Frequently asked questions.
How can I find locations of hosts?
We do not publicly post locations of any of our members for safety reasons. To see if any members are in your desired location, please create an account in the app and view the example map. You will be able to see locations but profiles will be hidden until you have a passing background check and paid membership.
If I’m hosting, how do I let travelers know my availability?
On your profile you can choose your availability as a host. We have different options for availability including “Open flexible availability to host” and “available to host once a month” etc. This is intended to help you establish boundaries with your guests. The guest will submit a homestay request to you with the dates that she will be in your area. You will get an email and text notification and the request will go into the “Homestay Requests” tab in the app. There you can review her request and profile. You can then let her know if you will be able to host her or not on the dates she will be in your area. You can chat back and forth in the app or call/text each other to sort out details.
Will I get paid to host HerHouse members?
No. To preserve the relationship between the two parties, there is no monetary exchange between the hosts and guests. This is purely a voluntary offering to help other women on their journeys and to keep each other safe.
If this is a free homestay platform why is there paid memberships?
Paid memberships help keep a protective barrier around the community. HerHouse covers 100% of the fees associated with all global background checks and software usage. Paid memberships keep us up and running so we can continue connecting traveling women with safe hosts for years to come.
Can I travel with HerHouse if I am traveling with my partner/pet/child?
At this time we are exclusively offering HerHouse only to women who are traveling alone. The only exception to this would be if all women in your party have a HerHouse membership with a background check. This helps the hosts feel safe and not taken advantage of in the process.
How long will the HerHouse guest stay with me?
We limit home stays to three nights so that the travelers do not become a burden to the hosts. If you would like to offer them to stay with you longer, that is completely up to you.
Do I HAVE TO host every HerHouse member who requests to stay with me?
No, you are not obligated to host any HerHouse members. This is completely voluntary. When you get a Homestay Request, simply go to the “Homestay Requests” tab to find the request and see your guest’s profile. If you dig her energy and are available to host on the dates she will be in your area, you can send her a message directly in the app. If you don’t think it’s a vibe or are busy you can decline the homestay request.
What kind of accommodation/services will be expected of me? Do I need to cook for my guest?
All we request is that you provide a safe and clean sleeping area and bathroom for your guest. You do not have to cook for your guest, although a lot of our hosts like to cook for them and to show them their culture. Many of our hosts like to show their guests around their city and all the best local spots. If you’re open and able to pick up your guest up from a nearby airport that’s also helpful but of course not required.
If a HerHouse member contacts me directly and she is in trouble what is required of me?
This app should never be viewed as an emergency service. If a HerHouse member is in danger or trouble she needs to contact the local authorities. Having safe local connections is one of the biggest reasons this community is building. If a member reaches out to you needing a hand, we hope that you would help her on her journey if you are available or point in her the direction of where she needs to go.
Who will be background checked on the app?
Only background checked members will be visible on the community map and able to reach out to one another.
Who pays for the background check?
HerHouse covers all the expenses for background checks. We are partnered with Sterling Volunteers, who perform background checks for volunteer organizations all over the world. You will be directed to their site after you become a member to complete you background check. It is short and easy. It takes most of our members 3-4 minutes to complete.
Will other people living in the homes of HerHouse Hosts be background checked?
At this time, we are not requiring all people living in a Host residence to be background checked, only the Hosts themselves. However, we do ask that hosts disclose if anyone else is living with them on their profiles to help guests feel safe.
Is this service just for women? Or can men use it too?
We designed this app to serve solo female travelers. We welcome those who identify as female to use our app. If your biological gender is not your chosen gender, we simply ask that you disclose that in your profile under “my gender story” to keep you and your hosts safe. Eventually we may create a branch to serve the male traveler base.
Does HerHouse guarantee my safety?
HerHouse cannot guarantee the safety of anyone using the HerHouse app. We do everything in our power to connect safe women together, but your overall safety is out of our hands.
What is on the horizon for HerHouse?
We have many things we would like to incorporate in the future, including local events, a preplanned solo travel excursion, retreats, girls getaways, and more!