About HostsDirect
HostsDirect offers a global listing service catering to Minds on the Move seeking housing solutions or looking to provide temporary accommodations.
Our members can effortlessly list their properties for home rental, exchange, house sitting, and/or home sharing. Additionally, they have the flexibility to create tenant listings, with or without home-sharing and house-sitting options. HostsDirect’s fees are denominated in USD, but we gladly accept equivalent payments in other currencies:
- Home Listing Fees start at just USD $60 annually.
- Tenant Listing Fees begin at a reasonable USD $20 annually.
- When a successful match is found on our platform, both members are required to pay a Made-a-Match Fee of USD $50.
Since HostsDirect serves as a platform for kindred spirits to connect, each member has the autonomy to set their own listing price and establish the terms of their agreement. Rental payments are seamlessly transacted directly between members after reference checks.
For more insights into the HostsDirect team, please explore our platform further.
1 – Who Uses HostsDirect?
HostsDirect offers a worldwide listing service for those with mobile minds seeking temporary accommodations or wishing to provide them. Whether it’s for sabbaticals, academic pursuits, writing retreats, relocations, or leisure travel, HostsDirect connects people with temporary homes across the globe.
2 – I’m Not an Academic, Can I Still Join?
While you don’t need to be an academic to access our platform, HostsDirect primarily serves an academic community. Our mission is to facilitate connections among academics, scholars, writers, artists, and like-minded individuals to find ideal housing matches worldwide.
3 – How Much Does It Cost?
Our transparent pricing is quoted in USD, with the option to pay the equivalent amount in other currencies. Listing fees are determined by a member’s academic status:
- Home Listing Fees start at USD $60 annually.
- Tenant Listing Fees begin at USD $20 annually.
- Both members are responsible for a USD $50 Made-a-Match Fee for each successful match on the platform.
For comprehensive pricing details, please refer to our pricing page.
4 – Do You Vet Members and/or Homes?
We do not perform member vetting or conduct property site visits. Therefore, it is essential to exercise due diligence. Please verify references, review trust scores, and take necessary precautions.
5 – How Do I Negotiate/Draft a Contract?
Our platform offers an extensive resource section with valuable information to assist you in securing a successful stay. Visit our contract guidelines page for specific insights.
6 – How Do Members Make Payments to Each Other?
Once you’ve identified a suitable housing match, both parties will conduct reference checks and create a contract independently of our platform. Rental payments are handled directly between members.
We strongly advise against using non-refundable money transfer services (such as Western Union, MoneyGram, or Venmo) until you’ve completed your due diligence. For additional payment guidance, visit our payment options page.
7 – Do You Only Offer Long-Term Housing Opportunities?
No, we accommodate short, medium, and long-term housing needs, as our members have diverse housing requirements.
8 – Do Homes Need to Be Furnished?
No, furnished rentals are not mandatory. While many members seek short or medium-term furnished options, others may prefer longer-term unfurnished accommodations.
9 – How Do I Reset My Password?
To reset your password, please follow this link.
10 – How Do I Cancel My Account?
If you wish to cancel your account, kindly contact us, and we will promptly assist you in the cancellation process.
Although academic affiliation is not a requirement for site usage, our platform is primarily designed to serve the academic community. Our aim is to assist academics, scholars, writers, artists, and their associates in discovering suitable housing options worldwide. Whether the need arises from sabbaticals, academic research, writing retreats, relocations, or leisurely travel, we offer a means to connect individuals with temporary housing solutions across the globe.
To determine if you qualify as an academic or to learn how to register, especially if you are retired or belong to another category, please click here for further guidance.
Our members have the flexibility to post their properties for various housing arrangements, including home rental, exchange, house sitting, and home sharing. Additionally, they can register as potential tenants and/or house sitters. It’s important to note that for all these services provided, arrangements are independently made between our members.
To explore more about the different types of listings we offer, please click on the following links:
- Home Rentals
- Home Exchanges
- House Sitting
- Home Sharing
- Tenant Listings
Getting Started
Although formal academic status is not a prerequisite for utilizing our platform, our services primarily target the academic community. You can confirm your academic affiliation by utilizing a valid email linked to a university, college, university hospital, museum, research institution, or other scholarly organization. An email for verification purposes will be dispatched to validate your academic standing.
