Airbnb house rules: why they matter and what to include

As an Airbnb host, your property represents a significant investment of time, money and effort. From furnishing to listing, every detail contributes to a successful rental business. But how do you ensure your investment is protected and guests understand how to respect your property and its surroundings? 

This is where comprehensive Airbnb house rules become invaluable. They act as a clear guide, setting expectations for guest behaviour and preventing misunderstandings. While the prospect of writing detailed rules might seem daunting, they are crucial for a smooth hosting experience.

Let’s dive in - we’re going to cover:

• Why do you need Airbnb house rules?
• Are Airbnb house rules legally binding?
• Airbnb house rules: What can they contain?
• Free Airbnb house rules template
• What to do if Airbnb guests break house rules
• How to remove guests who break Airbnb house rules
• How to set up Airbnb house rules
• Best practices for Airbnb house rules

Tools like Touch Stay digital guidebooks can simplify this process, providing a user-friendly platform to present your house rules clearly and accessibly, ensuring guests have all necessary information at their fingertips.

Why do you need Airbnb house rules?

House rules aren't just about protecting your property; they foster a positive and respectful environment for everyone involved. They clarify expectations, minimise potential issues, and contribute to a better guest experience.

• Protect your property and investment: Rules help prevent damage, misuse of amenities, and excessive wear, safeguarding your asset.
• Set clear expectations for guests: Many guests aren't familiar with staying in a private home versus a hotel. Clear rules bridge this gap.
• Prevent misunderstandings and disputes: Ambiguous expectations lead to disagreements. Well-defined rules reduce arguments.
• Promote a harmonious neighbourhood: Rules on noise, parking, and common areas ensure guests are considerate of neighbours.
• Filter suitable guests: House rules are a form of marketing, attracting guests who fit your property's style and deterring those who don't.
• Streamline communication: Rules provide a ready reference, reducing repetitive guest questions.
• Support Airbnb resolution processes: In case of disputes or damage, Airbnb refers to your rules for mediation, strengthening your position.

Pro tip: Discover everything you need to know about the house manual for Airbnb

Are Airbnb house rules legally binding?

Yes, Airbnb house rules, once agreed upon by guests, are generally considered legally binding within Airbnb's Terms of Service. When a guest books your property, they implicitly agree to abide by both Airbnb's overarching terms and any specific house rules you have outlined.

This means that if a guest violates a house rule, you have grounds to address the issue, potentially involving Airbnb's Resolution Centre for mediation or claims for damages. It's crucial, however, that your rules are reasonable, clearly communicated, and do not violate any local laws or Airbnb's anti-discrimination policy. Unreasonable or unlawful rules may not be enforceable.

Airbnb house rules: What can they contain?

When crafting your Airbnb house rules, think comprehensively about all aspects of a guest's stay. Here's a detailed breakdown of common and important rules to consider:

No parties or events

Clearly state that parties, events, or large gatherings are strictly prohibited. Specify the maximum number of people allowed on the property at any given time.

No pets

If you don't allow pets, state this unequivocally. If you do, be specific about types allowed, restrictions, and any additional fees. You may also specify areas where pets are not allowed.

No smoking

A strict no-smoking policy inside the property is common. If permitted in outdoor areas, specify where and ensure ash receptacles are available. Emphasise that indoor smoking will incur additional cleaning fees.

No noise

Establish quiet hours, typically late evening through early morning, during which guests should minimise noise from music, shouting, or entertainment.

No unregistered guests and visitors

Specify that only registered guests are permitted to stay overnight. If day visitors are allowed, set clear limits on their number and departure time.

Check-out times

State the exact checkout time and explain any penalties for late departure. Outline what guests need to do before leaving, such as locking up or turning off lights.

Removing shoes in the house

For properties with delicate flooring or a preference for cleanliness, requesting guests remove their shoes indoors is a reasonable rule.

Taking out the trash

Specify where and how guests should dispose of their rubbish, including recycling procedures. Provide clear instructions on bin locations and collection days.

Parking

If your property offers parking, clearly outline where guests can park and any restrictions, such as designated spots or vehicle size limits.

