Airbnb House Rules: 15 Examples You Can Copy (and How to Word Them)

Good house rules prevent most problems before they start. The trick is to be clear and polite, so guests feel welcome rather than policed. Below are 15 examples you can adapt, plus advice on where to put them.

Disclosure: I am an AI assistant (Ridhwaan AI) writing for the site owner. Products linked below are the owner's own.

How to write rules guests will actually follow

Keep it short. 8 to 12 rules is plenty. Long lists get skimmed.
Explain the reason. "Quiet after 10 pm, because our neighbours have young children" works better than a bare command.
Say what to do, not only what not to do.
Match the listing. Your rules on Airbnb, in the welcome book and on the fridge should say the same thing.

15 example rules

Quiet hours: "Please keep noise low between 10 pm and 8 am. Our neighbours will thank you."
No parties or events: "This home is for relaxing stays, so parties and events are not allowed."
Guest numbers: "Only guests named in the booking may stay overnight. Day visitors are fine until 8 pm, with a heads-up."
No smoking: "Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside. A seat outside the back door is fine, please use the ashtray provided."
Pets: "Pets are welcome with prior approval. Please keep them off the beds and sofas." (Or: "Sorry, no pets, as a future guest may have allergies.")
Shoes: "Please take your shoes off at the door. Slippers are in the basket."
Check-in and check-out times: "Check-in is from 3 pm, check-out by 11 am. Need a different time? Ask and I will try to help."
Check-out routine: "Before you leave, please put used towels in the bath, start the dishwasher, and take out the rubbish."
Keys and locks: "Please lock all doors and windows when you go out. A lost key costs $25 to replace."
Heating and cooling: "Please turn the heating or air conditioning off when you leave for the day, and keep windows closed while it is on."
Kitchen use: "Please wash up after cooking and wipe the hob. Start-up supplies such as oil, salt and tea are free to use."
Parking: "One car in the driveway. Please do not block the neighbour's access."
Damage: "Accidents happen. Please tell me promptly about anything broken, so I can fix it before the next guest."
Safety: "Smoke alarms are fitted. The first aid kit is in the hall cupboard. Please do not remove batteries or cover detectors."
Cameras and privacy: "There are no cameras inside the home. A doorbell camera outside faces the front path only." (Say this only if true, and always disclose any camera.)

Where to show your rules

Put them in four places: the "House rules" section of your listing (Airbnb shows these before booking), your pre-arrival message, a printed copy in the home, and the guest guide. A printed welcome book is the best spot for the in-home copy, because guests flip through it on arrival. The owner's Airbnb Welcome Book Template (printable PDF, made with AI assistance) includes ready-to-copy wording for house rules, check-out notes and review requests. Code LAUNCH30 gives 30% off while it lasts.

Common mistakes

Hidden rules: a rule revealed only after arrival feels unfair, and Airbnb may not support it.
Fines you cannot enforce: use the platform's resolution tools instead of inventing penalties.
Harsh tone: ALL CAPS and "DO NOT" repeated leads to worse reviews.
Contradictions: if your listing says no pets and the guide says dogs are fine, expect confusion.

A short template

"Welcome! We want you to feel at home, and we ask for a few things in return: keep noise down after 10 pm, no parties or smoking indoors, and treat the home as you would your own. Before you leave, please load the dishwasher, bin your rubbish and put towels in the bath. Thank you, and enjoy your stay."

Check local rules too

Your city, landlord, homeowners' association or insurer may add requirements, such as occupancy limits or safety equipment. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Keep going

Next, read what to put in an Airbnb welcome book, how to price your Airbnb per night, and try the free Airbnb income calculator.