Airbnb House Rules Examples: What to Include in Your Holiday Rental
Clear house rules help guests understand what is expected during their stay.
They can explain important policies around smoking, noise, visitors, pets, parties, property care and other aspects of using your holiday rental.
Good house rules should not feel like a list of warnings. They should provide useful boundaries in clear, respectful language while remaining specific to the property.
In this guide, we’ll look at practical Airbnb house rules examples, sample wording and the most important areas to consider when creating rules for your own holiday rental.
The examples are starting points only. Every host should adapt their rules to reflect their property, booking conditions, amenities and applicable local requirements.
What Are Airbnb House Rules?
Airbnb house rules are guidelines that explain how guests are expected to use and respect a short-term rental during their stay.
Depending on the property, they may cover:
- smoking
- parties and events
- quiet hours
- visitors
- pets
- children
- parking
- outdoor areas
- swimming pools or hot tubs
- waste disposal
- property security
- appliances
- damage reporting
- check-out expectations
The aim is not to create as many rules as possible.
The aim is to make the most important expectations clear before problems arise.
Airbnb House Rules Example
For many properties, a short set of straightforward rules is enough.
Here is a simple example:
House Rules
To help everyone enjoy a comfortable stay, please:
- Do not smoke inside the property.
- Respect quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am.
- Do not host parties or events.
- Only registered guests may stay overnight.
- Follow the property's pet policy.
- Take reasonable care of furniture, appliances and equipment.
- Close and lock doors and windows when leaving the property.
- Report any damage or problems as soon as possible.
Thank you for respecting the property and our neighbours.
This works well because the wording is direct without sounding unnecessarily severe.
How Should Airbnb House Rules Be Written?
House rules should be:
- specific
- easy to understand
- realistic
- consistent with your listing and booking terms
- relevant to the property
- written in a professional tone
Avoid vague rules such as:
Please behave responsibly.
Guests may interpret that differently.
A clearer version would be:
Please keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 pm and avoid disturbing neighbouring properties.
Specific instructions are easier to understand and follow.
No-Smoking House Rule Example
If smoking is not permitted, make that clear.
Example
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside the property. Please use the designated outdoor area, where provided, and dispose of cigarette ends responsibly.
If smoking is prohibited everywhere on the premises, say so explicitly:
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside the property or on the premises.
Do not use generic wording if your actual policy is more specific.
A visible no-smoking sign inside the property can also reinforce the rule where appropriate.
Quiet Hours House Rule Example
Noise expectations are particularly important in apartments, residential neighbourhoods and shared buildings.
Example
Quiet Hours
Please keep noise to a minimum between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am out of respect for our neighbours.
If your building or local area has different requirements, use those instead.
You may also want to clarify that excessive noise is not appropriate at any time:
Please keep music, television and conversations at a considerate volume throughout your stay, particularly during quiet hours.
Parties and Events House Rule Example
If parties or events are not allowed, avoid ambiguous wording.
Example
Parties & Events
Parties, events and large gatherings are not permitted at the property.
If you allow certain gatherings with prior approval, say so clearly:
Gatherings or events must be agreed with the host in advance and may be subject to additional conditions.
Your wording should match the policies shown in your listing.
Visitor House Rule Example
Hosts sometimes need to distinguish between booked guests and daytime visitors.
Example
Visitors
Only guests included in the reservation may stay overnight. Please contact us in advance if you would like to invite additional visitors to the property.
For properties with occupancy restrictions, you may need firmer wording:
The maximum occupancy of the property must not be exceeded at any time.
Make sure any occupancy limits you state are accurate and appropriate for your accommodation.
Pet House Rules Examples
Pet-friendly properties often benefit from more specific guidance.
Example for a Pet-Friendly Property
Pets
Well-behaved pets are welcome. Please keep pets off beds and upholstered furniture, clean muddy paws before entering and dispose of pet waste responsibly.
