House rules
House rules that sound friendly and still get followed.
Good house rules are short, specific and give a reason when the reason is not obvious. Below are examples you can copy, and what Airbnb’s newer policy says you can and cannot ask.
Short answer
Most homes need five or six rules: smoking, parties, quiet hours, the number of guests, pets, and one or two things specific to your home. Put them in your listing first, then repeat them in your welcome book.
Examples you can copy
Pick the lines that fit your home. Change the times and numbers to match your listing.
Smoking
Please do not smoke or vape inside. You are welcome to smoke on the terrace; there is an ashtray by the door.
Parties
No parties or events, please. The house is in a quiet street and our neighbours are close by.
Quiet hours
Quiet hours are 22:00 to 07:00. Please keep music and voices low outside, and close the windows if you stay up late.
Guests
The house sleeps 4. Please do not invite extra overnight guests without asking us first.
Pets
Dogs are welcome. Please keep them off the beds and sofas, and pick up after them in the garden.
Shoes
Please take your shoes off in the hall. There are slippers in the basket.
Fire and candles
Please only use the fireplace with the guard in place, and do not leave candles burning when you go out.
Hot tub
Children use the hot tub only with an adult. Please put the cover back on after use; it keeps the water warm.
How to word rules so guests follow them
- Be specific. "Quiet hours 22:00 to 07:00" works better than "be respectful".
- Give a reason when it is not obvious. "Our neighbours are close by" turns a rule into a favour.
- Say what guests can do, not only what they cannot: "Smoking is fine on the terrace."
- Keep the list short. Five rules are read. Twenty-five are not.
- Write please. It costs nothing, and it changes the tone of the whole guide.
What Airbnb now says about house rules
Airbnb's help article "Reasonable house rules and requests" applies to reservations booked on or after 20 November 2026. In short, according to that article:
- Rules and requests must be shown in the designated section of your listing at the time of booking. New rules cannot be added afterwards, including by message, signs in the home or in person.
- Hosts generally cannot ask guests to do tasks that take significant effort or time, or tasks a cleaner would normally do, such as stripping the bed, taking rubbish offsite or washing and putting away dishes.
- Hosts cannot impose fines or other penalties on guests.
- Requests that fit the local context can be reasonable, for example shorter showers during a drought, or animal-proof bins in bear country.
Read the full article on Airbnb's help centre before you change your rules, as policies change. Other platforms have their own rules.
Where to show your house rules
Put them in your listing first. Then repeat them in your welcome book, so guests can check them during the stay. A short version on the inside of the front door helps for the one or two rules that matter most, such as quiet hours in a flat.
Source: Airbnb Help Centre: Reasonable house rules and requests. Checked 24 October 2026.
Questions hosts ask
What are typical Airbnb house rules?
No smoking indoors, no parties or events, quiet hours (often 22:00 to 07:00 or 08:00), a maximum number of guests, and whether pets are allowed. Many hosts add one or two rules specific to their home, such as the hot tub or the fireplace.
What are typical Airbnb quiet hours?
Many hosts use 22:00 to 07:00 or 22:00 to 08:00. Check your local rules, building rules or HOA rules, which may set the hours for you.
Can I fine guests for breaking house rules?
On Airbnb, no. Its policy says hosts cannot impose fines or penalties on guests. If a local authority or community association could fine you, you can tell guests about that in the designated section of your listing.
Can I add house rules in my welcome book?
Under Airbnb’s policy, rules must be in the listing at the time of booking, and new rules cannot be added later by signs in the home. Use your welcome book to repeat and explain your listing rules.