Free tool

Airbnb House Rules Template — free PDF generator

Create a print-ready house rules document for your short-term rental in minutes.

This template is provided for guidance only. Check compliance with a legal professional for your specific situation.

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

  1. Missing essential clauses. Failing to mention check-in/out times, capacity or basic rules opens the door to misunderstandings.
  2. Vague schedules. "Arrival in the afternoon" isn't enough — give an exact time ("from 3pm").
  3. Unjustified bans. A rule without context lands poorly. Briefly explain the why.
  4. Mixing rules and welcome booklet. Rules set the framework; the welcome booklet gives practical info. Keep them separate.
  5. Illegal clauses. Any clause discriminating on origin, family status or religion is unlawful.
  6. Penalties outside the legal framework. You can't invent fines. Rely on the security deposit and Airbnb's terms.
  7. Not displaying the rules. Rules that aren't visible at the property lose most of their preventive value.
  8. No translation. For international guests, provide at minimum an English version.
  9. Missing emergency numbers. Local emergency numbers must appear clearly, alongside your own contact.
  10. 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

Are house rules mandatory for an Airbnb listing?

No regulation explicitly mandates house rules, but they're strongly recommended. They formalise the rules of your property and serve as useful evidence in case of a dispute with a guest.

What's the difference between house rules and the rental contract?

The rental contract covers the transaction (duration, price, conditions). House rules govern how the property is used during the stay: schedules, restrictions, amenities, expected behaviour.

Can I ban pets in my house rules?

Yes, you can ban pets — provided the rule is clearly disclosed before booking (Airbnb listing + rules). Discriminatory clauses based on origin, family status or religion are unlawful.

How should I display the rules at the property?

Multiple options: framed display in a common room, binder on the kitchen counter, digital version via QR code, or integration into an interactive welcome booklet. A paper + digital mix is ideal.

Do house rules have legal weight in case of a dispute?

Yes — provided they're communicated to the guest before or at the start of the stay. They're admissible evidence, but they don't override the law: no clause can contradict statute or case law.

Should I translate the rules for international guests?

For international guests, provide at minimum an English version. Platforms like Airbnb welcome guests from around the world — rules in only one language lose enforceability.

What if a guest doesn't follow the rules?

Document (photos, messages), contact the guest, report to Airbnb if needed. The security deposit can cover material damage; for serious nuisances (parties, over-occupancy), Airbnb can step in directly.

Can I update the rules between two bookings?

Yes — you're free to update your rules at any time. Re-generate an up-to-date PDF and share it before the next stay.

Are rules generated online admissible in case of conflict?

Yes, as long as they're communicated to the guest. The format (paper, PDF, web page) doesn't affect their value — what matters is sharing them ahead of the stay.

Can I use this template for Booking.com or Vrbo?

Yes — the generated rules aren't tied to any platform. They apply to all short-term rentals: Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, direct bookings, etc.

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