You might also include:
- whether pets can be left alone
- garden restrictions
- local lead requirements
- cleaning expectations
- number or type of pets permitted
Example for a No-Pets Property
Pets
Pets are not permitted at the property unless specifically agreed before booking.
Always ensure your wording accommodates any legal obligations that may apply to assistance animals in your jurisdiction or platform.
Shoes Inside the Property Example
Some hosts ask guests to remove outdoor footwear.
Example
Outdoor Shoes
Please remove muddy or wet outdoor shoes before entering the main living areas.
This is usually more practical than simply saying:
No shoes inside.
Explain the reason only if helpful, and avoid creating rules that are unnecessarily difficult for guests to follow.
Candles and Open Flames Example
If you prohibit candles or open flames, state the policy clearly.
Example
Candles & Open Flames
For safety, please do not use candles, incense or other open flames inside the property.
If a fireplace, barbecue or another flame-producing feature is provided, explain those separately rather than creating contradictory instructions.
Parking House Rule Example
Parking rules can prevent problems in shared buildings or residential areas.
Example
Parking
Please use only the allocated parking space marked [number/name]. Do not park in neighbouring spaces or block access routes.
If street parking restrictions apply:
Guests are responsible for following local parking signs and restrictions when using public parking.
Waste and Recycling House Rule Example
Waste rules should be practical and specific.
Example
Rubbish & Recycling
Please separate household waste and recycling using the labelled bins provided. Full bags should be placed in the communal bins beside [location].
Avoid copying recycling rules from another location. Requirements vary considerably between councils, municipalities and countries.
Property Security House Rule Example
Security instructions should be simple.
Example
Doors & Windows
Please close and lock external doors and windows whenever you leave the property.
For keys:
Please keep the property keys with you during your stay and return them to the designated location at check-out.
Avoid including sensitive security information in a publicly accessible version of the rules.
Damage Reporting House Rule Example
Guests should know what to do if something goes wrong.
Example
Damage & Breakages
Accidents can happen. Please let us know as soon as possible if anything is damaged, broken or not working correctly so we can address it promptly.
This wording is often more useful than an aggressive warning about charges.
Any damage charges or deposit terms should be handled consistently with your booking conditions and platform policies.
Kitchen House Rules Example
Most kitchens do not need extensive rules.
Focus on anything important or unusual.
Example
Kitchen
Please use kitchen equipment with reasonable care and switch off cooking appliances after use. Do not leave the hob or oven unattended while operating.
If particular equipment requires special instructions, place those in the appliance or property-information section of your welcome book rather than overcrowding your house rules.
Swimming Pool House Rules Example
Properties with pools need property-specific safety information.
Example
Swimming Pool
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult when using the pool area. Please follow all safety information displayed at the property.
Additional rules may cover:
- opening times
- glass around the pool
- diving
- gates
- pool covers
- shared facilities
Pool rules should reflect the actual property and relevant safety requirements. Generic templates are not a substitute for location-specific safety guidance.
Hot Tub House Rules Example
Example
Hot Tub
Please follow the instructions provided before using the hot tub and replace the cover after use. Do not use glass containers in or around the hot tub.
You may also need rules covering:
- maximum occupancy
- children
- operating hours
- hygiene
- temperature
- medical considerations
Any health or safety instructions should be based on appropriate professional or manufacturer guidance.
Balcony and Terrace Rules Example
Example
Balcony & Terrace
Please supervise children in outdoor areas and do not climb or sit on balcony railings.
If furniture must remain within a particular area:
Please do not move indoor furniture onto the balcony or terrace.
Barbecue House Rule Example
Example
Barbecue
Please use the barbecue only in the designated outdoor area and never leave it unattended while in use. Allow it to cool completely after use.
If guests are expected to clean it afterwards, state that politely:
After use, please leave the cooking surface reasonably clean for the next guests.
Children and Family House Rules Example
Family-friendly accommodation does not necessarily need a long list of child-specific rules.