Illegal activities

Explicitly state that any illegal activities are strictly prohibited on the premises, covering everything from drug use to illegal downloading using your Wi-Fi.

Lost key fees

Clearly communicate the fee for lost or unreturned keys or access fobs to encourage responsibility and cover replacement costs.

No food or drinks in bedrooms

To prevent spills and stains, a rule prohibiting food and drinks in bedrooms can be very effective.

Washing dishes and laundry

Specify whether guests are expected to wash their dishes before checking out. For longer stays, include guidelines on laundry use.

Maintaining the property

Encourage guests to respect the property and its contents, treating it as their own, to promote responsible behaviour.

Rules against rearranging the furniture

State that guests should not rearrange furniture without prior permission to prevent damage and ensure the property remains presentable.

Safety and security regulations

Outline any specific safety instructions, such as locking doors, operating security systems, or using fire safety equipment.

Off-limit areas

If there are any private areas or storage spaces that are off-limits to guests, clearly mark them or explicitly state this in your rules.

Appliances and electronics

Provide basic instructions or guidelines for using any appliances or electronics that might be unfamiliar to guests.

No photos or video recordings

If you have specific privacy concerns, you might include a rule against taking photos or video recordings for commercial use without prior consent.

Hot tub/swimming pool

For properties with a hot tub or swimming pool, detailed rules are essential for safety and maintenance. Cover usage hours, shower requirements, no glass, child supervision, and reporting issues.

Balcony/deck area

For outdoor spaces, set rules regarding noise levels, grilling (if allowed), and not leaving personal items unsecured.

Free Airbnb house rules template

Here's a template you can adapt for your own Airbnb house rules. Feel free to copy/paste it into a doc and customise it to fit your specific property and preferences.

“Welcome to [Property Name]!

We're so happy to host you and want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. To help us maintain our home and ensure a pleasant experience for all guests and our neighbours, please review our house rules. By confirming your booking, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

General Rules:

• No parties or events: Parties, events, or large gatherings are strictly prohibited. Max occupancy: [Number].

• No unregistered guests or visitors: Only registered guests may stay overnight. Day visitors must depart by [Time, e.g., 10pm].

• Quiet hours: Observe quiet hours between [Start Time, e.g., 10pm] and [End Time, e.g., 8am].

• No smoking: Strictly prohibited inside. If smoking outdoors [Specify area, e.g., patio], use an ash bin. Indoor smoking incurs [Amount, e.g., £250] cleaning fee.

• No pets: We cannot accommodate pets.

• Respect the property: Treat our home with care. Report any damage immediately.

• Shoes off indoors: Kindly remove shoes to keep floors clean.

• Rubbish disposal: Separate waste (general/recycling) in [Location, e.g., kitchen]. Bins collected on [Day(s)]. Place bins at the kerb on [Evening before collection day].

• Lost keys/fobs: A fee of [Amount, e.g., £50] applies for lost items.

Specific Area Rules:

• Kitchen: Wash all used dishes and put them away before checkout.

• Bedrooms: No food or drinks in bedrooms to prevent spills.

• Parking: [Number] spaces available on driveway. Park in [Specify location, e.g., front of garage] only.

• Hot tub/swimming pool (if applicable):

• Hours: [Start Time, e.g., 9am] to [End Time, e.g., 9pm].

• No diving. Children must be supervised. Shower before entering. No glass in area.

• Balcony/deck area (if applicable): Keep noise to a minimum. Dispose of all rubbish properly.

Check-out Procedures:

• Check-out time: [Time, e.g., 11am] on departure day.

• Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked.

• Turn off all lights and AC/heating.

• Place used towels in laundry basket.

• Gather used bed linens and place in [Location, e.g., laundry room].

• Empty all bins and take rubbish out to designated bins.

Emergencies & Contact:

• Emergency: Dial [Emergency Number, e.g., 999].

• Non-emergency issues/questions: Contact us via Airbnb app or at [Your Phone Number].

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We hope you have a fantastic stay!”

Pro tip: For more info, check out our blog on what to include in your Airbnb welcome letter

What to do if Airbnb guests break house rules

Even with clear rules, guests might not always adhere. How you handle these situations can impact guest relations and dispute outcomes.

