Quiet hours
Please keep voices and music low between [10 PM] and [8 AM], especially on the patio. Thank you for looking after our neighbors.
Replace the example hours with the actual hours published for your property.
Free host template
House rules guests can understand.
Be specific, be brief, and sound like a host. Copy this Airbnb house-rules template, replace the brackets, and remove anything that doesn’t apply to your rental.
The short version
Welcome to [PROPERTY NAME]! A few things help everyone enjoy the stay: • Registered guests: The home accommodates up to [NUMBER] guests. [YOUR VISITOR POLICY]. • Quiet hours: Please keep voices and music low from [START TIME] to [END TIME], especially outdoors. • Smoking and vaping: [YOUR POLICY, INCLUDING ANY DESIGNATED OUTDOOR LOCATION]. • Pets: [YOUR PET POLICY]. If pets are welcome, please [YOUR CLEANUP AND FURNITURE EXPECTATIONS]. • Parking: Use [DESIGNATED SPACES]. Please keep [SHARED ACCESS / NEIGHBOR’S DRIVEWAY] clear. • Care for the home: [ONE OR TWO PROPERTY-SPECIFIC REQUESTS, SUCH AS SHOES AT THE DOOR]. • If something breaks or needs attention: Message [HOST CONTACT] so we can help. Checkout is by [TIME]. Please [YOUR SHORT CHECKOUT LIST] and return keys to [LOCATION, IF APPLICABLE]. Thank you for looking after the space. We’re glad you’re here.
Before you publish it
Every bracket is a decision for your property. Check the guest limit, visitor policy, exact quiet hours, smoking areas and pet arrangements. Read the final version as if you had never visited the home. “Put it in the usual place” works for you; a precise location works for a guest.
Keep the listing, booking messages, house manual and signs consistent. This is a communication template, not a legal agreement or a way to introduce new fees. Review the rules that apply to your property and booking platform before publishing.
House rules and house instructions do different jobs
A rule tells a guest what is expected: keep noise low during quiet hours. An instruction explains how to do something: press the lock button when leaving. Keep appliance walkthroughs, Wi-Fi troubleshooting and emergency contacts in your house manual so the rules stay short.
Wording for common situations
Shoes at the door
Please leave outdoor shoes on the rack by the door. There’s a bench for getting comfortable.
Make the requested action easy. Only mention amenities you actually provide.
Smoking
Please keep the indoor spaces smoke- and vape-free. [IF PERMITTED: The designated outdoor area is LOCATION; please use the ashtray there.]
Remove the outdoor sentence if it does not match your policy.
Trash and recycling
Please bag household trash and put it in [BIN / LOCATION]. Recycling goes in [BIN / LOCATION]. Close the lids securely. Extra bags are [LOCATION].
Use the same bin names and colors in the kitchen, manual and departure message.
Checkout
Checkout is by [TIME]. Please [ONE OR TWO AGREED TASKS], check for your belongings, and return keys to [LOCATION]. Message us if you need help before you leave.
Keep this consistent with the instructions guests already received.
Let a few well-placed signs do the reminding
A full rules sheet doesn’t need to appear in every room. Use a short reminder where the action happens, with the full policy available in the manual. A shoe sign belongs at the shoe rack. A towel reminder belongs beside the towels.
For low-stakes reminders, a little humor can fit a vacation setting. Keep the instruction clear beneath the joke, and keep safety information direct. Our signage guide maps common reminders to useful locations.