If you are an academic without ties to a conventional institution (such as a medical researcher, scientist, or writer) or if you are retired, please consider registering as an Independent Scholar on HostsDirect.
Registering on HostsDirect is free and enables you to access the majority of features our site has to offer. Fees are applicable when you post a listing or when you make a match. As a HostsDirect member, you can post a listing, save listings that pique your interest, and engage in messaging with fellow members.
When completing the registration form, please ensure to fill in all fields marked with an asterisk (*) as the system will not permit registration without this information.
To register and create a free account, please complete the requested details in the ‘My Profile’ section of your HostsDirect dashboard. Make sure to upload a profile picture, provide a description including your background, travel experiences, and academic affiliations, and specify the languages you speak. This will facilitate finding the best match with another member. Additionally, including links to your university or LinkedIn account is highly appreciated
Only registered members of HostsDirect can view your public profile. Your chosen Alias will be displayed, ensuring that your full name and address remain private
To access your account, please log in. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to do so first.
To post a Home Listing:
Click on ‘Post Home Listing’ and complete the required information.
You have the option to list your home for rent, exchange, or both. You can also add house-sitting options.
Provide a catchy title, a detailed description, accurate availability dates, and high-quality photos. You can upload up to 10 photos.
Make the necessary payment to have your listing posted.
Quick Tip: Have your photos ready before starting the process.
To post a Tenant Listing:
Click on ‘Post Tenant Listing’ to list yourself as a potential tenant.
Include important information such as a detailed description of yourself, desired location, travel dates, willingness to do house sitting, and your budget.
Complete the payment to post your listing.
Trust Score
The recently introduced Trust Score feature on HostsDirect reflects a member’s level of engagement and dedication within the community. The more engaged you are with the site and fellow members, the higher your Trust Score will be. Trust Scores are not presented as a percentage, and there’s no maximum limit to the points a member can achieve.
New members typically start with a score of 20 points or less. On the other hand, long-standing members who have facilitated numerous matches provided reviews, and referred others are likely to have a higher score (50 or more points).
While a Trust Score offers valuable insight into a member’s reliability, it’s essential to conduct your own research by checking references and establishing initial compatibility. What may be the perfect rental or tenant for one member may not align perfectly with your preferences.
At HostsDirect, members can accrue Trust Points through various actions, including completing registration, writing or receiving references, inviting new members, announcing matches, and providing reviews. Trust Points are earned automatically, and there’s no need to take any specific actions to claim them.
Additionally, each year of membership contributes to an increase in your overall Trust Score.
New members typically start with a Trust Score of 20 points or less. The membership join year is visible to others, allowing them to understand that newer members may not have had sufficient time to accumulate many points.
On the other hand, long-standing members with a history of multiple matches, written reviews, and successful referrals would likely have a higher Trust Score, often reaching 50 points or more.
Trust Points are intended to showcase positive interactions within the community. If you’ve been a member for a few years but haven’t yet announced matches or provided/received reviews, your overall score may be lower compared to members who have engaged in these actions. Earning Trust Points through these actions is effortless and automatic.
Having a higher Trust Score elevates a member’s visibility and credibility on the platform, which can lead to increased inquiries and matches for your listing(s).
Any user searching on HostsDirect can view your Trust Score, displayed on your public profile and listings using your chosen alias (not your full name). This feature offers a credibility indicator while safeguarding your identity.
Each member has access to a Trust Score dashboard where you can view the Trust Points you’ve earned categorized by different actions. Additionally, the dashboard provides information on how you can earn more Trust Points.
Your Trust Points will remain valid as long as you maintain your HostsDirect.com account. It’s important to note that Trust Points cannot be transferred to other accounts.
Yes, you will receive Trust Points based on both your previous years of membership and your actions within the community.
