How to set helpful house rules

Your house rules set expectations for guests, and give them a preview into your hosting style. They also help guests evaluate whether your space is a good fit before they book it.

Hosts can choose from a set of standard house rules in the following areas:

• Pets
• Events
• Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes
• Quiet hours
• Check-in and checkout times
• Maximum number of guests
• Commercial photography and filming

Your house rules are featured prominently in four places: on your listing page, on a screen when guests book your space, and in the Pack Your Bags email as well as the Arrival Guide guests receive ahead of their trip.

If you have special requirements that aren’t included in the set of standard house rules—like if your space is a shoe-free zone—you can write them under additional rules.

It’s wise to avoid overwhelming guests with too many rules, but you can add anything important about local customs or health and safety. Here are a few examples from Hosts:

• “We ask that you be prudently silent and discreet, especially at night or during the siesta.” —Beatriz Elena, Medellin, Colombia
• “Please close and lock all windows and doors when you leave the suite.” —Dave and Deb, Edmonton, Canada
• “Please do not keep any food in the bedroom.” —Momi, Honolulu

With ground rules, any rule you choose from the list of standard house rules can be enforced. If a guest violates a house rule, your first step should be to communicate with the guest and try to resolve the issue directly. If you’re unable to come to a resolution, contact Community Support for assistance.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.