Resources/House Rules Template

House Rules Template

A comprehensive, customizable house rules document to protect your property and set clear expectations with guests.

How to Use This Template

1

Customize the Brackets

Replace all [BRACKETED] text with your specific property details

2

Remove Irrelevant Sections

Delete sections that don't apply (e.g., pool rules if no pool)

3

Add to Your Listing

Include in your Airbnb/VRBO listing and digital guidebook

4

Print & Post

Display a printed copy in the property for guest reference

What's Included

Check-in/out

Times & procedures

Occupancy

Guest limits & visitors

Quiet Hours

Noise policies

Smoking

Smoking policy & fees

Pets

Pet policy & fees

Parking

Parking rules

Pool/Hot Tub

Pool safety rules

Dock/Waterfront

Waterfront rules

Kitchen

Appliance use

Trash

Disposal procedures

Security

Safety procedures

Emergency

Contact information

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HOUSE RULES

Welcome to [PROPERTY NAME]! To ensure a pleasant stay for you and our neighbors, please observe the following rules:

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
• Check-in: [TIME] PM | Check-out: [TIME] AM
• Early check-in/late check-out may be available upon request (additional fees may apply)
• Please ensure all doors and windows are locked upon departure

OCCUPANCY
• Maximum occupancy: [NUMBER] guests (including children)
• Only registered guests are permitted to stay overnight
• Visitors must leave by 10:00 PM

QUIET HOURS
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM
• Please be respectful of neighbors at all times
• Outdoor music/entertainment must end by 10:00 PM
• This property is monitored by noise detection devices (audio is NOT recorded)

SMOKING
• This is a strictly NON-SMOKING property
• No smoking inside the home or on covered patios
• Smoking permitted only in designated outdoor areas (if any)
• $500 cleaning fee for smoking violations

PETS
• [Pets allowed with prior approval and pet fee / No pets permitted]
• If pets are approved: must be disclosed at booking, $[AMOUNT] pet fee applies
• Pets must not be left unattended in the property
• Owner is responsible for any pet-related damages

PARKING
• [NUMBER] parking spaces available
• Park only in designated areas
• No street parking overnight
• No RVs, trailers, or boats without prior approval

POOL & HOT TUB (if applicable)
• Pool hours: [TIME] AM - [TIME] PM
• No lifeguard on duty - swim at your own risk
• Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult
• No glass containers in pool area
• Please shower before entering pool/hot tub
• Do not adjust hot tub temperature settings

DOCK & WATERFRONT (if applicable)
• Use of dock/boat lift is at your own risk
• Life jackets available - please use when appropriate
• No diving from dock
• Fishing permitted, please dispose of waste properly
• Report any dock damage immediately

KITCHEN & APPLIANCES
• Please wash dishes or load dishwasher before departure
• Do not leave food in refrigerator upon checkout
• Report any appliance malfunctions immediately
• No deep frying inside the property

TRASH & RECYCLING
• Trash pickup days: [DAYS]
• Please take trash to curb on pickup days
• Recycling bins provided - please separate recyclables
• Do not leave trash outside overnight (wildlife)

SECURITY & SAFETY
• Lock all doors and windows when leaving
• Do not share door codes with non-guests
• Fire extinguisher located: [LOCATION]
• First aid kit located: [LOCATION]
• Emergency exits: [LOCATIONS]

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
• No parties or events without prior written approval
• No illegal activities
• No fireworks or open flames (except designated fire pit)
• No harassment of wildlife
• No commercial photography/filming without approval

DAMAGES & LIABILITY
• Please report any damages immediately
• Guest is responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Security deposit of $[AMOUNT] may be held for damages

EMERGENCY CONTACTS
• Property Manager: [PHONE]
• Emergency Services: 911
• Non-Emergency Police: [PHONE]
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

By staying at this property, you agree to abide by these house rules. Violations may result in immediate termination of your stay without refund.

Thank you for being a respectful guest!

Pro Tips for Effective House Rules

  • Be specific about fees - Vague penalties are hard to enforce
  • Include in booking confirmation - Guests should acknowledge rules before arrival
  • Update seasonally - Pool rules in summer, fireplace rules in winter
  • Check local laws - Some rules may conflict with local tenant rights
  • Keep it reasonable - Overly strict rules can hurt bookings and reviews

Need Help Setting Up Your Property?

We can help you create custom house rules, set up your digital guidebook, and ensure your property is guest-ready.