Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, establishing a safe read operation. The description adds behavioral context beyond annotations: cursor-based pagination, 'newest first' ordering, and the exact filtering logic (check-out after from, check-in before to). With annotations covering the safety profile and the description explaining pagination semantics, a 4 is appropriate.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, with the core scope front-loaded ('List reservations across the account's apartments, newest first, cursor-paginated') and the subtle filter semantics stated crisply. There is no wasted wording; each phrase earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a list tool with zero required parameters, an output schema, and safe annotations, the description covers the essential nuances: pagination behavior, ordering, and stay-date filtering. The only minor gap is that it doesn't state the default behavior when no filters are provided, but that is largely inferable from the schema. Sibling differentiation is strong.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 83%, so most parameters (after, limit, status, apartment_id) are already well-documented. The description adds value by clarifying from/to beyond the schema definitions, but for the other parameters it repeats or implies what the schema already provides. Baseline 3 is correct given the high schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb ('List'), a precise resource ('reservations across the account's apartments'), and clarifies ordering and pagination. It also distinguishes the from/to filters from creation-date filtering, which prevents misinterpretation and separates it from sibling get_reservation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use it: to list reservations across the account. It explicitly explains the from/to date semantics, which is critical for correct invocation. It doesn't explicitly say when not to use it or name alternatives, but the purpose is clear enough that an agent can infer the appropriate context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.