House Rules

House rules set clear expectations for guests during their stay. Well-written rules protect your property, keep neighbors happy, and help prevent misunderstandings.

Setting house rules

1. Go to Listings and click on the listing you want to edit.
2. Navigate to the House Rules section.
3. Write your rules in the text field.
4. Click Save.

What to include

Every property is different, but here are common topics to cover in your house rules:

Noise and quiet hours

Specify quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM to 8 AM) and any restrictions on music or loud gatherings. This is especially important for properties in residential areas or apartment buildings.

Smoking policy

State clearly whether smoking is allowed, and if so, where (e.g., "Smoking is only permitted on the terrace. No smoking inside the property.").

Pets

Let guests know whether pets are welcome. If you allow pets, mention any restrictions (size limits, number of pets, additional cleaning fees).

Maximum occupancy

Reinforce the maximum number of guests allowed. This should match the capacity set in your listing details.

Parties and events

State whether parties or events are allowed on the property.

Check-in and check-out times

Include your standard check-in and check-out times so guests know when they are expected to arrive and leave.

Kitchen and appliance use

If there are specific instructions for appliances (e.g., "Please do not use the fireplace without instructions" or "Run the dishwasher before check-out"), include them here.

Trash and recycling

Explain how and where to dispose of trash, and mention any local recycling requirements.

Outdoor spaces

If your property has a pool, garden, or shared areas, include rules about their use (e.g., pool hours, no glass near the pool, gate must stay closed).

TIP

Keep your rules clear and concise. Use short sentences and organize them by topic. A long wall of text is less likely to be read. Bullet points work well.

Where house rules are displayed

Your house rules appear in several places:

• Booking process -- Guests see the rules when their booking is created.
• Automated emails -- You can include house rules in pre-arrival emails using Automated Emails.
• Guidebooks -- If you create a digital Guidebook for your property, house rules can be included as a dedicated page.
• Channel Manager -- When syncing to platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, house rules are published alongside your listing.

Writing effective rules

The goal of house rules is not to create a long list of restrictions. Instead, think of them as a way to help guests have a great stay while respecting your property and neighbors.

• Be specific -- "Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM" is better than "Please be quiet at night."
• Be polite -- Phrasing rules as requests rather than demands creates a friendlier tone. "We kindly ask that you..." works better than "You must not..."
• Explain the reason -- "Please keep the front gate closed to keep children safe" is more likely to be followed than "Keep the gate closed."
• Prioritize -- Put the most important rules first. Guests are more likely to read the beginning.

WARNING

Make sure your house rules are consistent with your listing description and amenities. If your listing says "family-friendly" but your rules say "no children under 12," guests will be confused. Review both sections together.

Related

• Creating a Listing -- Set up a new property listing
• Check-in Instructions -- Help guests access your property
• Automated Emails -- Send house rules to guests before arrival
• Guidebooks -- Include house rules in your digital guidebook