Hospitality
Vacation Rental House Rules Template: What to Include and How to Word It
By MAXORI Studio · Updated 18 October 2026 · 5 min read
Clear house rules prevent most small disagreements before they start. This guide lists what to cover, how to word each rule so it sounds friendly rather than strict, and where to share the rules so guests really see them. Rules on noise, smoking, pets or deposits differ by country and building, so adapt everything to your local rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
Keep rules short and specific
Guests read rules once, usually on arrival. A few short lines with real times and details work better than a long list of prohibitions. Say what you ask guests to do, not only what is forbidden, and explain the reason when it is not obvious.
Topics most hosts cover
Include only the rules that apply to your property.
| Topic | What to state | Friendly wording idea |
|---|---|---|
| General | Number of guests, visitors, respect for neighbours | Please keep to the number of guests in your booking. |
| Quiet hours | Exact start and end times | Quiet time is from 22:00 to 08:00, out of respect for neighbours. |
| Pool and terrace | Opening times, supervision, glass | Please supervise children and avoid glass by the pool. |
| Pets | Allowed or not, where, cleaning | Pets are welcome if agreed in advance. |
| Smoking | Where, if at all | Smoking is not allowed inside; the terrace is fine. |
| Parking | Where, how many cars | One car fits in the marked space. |
| Check-out | Time, what to do before leaving | Please close windows and leave the keys on the table. |
How to share them
The same rules should appear in more than one place.
- Mention the key rules in your listing and booking confirmation.
- Send the full rules in your pre-arrival message.
- Print a one-page version and keep it visible in the property.
- Repeat only the check-out routine in a message the day before departure.
Handling a broken rule
Start with a short, polite message that names the rule and what you ask, such as lowering the noise after quiet hours. Keep it factual, do not blame, and keep a copy of what you wrote. Stay aware of your platform terms and local law before charging any fee or ending a stay.
Local rules come first
Some rules are set by law, by your building or by your platform, and cannot be changed by a sheet of paper. Check what applies to you. This guide gives no legal advice.
Questions
What should vacation rental house rules include?
General rules and guest numbers, quiet hours, pool and terrace use, pets, smoking, parking and the check-out routine.
How long should house rules be?
One page is usually enough. Short, specific rules with real times are read more often than long lists.
Should I print the rules?
A printed sheet in the property helps, because guests may not reopen the booking messages. Keep the same text in your listing and messages.
Can I write rules in my guests' language?
Yes, and it helps. Make sure the wording says the same thing in each language.
Ready-made tools for this
The House Rules & Guest Message Templates kit has seven printable house rules sheets and 30 guest messages with placeholders, in English, Italian, Spanish, French and German, as PDF (A4 and US Letter) and TXT. They are general templates and not legal advice.
