This is a sample house manual for a home exchange or house swap.
There is a template for this manual in the resources section of your dashboard or you will find a link at the bottom of this article. This is just a guide and can be adapted for any use.
Our House Manual
Welcome to our home! We’re delighted to share it with you through Hombie. To ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone, please read and follow the house rules below.
As per our Hombie listing, smoking is not permitted inside or outside our home.
Property Information
Address: 12 Seabreeze Drive, Palm Cove, QLD 4879
Lockbox Code: 4482 (located beside the front door behind the potted plant)
WiFi:
Network: Telstra 45D7G4
Password: stayrelaxed2025
Contact Numbers
Primary Contact: Sarah – 0412 345 678
Secondary Contact: Daniel – 0413 987 654
Emergency Contact Numbers
Neighbour: Louise Thompson – 0415 111 222 – House #10
Family Close By: Michael Jones (Sarah’s brother) – 0408 555 333
Power Supply Provider: Queensland Energy – 1300 345 678
Local Council: Cairns Regional Council – 1300 692 247
Police / Fire / Ambulance: 000
Unexpected Issues: Contact Sarah first, or Daniel if unreachable. A local handyman’s number is on the fridge in case of maintenance issues. For emergencies contact police/fire/ambulance directly.
Key and Access Notes
- Spare keys: In top left drawer in the table in the entry
- Garage remote: Hanging in garage next to the switch to open the door
Mail & Deliveries
- Please accept packages or deliveries.
- Please collect our mail for us.
Rubbish & Recycling
Bin Days: Place on kerb the night before
- General waste: Monday
- Recycling: Every second Monday alternatively with green waste. (Watch neighbours bin to see which week is recycling).
- Green waste: Every second Monday alternatively with recycling
Please place bins on the kerb the night before.
Replacement bin liners are located under the kitchen sink.
Indoors
Solar Power
We are on solar, power is best used during daylight hours. Please be mindful of consumption.
Dishwasher
Use eco-cycle with provided tablets under the sink. It is set for eco, just press the power button then on button.
Washing Machine
Use cold wash only. Detergent provided for front loader. Press power on, then on.
Other Appliances
Just the basics you are welcome to use.
Gas Cooker
Auto-ignite. Ensure knobs are turned fully off after use. Extra gas battle outside kitchen, just turn lever to new bottle and let us know the existing bottle has ran out so we can order more gas.
Fireplace
Indoor gas unit, switch on wall to the right then turn lever on unit down, then press ignition button to ignite. Do not leave on unattended.
Air Conditioner
Split system – use remotes which are on wall by light switches. Please turn off when not at home.
TV & Streaming
Smart TV with Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ (use Guest profile). Remote and guide in drawer below. To change to local TV channel go to home, you will find the live tv app or press the channel guide button on the remote.
Security Code
Alarm panel near front door. Arm when leaving and disarm upon return.
Code: 1945
Indoor Plants
Please water weekly during your stay. Please do not over water. Please do not allow water to run onto timber work.
Bedroom Linen
All beds are freshly made. Extra pillows and blankets are stored in the hallway cupboard.
Outdoors
Pool / Sauna / Spa
Pool is salt water and self cleaning. The pool cleaner comes every third Wednesday of the month
BBQ
The bbq has plenty of gas. Please make sure the bbq is clean when leaving.
Gates
Both side gates are locked, the key is on the main key ring.
Lawns & Garden
No maintenance required. Our gardener comes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. They have their own keys.
Watering System
Fully automatic to turn on at 6.30am . No action needed.
Vehicles or Boats
You are welcome to use our Toyota RAV4 for local use only.
- Keys in top drawer on kitchen bench
- A user agreement must be signed by both parties and a copy forwarded to us. (User Agreement Link and Sample User Agreement Link for members use)
- The vehicle should be returned clean and full of fuel.
- Only pre-approved drivers covered by our insurance may drive
- Any incidents must be reported immediately
Local Shops & Essentials
- Supermarket: Woolworths 89 Abbott st, Cairns
- Pharmacy: Terry White Chemist 179 Abbott st,
- Bottle Shop / Bakery / ATM: All at Cairns city shopping mall
- Hospital / GP Clinic: Cairns hospital
Our Favourite Local Eateries, Cafes & Places to Visit
Let us help you enjoy the area like a local! Some of our favourites include:
- Best coffee: Coffee Haven, best coffee in town, 5-min walk down the esplanade
- Casual dining: The Reef Grill, seafood by the beach, stunning sunset views
- Something special: Barrier Reef Day Trip, best one is Pro Dive Cairns if you are divers otherwise Quicksilver.
- Family-friendly: Rainforest Walk, 3km shaded trail through native bushland – entry behind community centre
- Markets / Day trips: Palm Market Sundays, local produce, crafts, and live music
- Sightseeing: Coral Bay Lookout, Breathtaking sunrise view, a short drive up Palm Ridge
Safety & Essentials
- Fire extinguisher: Located in kitchen cupboard by the fridge.
- First aid kit: Located in kitchen drawer next to dishwasher.
Cleaning Supplies
- Vacuum, mop, broom: Located in laundry. The automatic cleaner is set to turn on at 10.00am each day. If it annoys you press the off button, then the home button and it will cease cleaning and go back to its base.
- Cleaning sprays, cloths: In laundry
If Children Are Staying
- High chair and cot available in the second room from garage on the left
- Toys and books in same room. Help yourself, if you can ust leave it how you found it, that would be great
- Please supervise children near stairs and the pool or water.
Move-Out Day Checklist
We greatly appreciate you leaving the home ready for our return. Before you go, please:
Beds
Please wash all linen used and re make the beds.
Floors
Please vacuum and mop the floors. When mopping the timber floors please don’t use too much water. The timber floor cleaner is in the laundry cupboard.
Cleanliness
- Please clean showers and toilets
- Wipe down kitchen benches
- Empty kitchen tidy bins
- Empty dishwasher
- Please leave our home as clean as you found it
Security
- Lock all doors and windows
- Return keys to the table in the entry (in the top drawer)
- Set the alarm
Feedback
We’d love to hear about your stay! Please leave us a review via Hombie.
If you have any questions during your stay, feel free to contact us. We hope you enjoy our home and the local experience!
Warm regards,
Sarah and Daniel
Disclaimer – Hombie Accepts No Liability for this Document
This House Manual Template is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. It should be adapted to suit your individual circumstances. By using this resource, you accept full responsibility for its application and agree that the website owner holds no liability for any loss, dispute, or outcome arising from its use. Seek professional advice if required.
By using this document, you acknowledge that Hombie makes no warranties, express or implied, and shall not be held liable for any claims, disputes, losses, damages, or legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with this document.
If agreeing to this disclaimer you can download a copy of the template as a guide here.
