Hosts
Hosting standards
The minimum standard every Plextell home must meet before it goes live — and continue meeting throughout every stay.
Plextell is built for people who are not just visiting for a weekend. Guests may live in a property for one month, three months, six months, or longer. That means every home on Plextell needs to be ready for real day-to-day living.
Our hosting standards help create a consistent level of quality, accuracy, safety, and reliability across the marketplace. They apply before a listing goes live and throughout every active stay.
30 standards
What every Plextell home should provide
Open any standard for the full detail. Every one applies to every listing.
- Required
- Not permitted
- Recommended
The home, and the listing that describes it
Move-in readiness, and a listing that tells the truth about it.
01Furniture & equipment minimums
Every property listed on Plextell should be genuinely move-in ready.
Guests should be able to arrive with their luggage and comfortably live, work, cook, sleep, and maintain the home without immediately purchasing essential household items.
At a minimum, applicable listings should include:
- A proper bed and mattress
- Pillows and basic bedding where advertised
- Seating
- Dining or work surface
- Clothing storage
- Refrigerator
- Cooking facilities
- Essential cookware
- Basic tableware and utensils
- Lighting
- Window coverings where appropriate
- Working heating and cooling systems where required
- Basic cleaning equipment
- Functional bathroom facilities
- Reliable hot water
- Electricity
- Secure entry
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where legally required
If an amenity is not included, it must be clearly disclosed before booking.
Furnished means furnished
A furnished listing should contain enough furniture and household equipment for a guest to reasonably live in the home for an extended period.
A mattress on the floor, an empty apartment with only a sofa, or a unit missing basic cooking equipment should not be described as fully furnished.
Where applicable, we recommend including:
- Desk or comfortable work area
- Bedside table
- Lamps
- Full-length mirror
- Additional storage
- Vacuum or broom
- Laundry basket
- Hangers
- Cookware
- Cutting board
- Knives
- Kettle or coffee maker
- Dishes and glassware
- Basic cleaning supplies
Better-equipped homes may receive stronger guest engagement and reviews.
02Accurate photosGuests should know exactly what they are booking.
Photos must accurately represent the current condition, layout, furniture, and major features of the property.
Listings should not use:
- Materially outdated photos
- Photos from another unit
- Digitally altered images that misrepresent the space
- Misleading wide-angle imagery
- Images that hide significant defects
- Photos of amenities that are not actually available
We recommend showing:
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Workspace
- Storage
- Exterior or building entrance
- View, if advertised
- Major amenities
- Parking, where relevant
03Listing accuracy
Everything written in the listing must match the actual property.
Hosts are responsible for accurately disclosing:
- Property type
- Bedroom count
- Bathroom count
- Bed sizes
- Maximum occupancy
- Furniture
- Utilities
- Wi-Fi
- Laundry
- Parking
- Workspace
- Pets policy
- Smoking policy
- Accessibility
- Elevator access
- Floor level
- Building amenities
- Minimum stay
- Maximum stay
If something changes after the listing is published, update the listing promptly.
04Pricing transparencyNo surprise charges after booking.
All required costs should be shown before the renter confirms the reservation.
This may include:
- Monthly rent
- Cleaning fee
- Utility charges
- Parking fee
- Deposit, where permitted
- Applicable taxes
- Plextell fees
Hosts may not introduce undisclosed mandatory charges after the booking has been confirmed.
Payments associated with Plextell bookings should remain on-platform where supported.
05Utilities
Hosts must clearly indicate which utilities are included.
Examples include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Heating
- Gas
- Internet
- Air conditioning
- Building fees
If a utility has a usage cap or additional charge, that must be disclosed before booking.
Acceptable, when disclosed before booking
“Electricity included up to $150/month. Additional usage billed separately.”
Unexpected utility bills are not.
06Internet
For listings advertising Wi-Fi, the connection should be functioning at move-in.
If a home is marketed toward remote workers, business travelers, students, or professionals, we strongly recommend reliable high-speed internet.