Pricing & Payments
Our pricing is structured with two components:
Annual Listing Fees:
Home Listing Fees begin at USD $60
Tenant Listing Fees begin at USD $20
Made-a-Match Fees:
USD $50 is required from both members for each match made on the website
We do not have any additional fees, commissions, or hidden service charges. Verified academic members qualify for a reduced pricing tier for listing fees.
For further details, please consult our pricing and payment information.
You can securely make payments for Listing Fees and Made-a-Match Fees on our site using credit cards or by logging into PayPal. During the payment process on our site, you can choose your preferred currency from options such as USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or NZD.
Additionally, we accept checks for listing and renewal fees. Please note that listings will only be active once your check is received and the funds have cleared. Checks should be mailed to:
HostsDirect.com
P.O. Box 2016
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
*Please ensure the check is made out to HostsDirect and include your Listing Number as a reference.
A distinctive feature of HostsDirect is that members manage rental payments outside of the site, following reference checks and the establishment of a contract between the involved parties. Many members appreciate the control this offers them over arrangements and pricing, along with the opportunity to build personal relationships with fellow members.
We also offer guidelines on safe searching practices on HostsDirect. We encourage members to reach out to us if they encounter any concerns regarding a listing or another member. It’s important to note that HostsDirect does not mediate in negotiations and is not accountable for issues related to payments between members.
Yes, you can view listing prices in various currencies after conducting a search. Initially, the search results will display in the currency the member chose when creating the listing.
To view listings in your preferred currency within your search results, click on the blue “Filters” button. Then, select your preferred Currency (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or NZD) and your preferred Term (Weekly, Monthly). This will provide you with an approximate amount for comparison purposes, although it may not precisely reflect the final amount in your currency.
Our community is built around like-minded individuals seeking housing solutions, and we welcome property managers to create listings as long as they are clearly designated as such and adhere to the same standards as all other members. Different listing rates apply for property managers.
If you are an agent or broker, please click here for pricing information and reach out to us before posting a listing.
Communication Between Members
We expect members to maintain polite and open lines of communication. It’s important to ask thoughtful questions and anticipate clear responses.
Within our community, members prioritize the quality of inquiries over quantity. We encourage you to thoroughly review the details of each listing before reaching out, ensuring your inquiries are directed to those who are the best potential match. Some of our most successful members send approximately 5 carefully chosen inquiries, wait for responses, and only if needed, proceed to contact another 5 or 6 members.
Performing a chemistry check call after initial communication on the site is recommended. Additionally, always check each other’s references before agreeing to any arrangements.
Building a relationship is the initial step toward finding the perfect match, and verifying references is crucial for a successful stay.
In order to contact or send a message to another user, you need to be a registered member.
If you’re interested in a listing and want to get in touch as a registered member, simply click the ‘Contact’ button located to the right of each listing. This allows you to send a direct message to the lister. Please allow some time for listers to respond before sending additional queries.
When communicating, ensure you provide information about yourself, your background, and why you’re interested in their listing. Keep in mind that the other party is not obligated to reply if they feel a query lacks sufficient background information. If you haven’t already, complete your profile so fellow members can learn more about you directly on the site. All messages sent and received can be accessed in the ‘Messages’ dashboard area of your account.
We encourage you to maintain your communications on the website within your Messages dashboard until you’ve checked references and had a ‘chemistry check’ conversation or video call. After that, you’re welcome to move your communication off our platform. For additional guidance, refer to our blogs:
Questions to Ask Potential Tenants
Questions to Ask Prospective Landlords
Checking References
As a courtesy to fellow members, please aim to respond to messages within two business days. Responding promptly and courteously to inquiries fosters open lines of communication. Take the time to ask meaningful questions and expect clear, informative answers. If the responses are unclear or suspicious, exercise caution. You are not obligated to respond to unsatisfactory queries, and if you have concerns about a message being dubious or inappropriate, please reach out to us.
We encourage you to keep your communication within the website’s Messages dashboard until you’ve checked references and conducted a ‘chemistry check’ conversation or video call. Afterward, feel free to continue your communication outside our platform.
SabbaticalHomes cannot guarantee the integrity of every person using the site. Checking references is crucial for a successful stay.
