
- Off-street parking
- Private garden/terrace/balcony (BBQ is a bonus!)
- Child/baby equipment (cots, highchairs)
- Office space with a desk and chair
- Pet-friendly
- Corporate Partner Standard (extra space for guests)
- Air conditioning, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna
- Home gym/exercise equipment
Can I list my home if I have a pet?
Please inform us if you have a pet when applying to list your home. In many cases, homes with pets can be listed.
- Pet-Free Stays: If your pet isn’t present during stays, we’ll simply note that a pet lives in the property, so guests with allergies are aware. We also recommend using an air purifier.
- Pets During Stays: If your pet will be at the property during a stay, you’ll need to arrange for someone to care for your pet if a guest doesn’t want to follow care instructions. We’ll check this in advance and update your listing.
Please note that allowing someone else access to your home during a guest’s stay may affect any damage claims.
Why Veeve? Information for Hosts.
Please inform us if you have a pet when applying to list your home. In many cases, homes with pets can be listed.
- Pet-Free Stays: If your pet isn’t present during stays, we’ll simply note that a pet lives in the property, so guests with allergies are aware. We also recommend using an air purifier.
- Pets During Stays: If your pet will be at the property during a stay, you’ll need to arrange for someone to care for your pet if a guest doesn’t want to follow care instructions. We’ll check this in advance and update your listing.
Please note that allowing someone else access to your home during a guest’s stay may affect any damage claims.
Calendar and Availability
What does 'Instant-Book' mean?
When your property is marked as ‘Available’ on your calendar (green), we may accept bookings on your behalf without prior approval. This includes last-minute bookings, so it’s important to keep your calendar updated.
Why Use Instant-Book?: Properties with instant-book availability are more likely to be booked, as many platforms prioritise them, and our Guest Sales team gives them top priority.
Once a booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a Booking Confirmation email.
Setting Your Availability
Keeping your calendar up to date means that we know when your home is available for bookings.
When you join Veeve, you will have an online log-in via our website, which includes access to your availability calendar. Here’s how to manage your availability calendar.
1. Log into your account at https://www.veeve.com/login
2. Under your property listing, click the ‘Update Availability’ button
3. On the calendar, select the nights you want to change
4. Select the availability state and ‘Save Nights’
5. Done! Your calendar will be updated.
Did you know? Our team will keep working hard to secure you bookings right up until the last minute, including for next-day check-in, so remember to keep your availability calendar up to date. If your availability changes and your home is no longer available, you should set the nights to Unavailable . We have a strict Host Cancellation policy and bookings should be honoured once they are confirmed.
Payments
When will I get paid for my booking?
✔ Host payments are processed on the 12th of each month for all bookings that check out by the end of the previous month.
📌 Example:
- A booking that checks out on January 31st will be paid on February 12th.
- A booking that checks out on February 1st will be paid on March 12th.
💡 Payments may take 1–3 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Veeve team!
What is Veeve's Pricing Strategy?
At Veeve, we use a dynamic pricing system powered by PriceLabs to ensure your property is always competitively priced. This smart pricing algorithm considers a range of factors to optimise your rates, helping you secure bookings at the best possible price.
How the Pricing System Works
PriceLabs analyses real-time market data to adjust your pricing based on:
- Seasonality: Prices adapt to reflect peak and off-peak times throughout the year.
- Local Events: Big events, festivals, or high-demand periods in your area can push prices higher.
- Comparable Properties: The system looks at other homes like yours nearby, ensuring your pricing stays in line with the local market.
- Location Popularity: Properties in highly sought-after or central areas may command higher prices, while less in-demand locations may price more competitively to attract bookings.
This data-driven approach allows your property to stay attractive to guests while maximising your earnings. It also means prices may vary from week to week or even day to day — but rest assured, these fluctuations are designed to keep your calendar as full as possible.
Why Dynamic Pricing is Beneficial
- Market-Driven Rates: You’re not left guessing — prices adjust automatically to match real-time demand.
- Increased Occupancy: Lower prices during quieter periods help secure bookings you might otherwise miss.
