What to Include in a Poconos Short-Term Rental Welcome Book
- Jeremiah Noll
- Sep 13
- 5 min read
TLDR: If you own a short-term rental in the Poconos, your welcome book is not optional. It protects your permit, prevents fines, and improves guest satisfaction. The best welcome books include house rules, septic and trash guidance, township requirements, emergency contacts, and local recommendations.
If you own a short-term rental in the Poconos, your welcome book is not just a nice touch. It is a critical tool. Done right, it keeps your guests happy, protects your permit, prevents fines, and drastically cuts down on late-night texts asking how to use the thermostat.
At Galvanized Management, we manage vacation rentals across Monroe County from Coolbaugh to Penn Forest to Lehigh. We have learned the hard way what must be in your guest guide to avoid damage, drama, or township violations.
Here is what every Poconos short-term rental welcome book should include and why it matters.
House Rules for Poconos Short-Term Rentals
Most guests will not read your entire binder, but they will skim a clear, bolded rules sheet.
Your rules page should cover:
Quiet hours (required by most townships and HOAs)
Maximum occupancy (based on your septic system or permit)
No parties, fireworks, or fire pits unless permitted
Parking rules, including where not to park
Trash expectations (dates, bins, separation rules)
Septic reminders: no grease, wipes, or food down the drain
My Take: We have seen owners get fines because a guest parked on the grass or left trash out on the wrong day. This is not just about courtesy. It is about staying compliant.
Guest Check-In and Check-Out Instructions That Prevent Issues
Do not make guests guess.
Your welcome book should spell out:
How to use the keyless entry or lockbox
Where to find lights or thermostat controls
Where to leave linens or towels
What to do with trash and recycling
What time check-out is, and what is expected before they leave
This prevents late departures, extra cleaning costs, and unnecessary complaints.
Emergency Contact Information Required for Poconos Rentals
Even if you use Airbnb or VRBO, you still need a printed emergency sheet.
It should include:
Local emergency contact (required in most townships)
Full 911 address of the property
Location of breaker box, water shut-off, and propane switch
Who to call for non-emergencies such as no heat or no water
If you are not local, this is where a professional management company makes a difference. Guests need someone who can respond immediately.
Septic and Well System Instructions for Poconos Vacation Homes
Most Poconos homes run on well water and septic. Guests from NYC or Philadelphia often have no idea how fragile these systems are.
Include a dedicated section that explains:
Only toilet paper goes in the toilet
No food, grease, or garbage in the sink
Why running multiple appliances at once can affect water pressure
What to do if drains gurgle or pressure drops
This one section can save thousands of dollars in repairs.
Township Rules and Permit Reminders for Poconos STRs
Several townships now require on-site posting.
Include:
A copy of your STR permit if required
Occupancy and parking limits in guest-friendly language
A simple parking diagram or map
A reminder that the home is licensed and subject to township inspection
This shows guests you are operating legally and helps avoid complaints.
Local Information to Help Guests and Prevent Complaints
A welcome book is also your chance to reduce guest confusion.
Add:
GPS notes on roads to avoid (some apps misroute in the Poconos)
Nearest grocery store, gas station, and pizza delivery
Wildlife reminders (do not leave food or trash outside)
Local sledding hills, trails, and firewood sources
These improve guest satisfaction while protecting your property.
Helpful Extras for Poconos STR Guest Manuals
Optional but useful additions include:
A printed map in case service cuts out
QR codes linking to your digital guide or calendar
A guest logbook (if you check it between stays)
Snow shoveling expectations if guests may need to help
Final Note: Treat Your STR Welcome Book Like a Business Tool
A good welcome book does not just make guests feel cared for. It reduces questions, prevents township violations, and protects your asset.
At Galvanized Management, we build custom guest manuals for every short-term rental we manage, including compliance language, septic guidance, emergency plans, and digital backups. Owners rarely need to answer guest calls themselves.
Want Help Reducing Questions and Boosting Reviews?
We manage every detail from welcome books to township permits to guest communication.
If you are overwhelmed or burned out managing your own STR in the Poconos, we will show you what is working and what is costing you reviews, time, or income.
FAQ: Poconos Short-Term Rental Welcome Books
Do I need a printed welcome book for my Poconos short-term rental?
Yes. Many Monroe County townships require STRs to display house rules and emergency contacts inside the home. A printed welcome book keeps you compliant, reduces guest questions, and prevents fines from trash, parking, or noise violations.
What house rules should I include in a Poconos vacation rental welcome book?
At minimum, cover quiet hours (usually 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.), maximum occupancy from your septic or permit, parking rules, trash pickup instructions, and septic dos and don’ts. Keep this on the first page or post it somewhere visible, like the fridge.
How should I explain septic and well systems to short-term rental guests?
Use plain English. Most guests from NYC or Philly have never used septic or well systems. Tell them: only flush toilet paper, no grease or food in the sink, don’t overload appliances, and report slow drains right away. This prevents costly repairs.
What emergency contact information should a Poconos STR welcome book include?
List the full 911 address, a local emergency contact (required in most Monroe County townships), non-emergency contacts for issues like no heat or no water, and the location of shutoffs for breakers, propane, or water. Guests need quick help without waiting for an app message.
Do Monroe County townships require STR permits or rules to be posted inside rentals?
Yes. Townships such as Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna, and Kidder require STR permits to be displayed inside the home. Others require posted occupancy, parking, or emergency contacts. Even if not required, posting township rules protects owners if neighbors complain.
What local tips improve the guest experience in a Poconos vacation rental?
Share directions that avoid GPS errors, the nearest grocery store and gas station, pizza places that deliver, wildlife reminders (don’t leave food outside), and legal sledding or hiking spots. Local tips improve satisfaction and reduce guest mistakes.
What else should be included in a Poconos STR welcome book to avoid guest issues?
Add check-out checklists, Wi-Fi and TV instructions, hot tub or thermostat guides, your snow removal policy, and a QR code linking to your digital house manual. If required, include your STR permit number. Think of your welcome book as a silent manager.
About the Author
Jeremiah Noll is the founder of Galvanized Management, a fully licensed property management brokerage based in the Poconos. A former math teacher turned real estate investor, he built his company from firsthand experience managing rentals, flips, and township compliance. Today, Galvanized Management oversees more than 175 short-term and long-term rentals with a trusted in-house team.
Reviews & Testimonials
We manage short and long-term rentals across the Poconos and help owners protect ROI, stay compliant, and improve guest experience. Read our full client testimonials here.
Comments