Hosts should not advertise “High-speed Wi-Fi” unless the service is reasonably capable of supporting normal work and video calls.
Before the guest arrives
The state the property is handed over in, every single time.
07Cleanliness & turnoverEvery guest should arrive to a properly prepared home.
Before each move-in, the property should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
This includes:
- Clean floors
- Clean bathrooms
- Clean kitchen surfaces
- Clean appliances
- Clean bedding where provided
- Clean towels where provided
- Empty trash
- Cleaned refrigerator
- No leftover food unless intentionally provided
- No previous renter belongings
- No strong odors
- No visible pest issues
- No avoidable clutter
A property should not be handed over in an unfinished turnover state.
08Property condition
Before each stay, hosts should check that major systems and amenities are working.
Examples include:
- Locks
- Lights
- Outlets
- Plumbing
- Toilets
- Showers
- Heating
- Air conditioning where applicable
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Laundry
- Wi-Fi
- Elevators where relevant
- Parking access
Known problems must be disclosed and, where necessary, repaired before move-in.
09Safety & habitability
Every property must comply with applicable housing, safety, and building requirements.
At a minimum, homes must not present known serious risks such as:
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Major water leaks
- Unsafe structural conditions
- Broken exterior locks
- Blocked emergency exits
- Serious mold
- Significant pest infestation
- Non-functioning essential utilities
- Dangerous appliances
Required smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety equipment must be installed and functioning where required by law.
10Secure access
Guests must be provided with reliable access to the property.
This may include:
- Physical keys
- Keycards
- Smart locks
- Access codes
- Concierge access
Hosts should provide clear check-in instructions before arrival.
If access depends on a building concierge or third party, the guest must be properly registered in advance where required.
11Check-in readinessThe home should be ready at the agreed move-in time.
Before the guest arrives:
- Cleaning should be complete
- Access should be active
- Keys should be available
- Required building registration should be complete
- Agreed amenities should be available
- Utilities should be functioning
If a delay is unavoidable, the guest should be notified immediately.
Repeated failure to provide the property on time may affect listing status.
During the stay, and your calendar
Staying reachable, fixing what breaks, and keeping the bookings you accept.
12Host communication
Longer stays require reliable communication.
Hosts should respond within a reasonable timeframe to:
- Booking questions
- Check-in questions
- Property access problems
- Maintenance requests
- Extension requests
- Urgent issues
Hosts should provide an appropriate contact method for problems during the stay.
For urgent property issues, renters should not be left without a response for extended periods.
13Maintenance during the stay
Hosts remain responsible for addressing necessary property maintenance during an active reservation.
Examples may include:
- Failed heating
- Plumbing issues
- Appliance breakdowns
- Lock failures
- Electrical issues
- Internet outage where Wi-Fi is included
- Building access problems
Response time should reflect the seriousness of the issue.
An urgent loss of heat in winter should not be treated the same as a loose cabinet handle.
14Availability accuracy
Hosts must keep listing availability current.
Once a booking is confirmed:
- The dates should be blocked
- The home should not be double-booked
- Overlapping bookings should not be accepted
- Unavailable dates should be updated promptly
Repeated calendar errors or host cancellations may result in restrictions.
15Honor confirmed reservations
Hosts are expected to honor confirmed bookings.
Host cancellations can create significant problems for guests who may be:
- Relocating internationally
- Beginning a job
- Arriving for university
- Starting an internship
- Traveling for a project
- Moving between permanent homes
Hosts should only cancel when genuinely necessary.
Repeated or avoidable cancellations may result in:
- Reduced listing visibility
- Temporary booking restrictions
- Listing suspension
- Account review
Legal duties and conduct
The right to list the home, and the rules that govern the stay.
16Legal authority to listOnly list a property you are legally authorized to rent.
Hosts may be required to verify their authority to list a property.
Depending on the situation, this may include:
- Ownership documents
- Property management authorization
- Corporate ownership records
- Landlord permission
- Authorized sublease documentation
- Building or condominium approval
- Required rental registrations
Do not list a home without the required right or authorization to rent it.
