House rules will appear in your Airbnb listing, but you should also put them in the house.
Most guests will not remember or re-read your listing right before they check-in so a printed copy will help remind them of what the house rules are.
These rules are not guaranteed to be followed, but creating expectations will help you and your guests both have a better experience.
Below are rule categories and things to consider for each.
Extra guests
Are visitors or extra guests allowed? How many? What are the procedures for approval, if any?
Smoking
Is smoking permitted, and if so, where?
Off-limit areas
Where can guests not go? Any possible penalties?
Eating areas
Can people eat in all areas of the home or are there designated spot in the rental unit?
Cleaning procedures
Where does trash go? Should they clean the dishes?
Laundry
Where to put it?
Gatherings or Parties
Are they allowed? Max size? Approval?
Quiet hours
Are there any and when are they? If you are leasing out a dedicated unit, consider your neighbors and follow what the norms are.
Pets/Animals
Are they allowed? If so, what size? Any extra deposit?
Final Tips
- Keep it simple – don’t over complicate rules
- Be explicit – leave nothing open for interpretation
Rules suck, we all know this, so the last rule we always suggest is: HAVE FUN. You just told them all these things they are not allowed to do, so leave them with a smile on their face.
What house rules do you suggest? What are some clever ways to enforce them?
Let us know in the comments below!
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This was really a great and helpful article. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Thanks for sharing.
OK. How do I edit one part of the listing, e.g., House Rules?
How do I edit the listing so the beginning paragraph and the other description are not tied in tandem? Every time I change something, it is changed in the original paragraph.
Aaargh.
DN
“Keep it simple – don’t over complicate rules = Be explicit – leave nothing open for interpretation.” Hosts are finding it more & more difficult to accomplish this. We absolutely hate having to put in our House Rules book common sense things like, “Do not put wet towels & glasses on real wood surfaces.” or “Close the windows before you turn on the heat/ac.” or “Do not sleep on top of the bedspreads.” The list goes on. I just now read the suggestions above, and truthfully, all of what is listed above is said in what they read before booking.
Yes I completely agree with you. I current,y have a 20 something make stident from the US that used my personal hand towel to mop the mess he makes on the bathroom floor after having a shower. It is so frustrating, I am dealing with a myriad of these obvious things that he repeatedly does despite my raising them with him gently.
Inam wanting to move him on, but the Airbnb support start have been really against this saying it will look bad in my host profile if I ask him to leave.
I am one of those hosts with a lot of rules. I even have laminated signs all over my Units instructing people on what they can and cannot do. I also have a certain way that I request people to message me that shows me whether people are accountable to following the rules or not and gives me an idea of who to accept and who to reject . Even though I know that it does cost me money and I have to charge less then I would per night if I was more lenient with my rules, I have really excellent guests. I have two different properties in two different states with two different Housekeepers who do this for a living and both of them tell me that by far my unit is the most respected of any of the ones they clean. This gives me great peace of mind because I do not live In the states where I host– if something tragic happens in my apartment to my furniture or to the structure of the unit, I’m not there to do anything about it before the next guest gets there. My rules make everything better, not to mention my belongings are being respected and taken care of. I would much rather have this reassurance and make a few hundred less a month. Every host has their own marketing ploy (mine is beautiful apartments with clean, nice decor), and every host needs to know what they’re willing to put up with, what their time is worth, what they’re home is worth to them and what their business model is about. For me it’s about having quality guests that follow rules and are respectful, that way I have less time used up dealing with people (time is money and replacing towels and linens and screen doors and such, is time consuming and expensive). I have more comfort in knowing that people aren’t destroying my property and costing me headaches.
Would you mind sharing a tip on your “certain way” of asking question =) it could help beginners like me to avoid problems?
Hi Kristina – I’m just starting out and do not live close to our rental property so like you, will need to be more diligent with rules. Any specific tips or rules you now implement that you learned along the way that you wished you would have known in advance? Afraid it’s going to take some time to figure out what rules we will need set and as you said time is money so would love some pointers.
Thanks for your time!
Would you mind to share your house rules as an example Kristina?
I would love a copy of your rules if that is okay.
Hi Kristina… our apartments are very nice as well and we strive for quality guests. Would you mind sharing your House Rules? Thank you
I am new to Airbnb and live far away from my properties. I agree with you whole heartedly! I would be so appreciative if you could you please share your house rules? Thanks!
I agree 100% with your comments and an just starting out. It would be nice to have a copy of your rules and how you display them in the house and on paper.
Kristina – I’m brand new to hosting and also live in a different state from the house I’ve just put up on Airbnb. I really relate to what you say here – like you, I prefer respectful guests! Please share your rules and any other advice about screening guests & inspiring them to be on their best behavior. Thanks. ~Barbara
If you are going to leave a comment like this talking up your hosting techniques and success you should know that others will ask you to share your knowledge. Its a shame that after repeated requests for more details you have yet to comment again…maybe it’s against your rules to share with people! Honestly I have stayed in Air bnb properties like yours and the rules are extremely cumbersome. It was an issue of micromanaging gone wild! Good luck to you
Hello Kristina! I just started as a host and saw your comment. I also want people in my house that respect my belongings. I wondered if I you want to share your house rules with me as well, so that I can use them and avoid problems. Thanks in advance!
Very Good. Thanks!
I’m just starting my journey with Airbnb and I’ve got a simple rule that I learned the hard way in my RV rental business. No burning of candles, incents or “vaping” in the premises. I have smoking outside only. Couldn’t get the smell out of the camper. Since we live on the premises, we’ll keep a very close eye on everything.
What’s the point if the rules like no parties or events aren’t enforced?
Perhaps the next article can be on how to enforce house rules.
I am not a host but have been guest of Airbnb units. I did think of being a host in a new condominium. The residents in this particular condominium are generally against Airbnb. This is my observation, Airbnb units or home stays that are operated by so-called “Management Teams” tend to be more focused on occupancy rate rather than quality of guest or service to the guest / maintenance of the Airbnb accommodation. Apart large number of noisy guest staying or visiting (parties/wedding), some poor quality guest are believed to have vandalised and abused the facilities in the condominium. Perhaps the those problematic “Management Teams” need to be dealt with.