Where needed, you might say:
Children
Children should be supervised around stairs, balconies, pools, fireplaces and other potential hazards.
Do not describe the property as “childproof” unless that claim can genuinely be supported.
Fireplace House Rule Example
Example
Fireplace
Please follow the operating instructions provided and never leave the fireplace unattended while in use. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the property or going to bed.
If guests are not permitted to use a fireplace, state that instead.
Air Conditioning and Heating Rule Example
Rules should not prevent reasonable guest comfort.
If you want guests to conserve energy, keep the wording practical.
Example
Heating & Air Conditioning
Please switch off heating or air conditioning when doors and windows are left open for extended periods.
Avoid overly restrictive temperature rules unless there is a genuine operational reason.
Furniture and Property Care Example
Example
Property Care
Please treat the furniture, furnishings and equipment with reasonable care and let us know if you notice any damage or maintenance issues.
This is generally more guest-friendly than a long list of prohibitions.
Check-Out House Rules Example
Check-out instructions and house rules overlap, but they do not need to be identical.
Example
Before Check-Out
Please leave the property by 10:00 am, place used towels in the bathroom, dispose of rubbish in the designated bins and return the keys as instructed.
Avoid asking guests to complete an excessive cleaning routine unless that expectation has been clearly communicated and is appropriate for your booking arrangement.
Airbnb House Rules Examples for Apartments
Apartments may require additional consideration for neighbours and shared spaces.
Useful rules may include:
- quiet hours
- shared entrance etiquette
- lift use
- communal-area rules
- parking
- rubbish disposal
- balcony use
- building-access security
Example
Please respect residents when using shared hallways, lifts and entrances. Keep noise to a minimum and do not leave personal belongings in communal areas.
Airbnb House Rules Examples for Cottages and Rural Properties
Rural properties may have different operational considerations.
Rules could address:
- gates
- livestock
- private land
- septic systems
- wells
- fires
- outdoor footwear
- remote access
Example
Please close all field gates after passing through them and do not enter areas marked as private.
Property-specific wording is especially important in rural accommodation.
Airbnb House Rules Examples for Villas
Villas may need rules relating to:
- pools
- gardens
- outdoor kitchens
- barbecues
- additional visitors
- security
- air conditioning
- outdoor noise
Rather than creating one very long list, group rules into clear sections such as Pool, Outdoor Areas, Visitors and Property Security.
Where Should You Display House Rules?
Important rules should be communicated before the guest arrives, not introduced for the first time after check-in.
Depending on your booking setup, house rules may appear in:
- your booking listing
- booking conditions
- pre-arrival messages
- a welcome book
- a printed house-rules sign
Inside the property, guests should be able to find the most relevant rules without searching through old messages.
A dedicated Airbnb House Rules Sign Template can provide a concise visible reminder, while a welcome book can contain the fuller explanation.
Should House Rules Be Included in an Airbnb Welcome Book?
Yes, in most cases.
A welcome book gives guests a useful place to refer back to your main expectations during their stay.
You do not necessarily need to reproduce every booking condition.
Instead, include the rules most relevant to using the property, such as:
- smoking
- noise
- parties
- pets
- occupancy
- security
- waste
- check-out
For a broader breakdown of guest-guide content, see what to include in an Airbnb welcome book.
How Many House Rules Should You Have?
There is no ideal number.
A small apartment may need only a handful of rules, while a villa with a pool, garden, barbecue and shared access may require more.
The better question is:
Which rules does a guest genuinely need to understand to use this property responsibly?
Every additional rule should have a clear purpose.
Too many unnecessary rules can make important information harder to notice.
How to Make House Rules Feel More Guest-Friendly
You do not need to weaken important policies to make them sound professional.
Compare:
DO NOT MAKE NOISE AFTER 10 PM.
with:
Please keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 pm out of respect for our neighbours.
The expectation is essentially the same, but the second version is clearer and more appropriate for hospitality.
