Template
Airbnb House Rules Template That Guests Actually Read (With Visual Guide)
House rules are a defensive tool. Most hosts write them to protect against damage, noise complaints, and bad reviews. But guests read them as a list of threats — and they often don't read them at all. This template gives you the 10 most common house rules with visual placement tips that make them impossible to ignore.
Why teams choose SceneHost
- The rules that work are short, visual, and placed where guests see them in context — a "no shoes" sign at the door works better than a bullet point on page 7 of a PDF.
- Cover 10 essential rules: No Smoking, No Parties, Quiet Hours, Check-Out Time, Extra Guests, Pets, Parking, Shoes, Trash & Recycling, and Appliance Usage.
- Place each rule where it's relevant: entry door, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and parking area — not all in one document.
- Use icons and 5–10 second video clips in a SceneHost 360° guide for room-aware rule placement that guests actually retain.
1. No Smoking
Template: No smoking inside or on balconies. This includes cigarettes, vapes, and cannabis. Smoke detectors are highly sensitive and fines for false fire alarms are passed to the guest. Visual placement: Place a small sign on the entry door at eye level and a second sign on the balcony door if applicable.
Pro tip: Don't just say "no smoking." Say where smoking is allowed, if anywhere. Guests who smoke will do it regardless; giving them an option reduces indoor violations.
2. No Parties or Events
Template: No parties, events, or gatherings beyond the registered guests. The space is designed for [X] people. Additional visitors must be approved in advance. Visual placement: Place on the entry door or in the living room on a framed card.
Pro tip: Be specific about what constitutes a party. "No loud music after 10 PM" is clearer than "no parties."
3. Quiet Hours
Template: Quiet hours: [Time] to [Time]. Please keep voices and media volume low in hallways and shared spaces during these hours. Visual placement: Place a small sign in the hallway or near the bedroom doors.
Pro tip: Explain the reason. Guests are more likely to comply when they understand the human impact, not just the rule.
4. Check-Out Time
Template: Check-out: [Day] at [Time]. Late checkout is available by request if there is no same-day turnover. Unauthorized late checkout incurs a fee of $[X] per hour. Visual placement: Place on the bedroom door, the bathroom mirror, and the refrigerator.
Pro tip: Include the checkout checklist, not just the time. Guests forget details. A checklist removes the need for them to remember.
5. Extra Guests
Template: Maximum occupancy: [X] guests. Day visitors and overnight guests not on the reservation are not permitted without prior approval. Visual placement: Place on the entry door alongside the capacity note.
Pro tip: If you have a sofa bed or extra sleeping space, note that it's available by request rather than leaving it as an implicit option.
6. Pets
Template: No pets. This policy is in place due to allergies. Service animals are welcome as required by law. Visual placement: Place on the entry door.
Pro tip: Don't make exceptions in the rules if you're not willing to enforce them. Ambiguity leads to "I didn't know" conversations.
7. Parking
Template: Your parking: [Spot/area]. Please park only in the designated space. Street parking requires [permit/meter] during [hours]. Visual placement: Place a sign in the parking spot itself if possible.
Pro tip: If parking is limited or complicated, offer to send a photo sequence before arrival. Visual guidance prevents parking tickets.
8. Shoes
Template: Shoes off, please. We have white/light rugs throughout and ask guests to remove shoes at the door. A shoe rack is provided [location]. Visual placement: Place a small sign or shoe rack at the entry door.
Pro tip: If you require shoes off, provide a place to put them. A sign without a shoe rack feels like a demand, not a request.
9. Trash & Recycling
Template: Trash bins: [Location]. Please bag all trash and place it in the [outdoor bin/chute] before checkout. Visual placement: Place a small laminated card above or on the trash can.
Pro tip: Every city has different recycling rules. A photo of what goes in each bin is worth more than a paragraph.
10. Appliance Usage
Template: Please treat appliances with care. The [specific appliance] is sensitive — [specific instruction]. If something stops working, message us before trying to fix it. Visual placement: Place small notes directly on the appliances that need explanation.
Pro tip: The #1 cause of appliance damage is guests trying to "fix" something that isn't broken. Tell them to message you first.
Bonus: How to Present Rules Visually
Room-Aware Placement: Don't put all rules in one document. Place each rule where it's relevant. Entry door: No smoking, shoes, capacity, quiet hours. Kitchen: Appliance notes, trash rules. Bedroom: Check-out time, thermostat info. Bathroom: Check-out reminder, towel policy. Parking area: Parking rules.
Icons: Use simple icons next to each rule. Icons transcend language barriers and make rules scannable.
Video Clips: In a SceneHost 360° guide, attach 5–10 second video clips to each room view explaining the relevant rules. A 10-second clip of you saying "Please remove shoes here" is more effective than a sign.
The One-Page Summary: Provide a single page with all 10 rules as icons + one-line text. Put it on the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put house rules in the welcome book or separately?
Both. The welcome book has the full context. The room-specific signs and QR codes handle the real-time reminder. Don't rely on one channel.
How many rules is too many?
Ten is the maximum. More than that, and guests stop reading. If you have more than 10 concerns, you're trying to solve a guest-quality problem with rules. Screening and pricing are better tools.
Should I mention penalties?
Yes, but calmly. 'Unauthorized late checkout incurs a $X fee' is better than 'LATE CHECKOUT = $$$ FINE!!!' Guests respond to clarity, not aggression.
Can I change rules mid-stay?
No. Rules must be stated before booking and included in your listing. Surprise rules are unenforceable and lead to disputes.
Do guests actually read house rules?
Some do, some don't. That's why room-aware placement matters. Even guests who skim the welcome book will see the sign on the door.
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