17Building and condominium rules
Hosts are responsible for confirming that the stay complies with applicable building rules.
These may include:
- Minimum lease periods
- Guest registration
- Move-in bookings
- Elevator reservations
- Pet restrictions
- Occupancy limits
- Parking rules
- Subletting restrictions
If a building requires a six-month minimum lease, the property should not accept a three-month booking through Plextell.
18Local rental laws
Hosts must comply with applicable:
- Federal laws
- Provincial or state laws
- Municipal bylaws
- Residential tenancy rules
- Licensing requirements
- Tax obligations
- Building regulations
Requirements differ by location.
Plextell may provide informational resources, but hosts remain responsible for determining whether their property and rental activity are lawful.
19Respectful hosting
Plextell is intended to provide fair access to housing.
Hosts may not discriminate against renters based on characteristics protected by applicable law.
Hosts should evaluate booking requests based on legitimate factors such as:
- Availability
- Occupancy
- Verification
- Booking terms
- Property rules
Not on prohibited discriminatory criteria.
20Privacy
Hosts must respect renter privacy during the stay.
Hosts should not:
- Enter the property without proper notice except where legally permitted
- Use undisclosed surveillance devices
- Monitor private interior spaces
- Access renter belongings
- Disclose renter personal information without legitimate reason
Any permitted exterior security devices must comply with applicable law and Plextell policies.
Cameras and recording devices
Indoor cameras or recording devices in private living areas should not be permitted.
Where exterior cameras or approved security devices exist, hosts must disclose them where required.
Devices must never be placed in private areas such as:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Sleeping areas
- Changing areas
What you must disclose
Every claim a guest books on, and nothing they will not find on arrival.
21House rules
House rules should be clear, reasonable, and disclosed before booking.
Examples include:
- No smoking
- No parties
- Pet policy
- Quiet hours
- Maximum occupancy
- Parking rules
- Building rules
- Balcony restrictions
- Garbage procedures
Hosts should not introduce substantial new rules after the booking is confirmed.
22Occupancy
Hosts must accurately state the maximum number of occupants permitted.
Occupancy limits may be determined by:
- Property size
- Bed configuration
- Building rules
- Local law
- Insurance requirements
Renters should not be placed into overcrowded accommodation.
23Pets
Hosts may choose whether pets are permitted, subject to applicable law.
Listings should clearly state:
- Pets allowed or not
- Permitted types
- Size restrictions if applicable
- Applicable fees where permitted
- Building restrictions
Service animal requirements may differ from standard pet policies and are governed by applicable law.
24Parking
If parking is advertised, the listing should disclose:
- Whether it is included
- Indoor or outdoor
- Reserved or shared
- Vehicle size restrictions
- Permit requirements
- Additional fees
- EV charging availability
Do not advertise parking if the guest cannot reliably use it.
25Workspaces
If a listing advertises a dedicated workspace, it should provide a practical place to work.
Ideally this includes:
- Desk or table
- Chair
- Nearby electrical outlet
- Lighting
- Wi-Fi access
A kitchen counter should not necessarily be described as a dedicated home office.
26Laundry
Clearly indicate whether laundry is:
- In-unit
- In-building
- Shared
- Off-site
- Unavailable
Any costs or operating restrictions should be disclosed.
27Accessibility
Do not advertise accessibility features unless they actually exist.
Examples include:
- Step-free entrance
- Elevator
- Wide doorway
- Accessible shower
- Accessible parking
- Ground-floor unit
Accurate accessibility information is especially important for renters who depend on these features.
Move-in, move-out, and reviews
The record you keep at each end of the stay, and what gets written afterwards.
28Move-in documentation
Hosts should document the property condition before each stay.
We recommend recording:
- Photos
- Videos
- Furniture inventory
- Existing damage
- Appliance condition
- Key handoff
- Meter readings where relevant
This documentation can help resolve disagreements later.
29Move-out process
Hosts should provide clear move-out instructions.
These may include:
- Departure time
- Key return
- Trash disposal
- Basic cleaning expectations
- Parking access return
- Building procedures
Move-out expectations should be reasonable and consistent with the booking terms.