Useful techniques include:
- saying “please” where natural
- explaining the reason briefly when helpful
- grouping related rules together
- using short sentences
- avoiding threatening language
- keeping consequences in booking terms rather than turning the sign into a warning notice
Professional does not mean vague. Rules should still be clear.
House Rules That May Not Be Necessary
Not every possible instruction belongs in the house-rules section.
For example:
- how to operate the coffee machine
- restaurant recommendations
- transport information
- Wi-Fi troubleshooting
- television instructions
These are useful pieces of guest information, but they belong elsewhere in the welcome book.
Separating rules from instructions makes the guide easier to navigate.
Common Airbnb House Rule Mistakes
Avoid:
Too Many Rules
A very long list makes important policies harder to identify.
Vague Language
“Be respectful” is less useful than explaining what behaviour is expected.
Contradicting Your Listing
Rules inside the property should match what guests were told before booking.
Copying Rules from Another Property
Different properties have different amenities, risks and operational requirements.
Aggressive Wording
A page full of capital letters, threats and penalties can create an unnecessarily hostile first impression.
Hiding Important Rules
Guests should know important booking conditions before they arrive.
Forgetting to Update Them
Review rules when your amenities, booking conditions or operating procedures change.
Airbnb House Rules Template Example
Here is a general example you can adapt:
Welcome to [Property Name]
We hope you enjoy your stay. To help keep the property comfortable for everyone, please follow these house rules.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside the property.
Quiet Hours
Please keep noise to a minimum between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am.
Parties & Events
Parties and events are not permitted.
Guests
Only guests included in the reservation may stay overnight.
Pets
Please follow the pet policy agreed at the time of booking.
Property Care
Please treat the property, furniture and equipment with reasonable care.
Security
Close and lock external doors and windows whenever you leave.
Damage
Please report any damage or maintenance problems as soon as possible.
Check-Out
Please follow the check-out instructions provided before departure.
Thank you for helping us look after the property and respect our neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb House Rules
What house rules should I have for my Airbnb?
Most properties should consider rules relating to smoking, noise, parties, visitors, pets, property security and any property-specific amenities such as pools, fireplaces or parking.
Only include rules that are relevant to your accommodation.
How do I politely write Airbnb house rules?
Use direct but respectful language. Explain the expectation clearly and briefly state the reason when it helps guests understand why the rule exists.
For example:
Please keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 pm out of respect for our neighbours.
Should Airbnb house rules be strict?
Rules should be clear enough to protect the property and communicate important expectations, but there is little benefit in adding unnecessary restrictions.
Focus on rules that genuinely matter.
Where should Airbnb house rules be displayed?
Important rules should be communicated before booking or arrival where appropriate and can also be included in the welcome book or displayed inside the property as a convenient reminder.
Should I put house rules in my welcome book?
Yes. A welcome book is a useful place for guests to refer back to the main rules during their stay.
Can I change my Airbnb house rules?
House rules may need to change as your property, amenities or operating requirements change. Make sure updated rules remain consistent across your listing, guest communication and in-property information.
Should I include fines in my house rules?
Any charges, deposits or penalties should be handled carefully and consistently with your booking terms, platform policies and applicable law. A guest-facing house-rules sign usually works better when it focuses on the expected behaviour rather than threats of penalties.
Do I need a separate house rules sign?
Not necessarily. Some hosts keep the rules solely within their welcome book, while others use a printed sign to keep the most important expectations visible inside the property.
Clear House Rules Support Better Guest Communication
Good house rules are not about controlling every aspect of a guest's stay.
They are about making important expectations easy to understand.
Focus on the policies that genuinely matter for your property, explain them clearly and keep your wording consistent across your listing, welcome book and guest communication.
When guests know what is expected, there is less room for confusion.
If you are creating a complete guest-information system, explore our Welcome Books resource hub for guidance on organising property information, instructions and local recommendations.
You can also browse our holiday rental property signs for editable Wi-Fi, welcome, no-smoking and house-rules templates.
