Creating Effective House Rules for Your Short-Term Rental: A Guide for Hosts

skyviewvacations
Apr 24
3 min read

House rules aren’t just a list of dos and don’ts—they’re your first line of defense for protecting your property, your guests, and your peace of mind.

For short-term rental hosts, especially those on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, clearly written house rules set expectations and prevent potential issues before they arise. When done well, they also enhance the guest experience by providing clarity and boundaries.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating effective house rules for your short-term rental property.

Why House Rules Matter

A well-written house rules section can:

Help avoid misunderstandings or disputes with guests
Establish respect for your property
Discourage bad behavior
Set the tone for the guest experience
Serve as a point of reference if issues arise during a stay

Most importantly, house rules help ensure your short-term rental remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for all future guests.

Where to Display House Rules

You should make your rules easy to find and read. Here are a few recommended places to display them:

Your Listing Description: Include a brief overview of your most important rules.
Pre-Arrival Message: Send a reminder about key rules in your welcome message.
House Manual or Guidebook: Place a printed version inside the home.
Check-in Instructions: Reinforce rules in your check-in message or folder.

How to Write House Rules That Work

Keep these tips in mind when drafting your house rules:

Be clear and concise: Avoid vague language. Say exactly what you mean.
Stick to what matters: Too many rules can overwhelm guests. Prioritize what’s truly important.
Use a friendly tone: You want guests to feel welcome, not policed.
Explain why: When it makes sense, give a reason. For example, "Quiet hours help us maintain good relationships with our neighbors."

Must-Have House Rules

Every property is different, but there are some rules nearly all short-term rentals should consider including:

1. No Smoking

Let guests know if smoking is prohibited indoors or on the entire property. Be clear about consequences (e.g., cleaning fees).

2. No Parties or Events

This is especially important for maintaining relationships with neighbors and complying with platform policies.

3. Quiet Hours

Set a time range (e.g., 10 PM–8 AM) to respect neighbors and promote a peaceful environment.

4. Pet Policy

Be explicit: Are pets allowed? If so, are there restrictions or extra fees?

5. Maximum Occupancy

Specify the guest limit to avoid overcrowding.

6. Check-In/Check-Out Times

Include your preferred times and note if early check-in or late check-out is available upon request.

7. Use of Amenities

Provide instructions or restrictions for things like hot tubs, fireplaces, grills, or pools.

8. Security Measures

Inform guests if there are outdoor security cameras or noise monitoring devices—transparency is key.

9. Parking Instructions

Let guests know where they can and cannot park, especially if space is limited or shared.

10. Damages and Reporting

Ask guests to report any damage or maintenance issues immediately.

Bonus: Helpful but Optional Rules

Depending on your setup, you might want to add rules like:

Please do not rearrange the furniture.
Turn off lights and AC/heating when leaving the property.
No unregistered guests.
Dispose of trash properly.
Wash dishes before check-out.

These rules help maintain your property and set expectations for cleanliness and courtesy.

Enforcement: What If Rules Are Broken?

No one likes dealing with rule violations, but having your rules clearly stated gives you a stronger foundation if issues arise. Here’s what to do:

Document the issue (photos, messages)
Communicate with the guest through the platform
Report violations to Airbnb, Vrbo, etc., if necessary
Use your platform’s resolution center to request damages or compensation

Be firm, but professional and polite. Most guests want to do the right thing, and clear rules help guide them.

House Rules Template

Here’s a simple example you can adapt for your listing:

House Rules

No smoking inside the home
No parties or events
Quiet hours: 10 PM to 8 AM
Pets allowed with prior approval and pet fee
Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
Check-in: 4 PM / Check-out: 11 AM
Please park only in designated areas
Report any damages immediately

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our home safe, clean, and comfortable for everyone!

House rules are more than just policies—they’re a key part of hosting responsibly. With the right approach, your rules won’t scare guests away. In fact, they’ll set the tone for a smooth, enjoyable stay.

Take time to review and update your house rules regularly, especially as you learn from experience. Clear expectations are the foundation for great reviews, respectful guests, and a successful short-term rental business.

Ready to build your own? Start with the essentials, keep it friendly, and protect your space with confidence.