Once you’ve found a match, please update your listing by adjusting the dates or hiding it from public view in your ‘My Listings Dashboard.’
Hosting/Rentals:
Ensuring your home is comfortable and clean for incoming guests is vital for a successful stay. Cleaning your home thoroughly before their arrival is a key step. To assist you in preparing your home, we’ve put together a helpful cleaning checklist. At HostsDirect.com, we uphold a scholarly community standard of cleanliness, aiming for an A+.
To make your tenant, house sitter, or fellow exchanger feel at home, consider providing a notebook with important details about your home.
Tenant:
In your Tenant Listing, include information about yourself and what you’re seeking. This helps potential hosts build a relationship and feel at ease entrusting their home to you for an extended period.
During your stay, show respect for their belongings and the neighborhood, treating the home as if it were your own. Promptly communicate any concerns or questions to the host.
Trust and Safety Between Members
Ensure clear communication with your potential matches and consider preparing a contract in advance. Any changes or specific requirements should be communicated directly with the tenant. We strongly advise having a virtual conversation to better acquaint yourselves. Checking references for potential tenants/sitters is essential. Remember, both parties can provide feedback about their experience.
To file a complaint or report a scam, please reach out to us.
Prioritize safe searching online—learn more.
Ensure clear communication with your potential matches and consider preparing a contract in advance. We highly recommend engaging in a virtual conversation to foster better understanding. Additionally, it’s important to check references of potential hosts.
If the property doesn’t match the description or you need to cancel your trip, communicate promptly and directly with the homeowner. Remember, both parties can provide feedback about their experience.
To file a complaint or report a scam, please reach out to us.
Prioritize safe searching online—learn more.
Whether you are looking for a home or a tenant, your safety and security are important to us. Taking basic precautions, as you would in any significant transaction, can contribute to a safe search experience. Trust your instincts, review profiles carefully, communicate effectively, check references, and promptly report any suspected fraudulent activities.
Prioritize safe searching online—learn more.
Our platform permits members to make arrangements outside of it. Consequently, we typically do not intervene in contract disputes. However, HostsDirect retains the right to remove any listing (home or tenant) for any reason, especially if we receive numerous complaints about a specific member. This includes, but is not limited to:
Use of abusive language
Violation of a contract
Failure to adhere to our website’s terms of use
Member Profiles and Privacy
Our platform allows members to arrange transactions outside of it. As a result, we generally do not involve ourselves in contract disputes. However, HostsDirect maintains the right to remove any listing (home or tenant) for any reason, particularly if we receive multiple complaints about a specific member. This includes, but is not limited to:
Use of abusive language
Violation of a contract
Failure to comply with our website’s terms of use.
People browsing listings on HostsDirect can view a summarized overview of a Member Profile, which includes a profile picture, alias, years of membership, academic status, Trust Score, and icons denoting if the member is a Matched Member, Connected Member, or part of the Inner Circle. Learn more about Member Icons.
Only logged-in HostsDirect members can click through to view the complete Public Profile, which encompasses the aforementioned information as well as the member’s submitted description, location, languages, website link(s), listings, references, and reviews. We take precautions to avoid displaying personal information such as full name, exact address, or email address.
If you no longer require your HostsDirect account, please reach out to us and select ‘Request to close my account’ from the dropdown menu. Please note, if you do not have any active listings, your account is free of charge. You can choose to keep your account open in case you decide to use it again in the future.
Listings
Click on “Post Home Listing” at HostsDirect and complete the required information. You have the option to list your property for rent, exchange, or both. Additionally, you can include house-sitting options. Craft an engaging title, provide a detailed description, specify accurate availability dates, and upload appealing photos (up to 10). The optimal photo layout is horizontal with a 16:9 ratio.
If you encounter any photo-related issues, refer to our Technical Issues FAQ section for assistance. Once payment is made, your listing will be published. Remember that your listing is renewable every 12 months.
During the active period, you can adjust the visibility of your listing at any time by choosing between Visible, Private (accessible only via a shared link), or Hidden.
For multiple properties, each one will have its own unique listing number and details. Listing and renewal fees apply individually to each property. If you are an agent, broker, or have a property with multiple units, please contact us for permission before posting, as higher rates apply to commercial listings.