- Higher Earnings in Peak Season: When demand rises, so do your rates — ensuring you benefit from high-demand periods.
We monitor pricing regularly to ensure everything runs smoothly, but if you ever have questions about your property’s rates, feel free to reach out to your Account Manager.
General
Cancellation by a Host
As a Veeve host, we ask that you honour bookings once they have been confirmed. If you do need to cancel, the penalty will usually be lower the more notice we receive.
If you need to cancel or think you may need to, contact your Account Manager as soon as possible or email hosts@veeve.com.
Avoiding Cancellations
We prioritise honouring bookings and can assist with:
Extra home preparation support
Help with contractors or repairs
Arranging for you to stay in another Veeve home
These services will be charged to you but cost less than losing the booking income and paying a cancellation fee.
When No Cancellation Fee Applies
If you must cancel due to force majeure, no cancellation fee will be charged. Valid reasons include:
Your property is uninhabitable due to unforeseen circumstances and cannot be repaired in time.
Bereavement or serious illness in your household or close family.
Government restrictions preventing you from making your home available.
Proof may be required, and while we won’t charge a fee, guests may still seek compensation.
Why Cancellations Matter
We have a strict policy to ensure reliability and maintain guest trust. Cancellations cause:
Guest relocation costs
Booking platform penalties
Compensation for guests
Administrative costs
Reputation damage
Loss of revenue
Frequent cancellations may lead to fewer bookings or de-listing of your home.
💡 Tip: Keep Your Calendar Updated
To avoid unwanted bookings, update your availability calendar regularly. We continue booking until the last minute, so this is especially important to prevent short-notice stays.
⚠️ Quality Assurance Check Failures
If your home does not meet advertised standards and a booking is canceled as a result, a cancellation fee will apply unless you can prove the issue was unavoidable.
Payment of Fees
Cancellation fees may be deducted from any funds on account. Otherwise, payment is due within 14 days via invoice.
Guest Vetting
How do we vet guests?
We know that preventing problem stays is a top priority for our hosts. That’s why we team up with a third-party provider to thoroughly vet guests before each stay.
Our Guest Vetting Process:ID Verification: We use biometric checks to confirm guest identity.
Fraud Checks: We review the payment card to detect any fraudulent activity.
Guest Reviews: We assess past reviews (both for Veeve and non-Veeve stays).
Booking Details: Our team reviews each booking based on factors like group composition, length of stay, and timing.
Occupation Agreement: The lead guest must accept the terms, including our ‘no party’ rule.
Additional Steps:
Red Flags: Our team stays alert for any concerns during communication with guests.
In-person Check-in: Our greeters always meet guests in person to ensure everything’s on track.
If we identify concerns, we’ll cancel the booking and inform you. Please note that we can’t pay for cancelled bookings, so we aim to complete vetting well in advance.
💡 Did you know? At Veeve, we specialise in managing private homes, whether they’re primary or second homes. We understand the importance of guest vetting to protect your space and ensure a rewarding hosting experience.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
As a Veeve host, you must follow our Terms and Conditions, which include a commitment to not accept or reject bookings based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. The only exception is age, which is part of our guest vetting process.
What is the "90 Night Rule"?
If you plan to rent out your home for only a few weeks a year, the “90 Night Rule” likely won’t affect you. However, if you’re considering longer-term rentals, you should be aware of this limit on short-term stays.
What is the “90 Night Rule”?
- The rule allows you to rent your home for up to 90 nights per year without needing “change of use” permission, as per The Deregulation Act of 2015.
- The 90-night limit applies to the calendar year (January 1st to December 31st), not a rolling 12-month period.
- Longer stays (over 90 nights) don’t count toward this limit.
If you’d prefer to secure longer bookings, let your Account Manager know. For more information or to apply for “change of use” permission, contact your local authority.
Seasonal Guides
Summer season hosting tips
Summer has arrived! Traditionally the busiest time of year for global/domestic travellers seeking short stay homes in London, it’s a hugely opportune time to generate additional income, enhance guest experience and encourage return bookings.
