What is a short-term rental house rules document?
A house rules document is a written document setting out the rules guests must follow during their stay. Unlike the rental contract, which covers the transaction, house rules cover usage: schedules, restrictions, amenities, expected behaviour.
Distinct from the contract and the Airbnb policy, your house rules document belongs to you, the host. It avoids ambiguity, protects your property, and gives guests a clear framework.
Why house rules protect your property
Clear, written rules formalise what's expected of guests and become useful evidence in case of a dispute. Without house rules, you remain exposed to abusive behaviour with no written basis to fall back on, and recourse with platforms is harder.
Local obligations may apply (registration with the city, tourist tax, zoning rules). Always check the regulations applicable to your municipality before publishing your listing.
Informational content — does not replace legal advice. Verify the regulations applicable to your property.
10 mistakes to avoid in your house rules
- Missing essential clauses. Failing to mention check-in/out times, capacity or basic rules opens the door to misunderstandings.
- Vague schedules. "Arrival in the afternoon" isn't enough — give an exact time ("from 3pm").
- Unjustified bans. A rule without context lands poorly. Briefly explain the why.
- Mixing rules and welcome booklet. Rules set the framework; the welcome booklet gives practical info. Keep them separate.
- Illegal clauses. Any clause discriminating on origin, family status or religion is unlawful.
- Penalties outside the legal framework. You can't invent fines. Rely on the security deposit and Airbnb's terms.
- Not displaying the rules. Rules that aren't visible at the property lose most of their preventive value.
- No translation. For international guests, provide at minimum an English version.
- Missing emergency numbers. Local emergency numbers must appear clearly, alongside your own contact.
- Not updated. Laws, amenities, schedules — revisit your rules at least once a year.
What's in a well-written house rules document?
The PDF generated by this tool covers six essential sections: general information, schedule, house rules, financial conditions, special amenities and emergency contacts. Each section stays concise — a document that gets read beats a long one.
The goal is for a guest to skim it in under two minutes and retain the key points. Visual hierarchy (titles, icons, separators) matters as much as the content itself.
How to display the rules at your property
Multiple options coexist: framed display on the fridge, binder on the kitchen counter, digital version via QR code. The "paper + digital" mix works well: paper reassures, digital updates easily.
To go beyond the PDF, an interactive welcome booklet centralises rules, WiFi instructions, amenities and local recommendations — accessible in one scan, no app required. WiFi QR Code Generator.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Airbnb house rules
Beyond the PDF: switch to an interactive welcome booklet
The PDF is a great starting point — but a guest hunting for the WiFi password on a printed sheet is a guest who'll text you at 10pm. The WonderGuest booklet centralises all your information on a personalised web page for your property, accessible in one scan.
Create my booklet for free