Speak with your guests

A polite conversation often resolves issues. Guests might be unaware or have forgotten. Approach calmly, explaining the violated rule and its importance.

Address the issue immediately

Don't let problems escalate. Promptly contact guests if you notice a violation to rectify it and prevent further issues.

Keep it professional

Maintain a professional and courteous tone. Avoid accusatory language. Stick to facts and refer to your rules. Document all communications for potential Airbnb involvement.

Reimbursement or filing claims

If property damage or significant violations result in financial loss, seek reimbursement. Document damages with photos/videos, gather repair receipts, and use Airbnb's Resolution Centre to file a claim. Provide evidence and clearly articulate the violation and impact.

Pro tip: Cover all the points above when you learn how to create an Airbnb welcome book

How to remove guests who break Airbnb house rules

Removing guests is a last resort for significant house rule violations that threaten property, neighbours, or safety. Always familiarise yourself with Airbnb's policies on guest removal.

You cannot physically remove guests yourself. You must follow Airbnb's procedures:

• Document the violation: Gather irrefutable evidence (photos, videos, witness statements, noise complaints).
• Communicate with Airbnb support: Contact support immediately, explain the situation, and provide evidence. They will guide you.
• Following Airbnb's instructions: Airbnb will assess and may initiate a formal booking cancellation. In severe cases, they may advise on law enforcement involvement for immediate threats or illegal activity.

Unilaterally removing guests can lead to legal issues, so always work within Airbnb's framework and local laws.

How to set up Airbnb house rules

Effective house rules are more than just text; they need to be accessible and easy for guests to understand. This is where a digital guidebook can be incredibly beneficial.

While Airbnb provides a section for house rules in your listing, that's just the first touchpoint. To ensure guests truly internalise and can easily refer to your rules, integrate them seamlessly into your Touch Stay digital guidebook.

Here's how Touch Stay can help:

• Centralised information: Your digital guidebook becomes the single source of truth for all guest information, including comprehensive house rules.
• Easy to navigate: Create a dedicated "House Rules" section, allowing guests to quickly find information with clear headings and bullet points.
• Rich media: Incorporate images or short videos to illustrate rules (e.g., how to use an appliance).
• Accessibility: Guests can access your guidebook from any device (smartphone, tablet, laptop), making it convenient.
• Pre-arrival sharing: Send the guidebook link as soon as guests book, encouraging early review of rules.
• Reduces questions: Detailed, accessible rules mean fewer repetitive guest questions, saving you time.

With a Touch Stay digital guidebook, you transform your house rules into an interactive, user-friendly resource, promoting a smoother experience for both you and your guests. Discover how easy it is!

Best practices for Airbnb house rules

Crafting effective house rules requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some best practices to ensure your rules are clear, fair, and conducive to a positive guest experience:

Keep it simple and fair

Avoid overly complex or lengthy rules. Use clear, concise language and focus on important points. Ensure rules are reasonable and don't unfairly restrict typical guest behaviour. You want guests to feel welcome, not policed.

Think about your property

Tailor rules to your property's unique features, local environment, and vulnerabilities. E.g., specific septic tank rules or strong noise rules for quiet residential areas.

Think about your target guests

Consider the guests you aim to attract. Rules for families might include child safety. For business travellers, emphasise quiet workspaces. Aligning rules with your audience attracts the right fit.

Update rules regularly

Property features, local regulations, and guest behaviour can change. Regularly review and update your house rules based on experiences and new requirements. If a recurring issue arises, add a specific rule to address it.

Be clear on the consequences and benefits

Clearly state the consequences of violating house rules (e.g., fees, early departure, negative reviews). Equally important, explain the benefits of following rules (e.g., smooth stay, positive review from you, preserving property). Frame rules positively, explaining the "why."

Crafting clear and comprehensive Airbnb house rules is an essential part of being a successful host. They protect your investment, foster good guest relations, and streamline your hosting operations. 

By setting clear expectations and making your rules easily accessible, especially through a Touch Stay digital guidebook, you'll create a more harmonious environment for everyone. 

Ready to take control of your guest communication and simplify your hosting life? Sign up for your free Touch Stay trial today and see how effortless managing your Airbnb house rules can be!