1. Confirm Availability & Booking Periods For Your Property
If your plans are already in place for the summer, now is the perfect time to confirm the latest availability for your property. Early confirmation can make all the difference in securing advance bookings across the busy summer months, when guests typically tend to book. Likewise, you can block out the calendar with dates you know you will be in your London residence and cannot accept any bookings.
The easiest way to do this is via your online Veeve account or the Veeve Host App which you can access 24/7. Once logged in, simply click to your listing and select ‘Select Your Availability’ to view the interactive calendar to confirm the dates your home will be vacant and free for guests to book.
We appreciate plans can be tentative and may change, and so recommend you utilise the calendar to block out any dates to display as ‘On Request’. Not only will this give you more flexibility, it will also still allow you to receive any enquiries regarding your property during this period. In turn, this minimises inconvenience for prospective guests should you need to cancel a booking at short notice and avoids any cancellation fees (to the host) we would have to apply. Please note, however, this does reduce your property’s visibility on some platforms.
Though we recommend logging into your online Veeve account and/or the Veeve Host App, our account managers are more than happy to assist you with any part of this process.
2. Check The Accuracy Of Your Listing
If it’s been some time since you last hosted with Veeve, we advise taking a moment to check your listing is accurate and all details are up-to-date. You can review your live listing by logging into your online Veeve account and/or the Veeve Host App and selecting ‘View Details’ and ‘Preview Listing’.
Should you wish to also review your home instructions / home manual, your dedicated account manager will be on hand to provide you with all relevant details and documentation. We recommend particular attention to the photos, Amenities, Bed Types and Home Truths sections which guests closely rely on. It’s also important to confirm any home instructions that may have changed (for example, a new WIFI code) and inform your account manager if any building work is taking place in or around your property during your guests’ stay.
3. Keep Your Guests Cool During the Summer Months
At this time of year, nights can be very warm, especially for the majority of London homes that do not have fitted air conditioning units throughout their property.
As a Veeve host, we request you provide one fan for each available bedroom (including any rooms with a sofa bed). If your home is not fitted with centralised air conditioning, you will need to supply a fan for any bedrooms that will be in use (and any without an air conditioning unit) to ensure all guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
We suggest traditional desk or pedestal fans which can be purchased from all major online or high street retailers and retail at approximately £30 per fan. We are happy to organise this for you and deduct this cost from your account, however this is subject to the cost of the fan and any service fee (incorporating set up) or delivery fees. Should you require this service, please contact your property manager by email property.management@veeve.com.
If fans are not provided, we may be required to purchase a fan(s) ahead of any booking for guests to use. Any costs, including service fees will be deducted from your account. Please be reassured, we will always endeavour to communicate any essential maintenance costs with you prior to purchase.
4. Ensure All Listed Sleeping Spaces Are Ready For Use
Guests typically book homes based on the maximum number of people staying in a home and so it’s important all listed rooms are available and ready for use. If your listing includes sofa beds or other temporary beds, including Murphy beds and trundle beds, please ensure they are just as ready for use ahead of guest arrival, as all other bed types in your home.
Please also double check you have full bedding sets for all configurations. As a minimum, this should include a duvet and two pillows ‘per head’ (two standard-sized pillows for one single bed and four standard-sized pillows for a double or larger bed).
If possible, please aim to provide a lower tog duvet during the summer months as this will also help your guests have a comfortable stay.
5. Prioritise Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance and timely home repairs are essential to ensure your home is in good working order, which in turn provides guests peace of mind during their stay. Scheduling essential maintenance tasks in advance can avoid any unexpected issues for guests and mitigate expensive service or call-out charges during peak times, plus avert delays for parts required immediately.
Our team are more than happy to further advise on any maintenance tasks. See our list below of some key actions we recommend carrying out before you vacate your home:
- Check all light bulbs are working
- Check all appliances are working (including fridges and freezers)
- Check all alarm systems (if any codes have changed, please inform your property manager)
- Stock up on commonly used batteries and bulbs to ensure a spare supply for guests (i.e. AA)
- Top up the rinse aid and salt in your dishwasher
- Clear any filters across appliances and white goods I.e. washing machine, tumble dryer etc.