To list yourself as a potential tenant on HostsDirect, click on “Post Tenant Listing” and provide essential details. Include a comprehensive description about yourself, your desired location, travel dates, willingness to engage in house sitting, and your budget.
After completing the information, make the required payment to have your listing published. Keep in mind that your listing is renewable every 12 months. During the active period, feel free to update it as frequently as needed.
You have the flexibility to adjust the visibility of your listing at any time—choose between Visible, Private (accessible only through a shared link), or Hidden.
If you wish to post multiple Tenant Listings for various locations, each will be assigned a unique listing number and details. Note that respective fees apply to each listing.
You have the flexibility to edit your listing at any time, and we encourage you to refresh it regularly, ideally every couple of months. It’s crucial to keep your availability dates up-to-date and enhance your listing with new pictures or modifications to the description.
To make changes, log in to your HostsDirect account, navigate to My Listings, and select the “Edit Listing” button. After making adjustments, be sure to click the “Save” button at the bottom of each modified section to ensure that your information is promptly updated.
You can renew your listing by logging in and going to My Listings:
- If your listing is still active but within 1 month of expiring, click on Renew
- If your listing has expired, click on “Renew & Activate.”
- Both of these buttons will take you to a page called “Payments and Status” (this is the last section you see when creating or editing a listing)
- Click on “Renew Now” to make your payment
- Complete your payment using our secure system
- You will receive automated reminder messages that your listing is due for renewal and another automated message if your listing has expired.
- If you don’t need your listing at this time, it will remain in your account until you are ready to renew it again. At that time, your Renewal Fee will be due to activate your listing.
Changing from Visible to Hidden:
As soon as your listing shouldn’t be in the search results (due to no availability dates), set your visibility to “Hidden.”
Typically, after a match, if your listing is no longer available in the foreseeable future, update your status to “Hidden” (this doesn’t happen automatically after announcing a match).
Changing from Visible to Private:
When you don’t want your listing in general search results but still want to share it, set your visibility to “Private.”
With this status, people with your listing’s link can view it.
Ideal for offering your home to a select few tenant listings or showing your listing to specific landlords.
Changing from Hidden to Visible or Private:
When you want your listing to appear in search results because you now have open availability dates, set your visibility to “Visible.”
Alternatively, set it to “Private” if you want to share the private link with specific individuals.
Useful for attracting potential tenants or selectively sharing your listing.
Visible:
- Anyone who visits HostsDirect.com can see your listing.
- Ideal if you are just getting started and want the most eyes on your listing.
Private:
- Only those you share your unique listing link with can see your listing.
- Perfect for situations where you may only need to share your listing with a few contacts.
Hidden:
- Only you can see your listing.
- Ideal if you have made a match and your listing is not currently available.
Changing your listing visibility can be done anytime during the 12-month cycle that your Listing Fee covers and as many times as you like during that year.
Yes, you can select the primary currency on your listing when first posting it.
When viewing search results, members in other countries can see the approximate equivalent amount in several currencies (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD). They will always see your chosen currency when viewing your listing details.
Searching & Saving Favorites
Searching & Saving Favorites:
- Enter your desired location in the search bar on the home page.
- Quick Tip: You can enter the city, university, or address in the search bar.
- Select Home Rental or Home Exchange.
- Click Search.
- Use our powerful filters to narrow down search results based on criteria that’s important to you (including dates, rate, and more).
- Click on “Save this Search” and then name your search.
- You can find and view your saved searches in My Favorites in your account, and it will update with new listings that fit your criteria.
- You can also click on the heart symbol to highlight a particular listing as a favorite.
- Enter the location of your home into the search bar on the home page of our site.
- Select Tenant.
- Click Search.
- Use our powerful filters to narrow down search results based on criteria that’s important to you.
- Click on “Save this Search” and then name your search.
- You can find and view your saved searches in My Favorites in your account, and it will update with new tenant listings that fit your criteria.
- You can also click on the heart symbol to highlight a particular tenant listing as a favorite.
