Airbnb house rules: examples that work, and a free template
Good house rules are short, specific and explain why. Cover the things that actually cause problems: occupancy, parties and noise, smoking, pets, the hot tub, and check-out. Then get guests to agree to them before arrival, so you have a record if something goes wrong.
Keep them short and specific
Guests skim long lists. Ten clear rules are better than thirty vague ones. Explain the reason where it helps: "Quiet after 10pm, as the cottage is next door to our neighbours" works better than "No noise".
Examples you can adapt
- Occupancy: "The cottage sleeps 6. Only guests named on the booking may stay overnight."
- Parties and events: "No parties or events. Please keep noise down after 10pm."
- Smoking: "No smoking or vaping anywhere inside, including e-cigarettes."
- Pets: "Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please keep them off beds and sofas."
- Hot tub: "Please shower before using the hot tub, no glass in or near it, and no children in the tub without an adult."
- Safety: "Please do not cover or remove smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. Report any damage or breakages to us straight away."
- Check-out: "Check-out is by 10am. Please load the dishwasher, put rubbish in the outside bins and leave the keys in the key safe."
Get them agreed before arrival
Rules in a folder on the kitchen table are easy to ignore. Asking the lead guest to read and agree to them before arrival, and to confirm how many people are coming, sets expectations and gives you a record. That record helps if you need to make a damage claim.
Build your own rules with our free house rules template. HostSorted can send guests your rules to agree online, record who agreed and when, and alert you if more people are coming than the property sleeps.
Related guides
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the official sources before you act.