Help/Host Handbook/The Romancha Host Handbook
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Host Handbook

The Romancha Host Handbook

Everything you need to know about hosting on Romancha, in one place. Start here and refer back as needed.

Section 1 — Getting Started

New to Romancha? These are your first steps:

  1. Complete Host KYC — government ID + video selfie. Reviewed within 24 hours.
  2. Create your listing — property details, photos, amenities, house rules. See How to List Your Property.
  3. Set pricing — base rate, GST is calculated automatically. See Pricing Strategy.
  4. Add your bank account — verified via penny drop (1–2 business days).
  5. Submit for review — goes live within 48 hours of moderation approval.

Section 2 — The Romancha Model

Romancha is different from other platforms in a few important ways:

  • 0% commission. You keep 100% of your listed price. Romancha does not take a cut.
  • Single cancellation policy. Romancha uses one standard policy across all listings — you do not choose flexible, moderate, or strict. This creates consistency for guests and protects you against last-minute cancellations (read the policy).
  • Verified guests. Every guest undergoes identity verification before check-in. You review and approve.
  • Geofenced check-in. GPS confirms the guest physically arrived. This protects you from no-show disputes and ensures payout is legitimate.
  • 24-hour complaint window. After check-in, guests have 24 hours to raise issues. After that, the stay is considered accepted.

Section 3 — Your Listing

Listing modes: Entire Place · Private Rooms · Flexible (both) · Shared Rooms (beds)

Booking settings (two independent decisions):

  • Booking Approval: Instant Book or Approve All Bookings
  • Check-in Mode: Auto Check-in or Manual Approval

Keep your listing accurate. Out-of-date photos or inaccurate amenities are the most common source of guest complaints and bad reviews. See Photography Tips and Writing Great Descriptions.

Section 4 — Pricing and Earnings

GST is added on top of your listed price:

  • Up to ₹7,500/night → 5% GST
  • Above ₹7,500/night → 18% GST

GST is remitted by Romancha — it is not deducted from your payout.

Payout timeline: Released within 24 hours of verified guest checkout, to your linked bank account.

TDS (Section 194-O): If your cumulative payouts exceed ₹5 lakhs in a financial year, Romancha deducts TDS at 0.1% (with PAN) or 5% (without PAN). You can claim this credit in your ITR.

TCS (Section 52 CGST): If you are GST-registered and provide your GSTIN, Romancha deducts TCS at 1% and deposits it against your GSTIN as advance credit.

See Taxes & GST Policy for the full breakdown.

Section 5 — Managing Bookings

  • Respond to inquiries within 2 hours
  • For Approve All Bookings: accept or decline within 24 hours — unanswered requests auto-decline
  • Send pre-arrival message 24–48 hours before check-in
  • Review and approve guest KYC before check-in day
  • Be reachable on check-in day

See Guest Communication and Check-in & Check-out for full guidance.

Section 6 — Calendar

  • All dates open by default — block what you need
  • Set price overrides for peak dates
  • Set weekend multiplier for automatic weekend pricing
  • Set weekly/monthly discounts to attract longer stays

See Calendar & Availability.

Section 7 — Reviews

After checkout, both parties have 14 days to review each other. Reviews are blind until both submit. Your average star rating affects your listing's position in search results.

The top factors guests rate: Accuracy · Cleanliness · Check-in · Communication · Location · Value

See Earning 5-Star Reviews.

Section 8 — Host Guarantee

What Romancha commits to every host:

  • 0% commission — always
  • 24-hour payout after verified checkout
  • Verified guests only — you approve every check-in
  • Platform enforcement — rule-breaking guests face payout withholding and account review

What Romancha does not cover: Property damage is strictly between host and guest. Romancha does not provide damage insurance. Document your property before every check-in with timestamped photos or video. Read the full Host Guarantee →

Section 9 — Rules You Must Follow

  • Keep your listing accurate at all times
  • Respond to guests within 24 hours (2 hours recommended)
  • Do not ask guests to pay outside the platform
  • Do not cancel confirmed bookings without a legitimate reason — host cancellations trigger a 100% guest refund and place your listing in review
  • Comply with local law — homestay registration, FRRO requirements for foreign guests, income tax obligations
  • Maintain a property that matches your listing photos

Full obligations: Host Agreement · Community Standards

Section 10 — Getting Help

Questions not answered here? Our Help AI is available 24/7 in English, Hindi, or Hinglish — it knows every Romancha policy and process.

For escalations: support@romancha.in or grievance@romancha.in (Grievance Officer: Ram, Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM IST)