Click on “Save this Search” and then name your search. You can find and view your saved searches in My Favorites in your account and it will update with new listings that fit your criteria.
You can also click on the heart symbol to highlight a particular listing as a favorite
Matches
When a member finds a home or tenant using our site, checks references, and moves forward with a lease or contract terms, that is considered a match on HostsDirect. Finding a listing that looks good or having a conversation with another member is not considered a match.
A Made-a-Match Fee of USD $50 (or the equivalent) is due from both members when a match is arranged on HostsDirect.
A Made-a-Match Fee of USD $50 (or the equivalent) is due from each member for every match arranged and finalized on SabbaticalHomes
Either member can announce a match and then the other party will confirm it.
For every match arranged on SabbaticalHomes, a USD $50 Made-a-Match Fee or the equivalent is due from both members (homeowners and tenants).
Both members will earn Trust Points for the match.
Yes, announcing that you made a match will increase your Trust Score and your score will increase again when the other member confirms the match.
Invitation
Yes, if you believe the person would be a good fit (is diligent and responsible and trustworthy), we would love to have them as part of the HostsDirect community.
Reviews
We appreciate members who take the time to write reviews of listings and other members on HostsDirect. The more constructive information our members share with each other, the easier it is for people to find the right fit for housing arrangements.
Most members post reviews after the stay is completed.
Reviews appear in several places on HostsDirect.com, such as the reviewee’s and your public profile. Members earn Trust Points for writing reviews, and members with positive reviews also receive Trust Points.
Any review you leave or receive is stored in your account for future reference on HostsDirect. You have the ability to delete or edit a review or response that you have written once it is posted.
Please keep in mind that HostsDirect.com also reserves the right to edit or remove any reviews. This is generally not a problem within our community, only used in the rare instance where content is deemed inappropriate.
You will receive an email notification any time you or your listing receives a review. You can respond to the review at any time by logging into your account and going to your Reviews Dashboard. Your response will be viewable to the public.
Taxes and Regulations
Be sure to check with your tax professional regarding any applicable tax laws in your area and how they may affect your particular situation.
In terms of regulations, it is important to know what laws may affect you when listing a home for temporary stays (length of time varies depending on locations). Some things to research in your area:
- Current and Proposed Zoning:
- Before you begin renting, check with your local authorities about the zoning requirements for short-term rental properties. Check not only the current zoning status of the area where your home is but also any proposed changes that may affect your home. To investigate the status of short-term rentals in your area, consider contacting other owners who are currently renting in your immediate area.
- Homeowners’ Association Rules:
- Your homeowners’ association may also have rules regarding rentals within your complex or subdivision. Typically, these rules are found in your Covenants, Conditions, and restrictions (CC&R’s).
- Business Licenses and Permits:
- Many areas require “vacation” rental owners to apply for a business license or permit to rent homes on a short-term basis (typically, those less than 30 days).
- Safety Requirements:
- In some markets, vacation rental homes have to follow the same basic safety requirements as long-term rentals (sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, deadbolt locks, etc.) and may also be required to complete safety inspections.
- Local Health Code Regulations:
- Some areas also have specific rules and regulations around health codes. The most common areas of regulation involve well water testing, and pool and spa maintenance.
By doing a bit of homework, you can comply with local rules and regulations affecting short-term rentals and continue to have successful bookings with your home.
Technical Issues
Please be sure to add our customer service email address to your safe-sender contact list in your email account, using the @ sign as with a normal email address: customerservice at hostsdirect.com. Some service providers block email addresses until you add them as contacts in your account. It’s also a good idea to check your spam folder.
If you’ve already registered and paid and are still encountering this problem, it might be a simple error. Be sure you are using the same email address you registered with. If you have more than one, try other email addresses you might have used.
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can request to reset it and follow the prompts in the email you will receive.
If none of these solutions resolve your issue, please contact us for help.
Contact
We look forward to helping our members make the most of HostsDirect. Many questions can be answered from our Frequently Asked Questions; if you don’t see the answer to your question, please click here to Contact Us for support. We generally respond within 24 hours during normal weekday business hours.