> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.relyant.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Buffer times

> Keep a gap between back-to-back bookings for cleaning, setup, or changeover

A buffer time keeps a gap before and after every booking on a room or asset. Use it when people need time between bookings, for example to clean a lab, reset a hall, or charge a laptop cart. Buffer times work the same way for location bookings and asset bookings.

## How buffer times work

* A buffer applies on both sides of a booking. With a 30-minute buffer, a room booked from 10:00 to 11:00 can't be booked again until 11:30, and no booking can end after 9:30.
* Buffers apply only to the rooms or assets in a buffer rule. If several rules include the same room or asset, the longest buffer applies.
* Only **Approved** bookings create a buffer. Bookings that are still **Submitted** don't.
* Buffer periods show as non-bookable bands on the booking calendars.
* If a new booking falls inside a buffer, Relyant blocks it with a message that names the buffer, such as "This time conflicts with the 30-minute buffer around an existing booking".

## Who can book over a buffer

Roles listed under **Rules don't apply to** in the booking settings can book over buffer periods. These roles also skip the **Booking Window** and **Minimum Notice** rules. By default, the roles are **Owner**, **Admin**, and **Super Admin**.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Buffers are checked when someone creates a single booking. They aren't checked when an admin creates a recurring series or edits an existing booking.

## Set up buffer times

You need permission to manage booking settings.

**1. Open booking settings**

Click **Settings** at the bottom of the sidebar, then click **Location Booking** or **Asset Booking**.

**2. Add a rule**

Under **Buffer Time**, click **Add a buffer rule**.

**3. Choose rooms or assets**

Next to **For each of**, select the rooms or assets the rule applies to.

**4. Choose the buffer length**

Choose a buffer of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 hr, 90 min, or 2 hr. Your changes save automatically.

To remove a rule, click the **X** next to it.

For every setting on these pages, see [Location booking settings](https://docs.relyant.app/facilities/settings/location-booking-settings.md) and [Asset booking settings](https://docs.relyant.app/facilities/settings/asset-booking-settings.md).

## Related pages

> [card] [Reserve a room](https://docs.relyant.app/facilities/bookings/location-bookings/reserve-a-room.md)
>
> Book a room or space.

> [card] [Reserve an asset](https://docs.relyant.app/facilities/bookings/asset-bookings/reserve-an-asset.md)
>
> Book equipment or another asset.


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