Airbnb house rules template

How to write rules guests follow

• Keep it short. Eight to twelve rules. A list of thirty reads as distrust and nobody finishes it.
• Most important first. Quiet hours, parties, smoking and the number of guests, then the rest.
• Be specific. “Quiet hours 22:00 to 08:00” works; “be respectful” does not.
• Give the reason when it is not obvious. “Shoes off inside: the floors are untreated wood” gets followed.
• Write it kindly. “Please” and “thank you” cost nothing and change how the list reads.

What Airbnb already covers

Airbnb's listing settings have standard house rules for pets, events, smoking, quiet hours, the number of guests and check-in and check-out times, plus a field for additional rules. Guests see them before they book and agree to them. Use the template above for the additional rules, and repeat the important ones where guests look during the stay: a sign by the door and your digital guidebook.

Examples by type of place

Apartment in a building. Quiet hours matter more than anywhere: neighbours complain to the building, not to the guest. Add the rubbish room, the lift and where not to park.

Villa with a pool. Children supervised at the pool, no glass by the water, pool hours if neighbours are close, and how to cover the pool at night.

Cabin or country house. Fireplace and barbecue rules, what to do with the ash, wildlife and bins, the generator or water tank if there is one.

Room in your home. Shared kitchen times, bathroom etiquette, keys and visitors.

Where to show the rules

In the listing, so guests agree before they book. In the message two days before arrival, as a short reminder of the top three. On a sign inside the front door. And in the guest guide, where guests look when a question comes up.