Custom Property Fields allow you to store information that is different for each property and then reuse that information as a dynamic variable in your automated messages and Guidebooks.
For example, instead of creating a separate message template for every property, you can create one variable such as:
{Pool_Instructions}
Then enter different pool instructions for each property. ChargeAutomation will automatically display the correct information for the property associated with the booking.
✨ What Can You Use Custom Property Fields For?
Custom Property Fields are ideal for information that:
🏠 Changes from property to property
🔄 Needs to be reused in multiple messages or Guidebooks
📝 Would otherwise require separate templates
Common examples include:
🔑 Access Instructions
Smart-lock instructions, door codes, key collection, or entry instructions.
📶 Wi-Fi Details
Network name, password, or connection instructions.
🚗 Parking Information
Parking location, access instructions, restrictions, or permits.
🏊 Pool Instructions
Pool access, opening hours, safety rules, or usage instructions.
📖 Guidebook Content
Property-specific recommendations, amenities, or guest information.
🏠 House Rules
Rules that apply only to a particular property.
🚀 How It Works
The setup is simple:
1️⃣ Create a Custom Field
Create the field once at the account level.
2️⃣ Add a Value for Each Property
Enter the property-specific information.
3️⃣ Use the Variable
Insert the automatically generated variable into your message or Guidebook.
The result:
One template → Multiple properties → Correct information automatically displayed
⚙️ Step 1: Create a Custom Property Field
Go to: Settings → Preferences → Custom Fields
From here, you can create and manage your Custom Property Fields.
Click + New Custom Field
Then:
📝 Select the Field Type
✏️ Enter the Display Name
🔤 Review the automatically generated Variable Name
💾 Click Save
Example:
Display Name: Pool Instructions
ChargeAutomation automatically creates the variable: {Pool_Instructions}
You can then use this variable in your automated messages and Guidebooks.
📝 Choosing the Right Field Type
Select the field type based on the type and length of information you want to store.
📄 Long Text
For longer instructions or descriptions, we recommend using Long Text.
This is ideal for:
🔑 Access instructions
🚗 Parking information
📶 Wi-Fi details
🏠 House rules
🕐 Check-in instructions
📖 Guidebook content
🏊 Pool instructions
💡 Tip
If you need to store several sentences or paragraphs, Long Text is generally the best option.
🏠 Step 2: Add the Value for Each Property
After creating your Custom Property Field, you need to add the appropriate value to each property.
Go to: Property → Property Info → Guidebook Content → Custom Property Fields
Your newly created field will appear in this section.
Example:
Custom Field: Pool Instructions
For Beach House, you could enter:
Pool hours are 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Please shower before entering the pool.
For Mountain Villa, you could enter:
The pool is open from 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Pool towels are available in the bathroom.
The same variable can now be used for both properties:
{Pool_Instructions}
But each guest will see the information saved for their specific property.
💾 Don't forget to save!
After adding or changing a Custom Property Field value, click Save Property.
💬 Step 3: Use the Variable in Your Messages
Once your field has been created, copy the generated variable and insert it into your automated message.
Your message template could say:
🏠 Property Information
Here are the pool instructions for your stay: {Pool_Instructions}
ChargeAutomation automatically replaces the variable with the value saved for that guest's property.
Guest View
If the property's value is:
Pool hours are 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Please shower before entering the pool.
The guest will see:
🏠 Property Information
Here are the pool instructions for your stay: Pool hours are 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Please shower before entering the pool.
📖 Use Custom Variables in Your Guidebook
Custom Property Fields can also be used inside your Guidebooks.
For example:
Your Guidebook template
🔑 Access Instructions
{Access_Instructions}
Property A
Enter through the main entrance. Your key is located in the lockbox next to the door.
Property B
Enter through the side entrance. Use the keypad and enter your unique access code.
You only need one Guidebook template.
ChargeAutomation automatically displays the information stored for the applicable property.
🔄 One Variable, Different Information for Every Property
This is one of the biggest advantages of Custom Property Fields.
Imagine you manage 20 properties and want to include Wi-Fi information in your pre-check-in message.
Instead of creating 20 different templates, create one field:
{WiFi_Details}
Then add the appropriate information to each property:
Property | Wi-Fi Details |
🏠 Beach House | Network: BeachHouse / Password: **** |
🏡 City Apartment | Network: CityGuest / Password: **** |
🏔️ Mountain Cabin | Network: CabinWiFi / Password: **** |
Your message template remains exactly the same.
ChargeAutomation automatically inserts the correct information for each property.
🔑 Example: Access Instructions
Custom Property Fields are particularly useful for property-specific access instructions.
Create:
Display Name: Access Instructions
Variable: {Access_Instructions}
Then enter different instructions for each property.
Example message
🔑 Getting Into the Property
{Access_Instructions}
If you have any trouble accessing the property, please contact us.
Each guest will receive the instructions saved for their property.
⚠️ Security Tip: If you're storing sensitive access information, make sure the message or Guidebook section is only visible to guests when appropriate.
📶 Example: Wi-Fi Information
Create:
Display Name: WiFi Details
Variable: {WiFi_Details}
Then enter the Wi-Fi information for each property.
Example
📶 Wi-Fi
Network: {WiFi_Network}
Password: {WiFi_Password}
You can create separate Custom Property Fields when you want to display individual pieces of information separately.
💡 Best Practices
Use Clear Field Names
Choose names that your team can immediately understand.
Good:
Pool Instructions
Parking Instructions
WiFi Details
Access Instructions
Avoid:
Test
Info 1
Field A
Clear names make your variables easier to manage.
🔄 Reuse Variables
Create a field once and use the variable wherever you need the same property-specific information.
For example:
{Parking_Instructions}
could be used in:
📧 Pre-arrival messages
📖 Guidebooks
💬 Automated guest messages
This reduces the need to maintain multiple templates.
💾 Always Save Property Changes
After adding or changing a Custom Property Field value:
Click → Save Property
If you don't save the property, the updated value will not be available to the variable.
🔎 Troubleshooting
❌ The variable is showing as empty
❌ The variable is showing as empty
Check whether a value has been entered for that property.
Go to: Property → Property Info → Guidebook Content → Custom Property Fields
Make sure the field contains information and that the property has been saved.
❌ The wrong information is showing
❌ The wrong information is showing
Check that:
🏠 The booking is associated with the correct property.
📝 The correct Custom Property Field is being used.
🔤 The variable matches the generated variable name.
💾 The property's Custom Property Field value has been saved.
❌ The variable isn't working in my message
❌ The variable isn't working in my message
Make sure you are using the automatically generated variable exactly as provided by ChargeAutomation.
For example:
{Pool_Instructions}
Avoid manually changing the variable name.
❌ Some properties have information and others don't
❌ Some properties have information and others don't
Remember that each property has its own value for a Custom Property Field.
Creating the field does not automatically populate it for every property.
You need to add the appropriate value to each property where the field will be used.