- Clear all gutters
If you have specific or preferred contractors you would like Veeve to use, please pass these details onto the property management team
Please also be aware, it’s a legal requirement to have a record of a landlord Gas Safety Certificate which is valid for the duration of the stay.
6. Consider The Upkeep & Maintenance Of Gardens & Terraces
In the summer months, gardens and terraces are in high demand from guests seeking to make the most of the sunny weather. Therefore, please ensure all outdoor spaces are well maintained, clear of mess and/or debris and the spaces are easily accessible. Please be advised, whilst we provide this advice to guests in our house manuals, we cannot take responsibility should maintenance action not be taken.
While garden and terrace maintenance does not form part of the standard Veeve service, we are more than happy to provide quotes for work from our partner maintenance company should you require assistance with maintaining outdoor areas. We also recognise the importance of keeping your plants healthy during the summer months. While we encourage guests and housekeeping to assist with watering during your absence from the property, we recommend exploring the possibility of installing self-watering systems when the property may be vacant.
If your garden does require maintenance throughout the time you are away, we suggest you make arrangements for a gardener to attend on a regular basis to carry out the watering of plants and vegetation (this includes indoor plants). Although we do request guests water plants whilst they are in stay, we cannot guarantee this will be actioned.
7. Allow Enough Time To Complete Your Home Preparation So You’re Ready To Leave On Time
While our account managers are on hand to assist with any queries regarding preparing your home, we recommend refamilarising yourself with our Home Preparation knowledge articles.
As the guidelines state, please ensure any precious valuables are secure or locked away, surfaces are generally clear and tidy, and plenty of guest storage and/or wardrobe space has been provided. Although our housekeepers complete a hotel-standard clean before guests arrive, your home should already be at a good level of cleanliness before they begin their work. If, for example, the oven needs a deep clean, this is not covered in the hotel-standard clean and therefore it would be added as an extra service.
In the days leading to your departure, we request you check all lights are in working order. We also recommend leaving a supply of spare lightbulbs and batteries for guests. By providing spare bulbs and batteries, your guests are more likely to resolve any issues independently, without the need for any external contractor support. Please also ensure you vacate your property no later than 9am on the day of check-in so our housekeepers can commence their work in good time ahead of guest arrival.
8. Consider These Finishing Touches…
Though we ensure all beds are beautifully prepared and made with hotel-quality linens, plus provide toiletries, towels and key essentials for guests to use, a few additional extra touches are always appreciated.
Should you wish to leave any extras for guests, such as cooking oil, salt, pepper, coffee pods, dishwasher tabs, washing-up liquid and sponges, it is entirely at your discretion. This can also facilitate positive reviews for your listing to encourage future bookings. Guests will assume any amenities are for use and so please keep this in mind; we cannot guarantee they will be exactly replaced.
9. And Relax…
With your bags packed and holiday in sight, it’s time to embrace your all-important summer downtime. We hope you have a fantastic break and enjoy the benefits of hosting over this period, whilst also hope you find this guide helpful.
Rest assured, we put as much effort and dedication into returning your home in the condition you left it as we do into preparing your home for guests. Our friendly support team will be ready to assist you with any queries by telephone on 020 7993 5599 or email at property.management@veeve.com.
As a final note, thank you for trusting Veeve to let your home. Have a great summer!
Managing Your Veeve Listings
Logging into your online Veeve account and the Veeve Host App is the most convenient way to manage and view your property listings and confirm any changes relating to your property’s availability. You can access your online Veeve account from your desktop, or download the Veeve Host App via the Apple App and Samsung Galaxy Play stores:
During a Guest Stay
Utility Bills/Repairs (Hosts)
Utility Bills
✔ You are responsible for all utility bills during guest stays.
✔ If you have concerns about energy usage, we can pass instructions to guests, but we cannot guarantee they will be followed or charge guests for utilities.
✔ We encourage guests to be mindful of energy use, and our team ensures lights and heating are switched off at check-out (unless you request otherwise).
Repairs & Maintenance
✔ If a repair is needed during a stay, we will arrange this to prevent further damage or guest complaints.
