This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclaimer for more info.
As a Superhost since 2019, I’ve learned a lot about how to curate a 5 star experience for my guests. Part of crafting a great experience is putting Airbnb rules for guests in place so guests understand how to interact with your listing. It’s also super important to set proper expectations at the time of booking and throughout the stay.
I’m in a number of different host forums and Facebook groups and every host does it differently. But these top Airbnb rules are tried and true throughout the community and should be implemented at your listing as well.
This post is all about Airbnb rules for guests.
Must-Have Airbnb Rules For Guests
1. Airbnb rules for guests age
Having a minimum booking age is crucial. Some municipalities require this as part of the short term rental permitting process for hosts. Make sure to put your minimum booking age super clear in your listing description.
This will also give you peace of mind about events and unexpected parties being thrown at your listing. A typical booking age minimum is anywhere between 21 and 25 years old.
Are you new to Airbnb? Use my referral link and I’ll coach you through setting up your first listing! Airbnb will give you a $48 bonus for using me as your Airbnb ambassador for listing set up after hosting your first guest!
2. Established check in and check out times
Airbnb will let you customize your check in and check out times but having a set time will be huge for your operation. The best way to find out what’s normal for your area is to look at other listings nearby.
Not having a set check in and check out time will make it hard for turnovers. Ensure this is set to avoid overlapping guest stays and give your cleaning team ample time for turning the property before the next stay.
3. House manual for guests
Airbnb has a section in the listing, for guests that have booked, where you can fill out a House Manual. All hosts should be utilizing this section!
This is where you can lay out all the details of the listing and how guests can interact with everything. This is a place to clarify how to use a firepit, thermostat, BBQ, pool heater, etc. Do not leave out any details!
The more details provided, the better the experience for the guest and you as the host won’t have to field so many questions regarding the listing. This is also where you can emphasize house rules and implications for not abiding by them.
Again, different municipalities have various rules for short term rental guests including number of guests staying at a property or noise hours. The city could have grave consequences for hosts and guests for not abiding by them.
As the host, you want your guests to be well informed but also not feel like they can’t relax. Keep your house rules reasonable! Remember, you are creating an experience for your guests so keep it simple.
4. Airbnb cleaning rules for guests
The dreaded check out chores. There’s been a lot of controversy on check out chores for Airbnb guests over the last 5 years. Here’s my simple take, your guests are on vacation and want to relax, so you need to as the host as well. Do not ask your guests to do laundry, but loading the dishwasher should be just fine.
These are the same check out instructions I use in every listing and I have a 4.95 star rating across hundreds of reviews:
- Leave all the used beds unmade (a.k.a. please don’t make the bed)
- Leave all the used towels on the floor of the bathroom
- Throw out all unused food
- Load and start the dishwasher
- Take out the kitchen trash
- Turn off the thermostat
- Lock the doors
That’s it! Simple things. Some hosts may say that loading the dishwasher is too much or taking out the trash but we do this for smell. If guests have been there awhile and there’s a lot of dishes or trash, we want to start getting those smells out of the house fast.
5. Sample house rules for guests
The best way to set house rules for your guests is to look at other listings in your area. You can reach out to fellow hosts as well to see what they expect of guests in your area.
These are the exact house rules I have for all my listings:
- Must be 21 years old to book the listing
- Agree to the established check in and check out times
- Abide by the quiet hours of 10pm to 7am
- Follow all parking and car limit instructions
- Allow for exterior ongoing maintenance (i.e. gardner, trash pick up and pest control) to occur at the predetermined times
- No smoking allowed
- No pets allowed
What other rules do you have for your guests at your properties? Let me know in the comments below!
This post was all about Airbnb rules for guests.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclaimer for more info.