30Reviews
Hosts and renters should leave honest, factual reviews based on the stay.
Reviews should not contain:
- Threats
- Harassment
- Discriminatory language
- Irrelevant personal information
- Knowingly false claims
Reviews may be moderated when they violate platform standards.
How listings are reviewed
Standards do not end after approval.
Plextell may review properties and host activity when:
- A listing is submitted
- Verification is required
- A renter reports a problem
- Listing details appear inconsistent
- Repeated cancellations occur
- Payment or account activity appears suspicious
- Serious complaints are received
Reviews may involve requesting:
- New photos
- Ownership documentation
- Authorization documents
- Updated listing details
- Repair confirmation
- Proof of applicable registration
If a listing falls below standard
Most issues can be corrected.
Depending on the severity, Plextell may take any of the following steps.
- 01Request an updateThe host is asked to correct inaccurate or missing information.
- 02Request documentationAdditional property or authorization documents may be required.
- 03Temporarily pause the listingThe home becomes unavailable for new bookings until the issue is resolved.
- 04Remove an amenityAn inaccurate feature may be removed from the listing.
- 05Restrict bookingsNew reservations may be limited while an issue is reviewed.
- 06Suspend the listingSerious or repeated violations can result in suspension.
- 07Remove the propertyA property may be permanently removed when it does not meet Plextell standards or legal requirements.
Immediate suspension
Certain issues may result in immediate review or suspension. Examples include:
- Fake or nonexistent listings
- Unauthorized properties
- Fraudulent documentation
- Serious safety hazards
- Materially misleading listings
- Discriminatory conduct
- Threats or harassment
- Undisclosed interior surveillance
- Attempts to collect undisclosed off-platform fees
- Deliberate payment circumvention
- Repeated failure to honor confirmed bookings
Reinstating a listing
A paused listing may become eligible for reinstatement once the issue has been resolved. Hosts may be asked to provide evidence such as:
- Updated photos
- Completed repairs
- Corrected listing information
- Required documentation
- Proof of authorization
- Confirmation of compliance
Reinstatement is not automatic for serious violations.
Professional hosts
Managing more homes does not lower the bar for any one of them.
Property managers and corporate housing providers are held to the same core standards.
Professional hosts should also maintain processes for:
- Portfolio-wide listing accuracy
- Cleaning operations
- Maintenance response
- Staff access
- Renter support
- Payment reconciliation
- Compliance records
Hosting standards FAQ
Listing your home
Does every property need to be furnished?
Listings marketed as furnished must be genuinely move-in ready. Plextell may support other property categories in the future, but the listing must accurately describe what is included.
Do I need professional photos?
Professional photography is not necessarily required, but images must be clear, current, and accurate.
Does Plextell inspect every property in person?
Verification methods may vary by market and property. Do not claim physical inspection unless Plextell has actually completed one.
Can I list my rented apartment while I travel?
Only if you are legally permitted to sublet or otherwise offer the property and have any required landlord or building approval.
What if my building prohibits stays shorter than six months?
Your listing should use a minimum stay that complies with the building requirements.
Money and terms
Can I charge utilities separately?
Where legally permitted, yes, as long as the structure and expected charges are clearly disclosed before booking.
Can I change the monthly rent after a guest has booked?
Not for the confirmed rental period unless both parties agree to a permitted amendment.
During and after the stay
What happens if an appliance breaks during the stay?
Hosts should address essential maintenance within a reasonable timeframe based on urgency.
Can I enter my property during the renter’s stay?
Only as permitted by applicable law and the rental agreement, including any required notice.
What happens if I repeatedly cancel confirmed stays?
Your listing or account may be restricted, paused, or reviewed.
Better homes create better stays.
Plextell’s goal is not simply to have the most listings. It is to create a marketplace of homes people can confidently live in for a month or longer.
- Accurate listings.
- Move-in-ready homes.
- Reliable hosts.
- Clear expectations.
That is the Plextell standard.