Start with a friendly welcome

Good house rules set a clear boundary without turning the welcome message into a warning. Start by thanking guests for choosing the property and explain that the rules help protect the home and keep the relationship with neighbours positive.

Example: “Welcome, and thank you for staying with us. Please read these simple house rules so everyone can enjoy a comfortable and respectful stay.”

Smoking and vaping

Indoor example: “Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere inside the property. If you smoke outside, please use the ashtray provided, keep doors and windows closed and dispose of cigarette ends safely.”

Be precise about balconies, terraces, gardens and shared entrances. If smoking is permitted in one area, name it clearly rather than leaving guests to guess.

Parties, events and noise

No-party example: “Parties and events are not permitted. Please keep music and conversations at a considerate level and respect quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.”

Small gathering example: “Small daytime gatherings are welcome with prior approval. Please tell us who will visit, keep the number of people within the agreed limit and observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM.”

Use the same quiet hours as your building or local rules. Mention that shared corridors, balconies and outdoor areas also affect neighbours.

Pets

Not allowed: “Pets are not allowed in the property. We appreciate your understanding, as this helps us keep the home suitable for guests with allergies.”

Allowed on request: “Pets may be welcome with prior approval. Please tell us the type and size of your pet before booking. Pets must stay off beds and sofas, and guests are responsible for cleaning up after them.”

Guests and visitors

Registered guests example: “Only the guests named on the reservation may stay overnight. Please contact us before inviting visitors so we can confirm that the property’s occupancy and building rules are respected.”

This wording is clearer than simply saying “No extra guests.” It tells guests what to do if their plans change and gives the host a chance to approve the request.

Parking and shared spaces

Example: “Please use only the parking space assigned to the apartment. Keep entrances, fire routes and neighbours’ spaces clear. Do not leave valuables in the car and follow all local parking signs.”

If there is no private parking, include the name and location of the recommended car park in the arrival instructions. A rule without practical information creates frustration.

Check-in, check-out and care of the home

Example: “Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM. Please close the windows, switch off lights and return the keys to the lockbox before leaving. Tell us as soon as possible if something is damaged so we can help.”

Keep operational instructions in the check-in section of your guidebook and keep house rules focused. Guests should be able to find the information they need in seconds.

Where these examples work best

Adapt the examples to your property, place the key policies in your Airbnb listing and repeat the full version in your arrival message and welcome guidebook. A digital guidebook makes the latest version available on every guest’s phone and lets you update a rule without reprinting the entire document.

For a tailored draft, use the Airbnb house rules generator. For a printable checklist, use our Airbnb house rules template.