diff --git a/.github/instructions/step-ssh-host.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/step-ssh-host.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b4e6b0b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/step-ssh-host.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+---
+description: "Use when modifying modules/services/step-ca/ssh-host.nix. Covers Step SSH host certificate wiring, secret key contract, and host-side expectations required by consumers."
+name: "Step SSH Host Module Instructions"
+applyTo: "modules/services/step-ca/ssh-host.nix"
+---
+
+# Step SSH Host Module Instructions
+
+Use this instruction when changing the shared NixOS module in modules/services/step-ca/ssh-host.nix.
+
+## Module Contract
+
+- Keep this module reusable across hosts; do not hard-code host-local file paths beyond SSH system paths under /etc/ssh.
+- Preserve the option interface unless the task explicitly changes it:
+  - step-ssh-host.hostname (required host identity used for cert principals)
+  - step-ssh-host.provisioner (default: "admin")
+- Keep imports = [ inputs.self.modules.nixos.ssh ] so OpenSSH host certificate settings stay composed through the shared SSH module.
+
+## Secret Key Contract
+
+- This module currently consumes `config.sops.secrets."janus/admin_jwk"` as the Step provisioner password file.
+- Treat `janus/admin_jwk` as a public contract key name for current consumers. If you rename it, update all consumers and host secret files in the same change.
+- Keep secret permissions strict (root ownership and 0400 mode).
+- Do not assume a local sops file path in this module. The consuming host must define sops.defaultSopsFile.
+
+## Host Expectations
+
+When this module is enabled by a host, the host is expected to provide:
+
+- A working Step trust/bootstrap path (for example via janus-ca or equivalent trust material).
+- `sops.defaultSopsFile` containing `janus.admin_jwk` (or equivalent if contract is intentionally changed everywhere).
+- `step-ssh-host.hostname` matching deployed host identity and DNS naming expectations.
+
+## SSH Certificate Paths And Principals
+
+- Preserve the default host key path contract at `/etc/ssh/ssh_host_ed25519_key` unless task scope requires coordinated changes.
+- Keep host certificate path aligned to `${sshKeyPath}-cert.pub`.
+- Keep principal issuance based on hostname and hostname.john-stream.com unless domain policy is intentionally migrated.
+- If changing key/cert filenames or principal naming, update `modules/services/ssh.nix` integration and host rollout notes in the same change.
+
+## Renewal Behavior
+
+- Maintain timer/service cadence unless explicitly requested:
+  - timer OnUnitActiveSec = 4h
+  - randomized delay enabled
+- Keep explicit handling for step ssh needs-renewal return codes to avoid silent failures.
+- If changing renewal semantics, document whether the service now only checks state or also performs certificate issuance.
+
+## Validation Checklist
+
+After editing this module, validate at least one consuming host with:
+
+1. nix eval .#nixosConfigurations.janus.config.system.build.toplevel.drvPath
+2. nix build .#nixosConfigurations.janus.config.system.build.toplevel --no-link --dry-run