✔ We troubleshoot first to avoid unnecessary costs and callouts.
✔ Our in-house Property Management team handles repairs, or we can use your preferred contractor if you let us know in advance.
✔ If a contractor is needed, their fee will be re-charged to you unless we can confirm the issue was caused by a guest, in which case we will make a claim.
💡 Tip: Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected repairs, guest claims, and call-out fees. Let us know if you’d like advice on preventative maintenance!
Home Preparation
What do I need to provide for guests?
Guests will arrive with just their suitcase, so your home should be fully equipped for a comfortable stay.
Kitchen Essentials
✔ Plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery (1.5x max occupancy)
✔ Pots and pans – frying pan, milk pan, wok, large pasta pot, colander, steamer
✔ Baking trays and oven dishes
✔ Food prep essentials – chopping boards, knives, measuring jug, wooden spoons, spatulas
✔ Cooking basics (optional but appreciated!) – oil, salt, pepper, spices
Bedroom Essentials
✔ Pillows (two per guest) and duvets for all beds, including sofa beds
✔ Mattress and pillow protectors
✔ Hairdryer (at least one, more for larger homes)
✔ Bedside tables and lamps
✔ Wardrobe space with hangers (or a hanging rail if needed)
✔ Fans (if no air-con and renting in summer)
Bathroom Essentials
✔ Personal toiletries removed or tidied away
✔ Empty laundry baskets and door hooks
(We provide towels, bath matts, loo roll, and starter toiletries for guests.)
Laundry & Cleaning
✔ Iron, ironing board & clothes airer
✔ Washing machine instructions
✔ Laundry tabs (optional but appreciated!)
By ensuring these essentials are available, you’ll create a seamless and welcoming experience for your guests!
What home preparation am I responsible for? (Hosts)
We’ll clean and check your home before each stay, but there are a few things you should do in advance.
How Much Preparation Is Needed?
This depends on your home’s condition and usage. A second home used occasionally requires different prep than a family home rented out for school holidays. Our goal is to keep the process simple and worthwhile for you.
Tip: Think about what you’d expect from a rental. Seeing your home through a guest’s eyes helps make preparation feel more natural.
Privacy & Security
If you have areas you don’t want guests to access, mark them as private. We can provide tamper tape if needed. However, since no method fully prevents access, valuables and cash should be securely stored or removed.
Key Preparation Steps
1. Kitchen & Fridge
Empty the fridge to avoid bad smells. Housekeeping may discard items, but it’s best to clear it yourself.
Store any items you’re keeping in a single drawer and label it private.
Free up at least one freezer drawer and an empty cupboard for guest use.
2. Beds & Bedrooms
Strip beds but leave protectors on.
Store your linens securely to avoid mix-ups.
Clear bedside tables and leave an empty top drawer for guests.
Provide at least half a wardrobe and two drawers per bedroom.
For longer stays (over a week), more storage is recommended. We can arrange hanging rails if needed (additional cost applies).
3. Bathroom
Empty laundry baskets and tidy away toiletries and towels.
Don’t leave out personal items like toothbrushes.
Keep surfaces clear for guest use.
4. Decluttering
If surfaces are already clear, no action is needed.
If your home feels cluttered, do a quick sweep to tidy items into storage.
Guests expect a lived-in home, but not an overcrowded one.
Final Thoughts
The first prep may take the longest, but it gets easier over time. A little effort upfront ensures a great experience for your guests and maximises your hosting success.
Regulations for short-term rentals
Fire and Gas Safety Regulations
Fire Safety
As a host, you must ensure your property meets the latest fire safety regulations (updated 1 October 2023). This includes:
✔ A fire risk assessment to identify and reduce hazards
✔ Working fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed
✔ A fire extinguisher on the premises
For full guidance, visit Gov.uk.
More resources:
Gas Safety
You are also responsible for gas safety compliance, which includes:
✔ An annual gas safety check
✔ Regular maintenance of gas appliances
For full guidance, visit the Gas Safe Register.
More resources:
ℹ Information correct as of 07/11/2023.
