Good house rules set expectations before a guest books, without reading like a list of threats. Airbnb splits them into two parts: house rules you pick from a set list, and requests you write yourself. Here's how each works and a template to start from.
How Airbnb house rules work
Airbnb's Help Center says house rules cover "a core set of expectations that guests are required to follow," and that hosts can choose rules in these areas:
- Pets
- Events
- Smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes
- Quiet hours
- Maximum overnight guests
- Commercial photography and filming
- Lock up at checkout
- Which Airbnb Service categories you allow in your home
Anything beyond that, like asking guests to remove their shoes or limiting daytime visitors, goes in requests, which you can set to apply during the stay or before checkout. You'll find both under Listing editor → House rules and requests.
Who sees your rules, and when
Airbnb says house rules and requests appear on your listing for anyone who views it, and are shared with confirmed guests in the booking terms, automated emails and their Trips tab. Two details worth knowing:
- Changes only apply to future reservations. Existing bookings keep the rules that were on the listing when they booked.
- Airbnb reviews requests. It flags wording that may not comply with its policies and may review flagged requests further.
Some things don't belong in requests at all. Airbnb says contracts are only allowed in limited circumstances and go in their own section, and that local rules (for example an HOA or local fine guests should know about) have a dedicated place on the listing.
House rules template
Set the built-in rules first, then add requests in plain, friendly language. Copy and adjust:
Wording that works
- Explain the why, briefly. "Keep the cover on so it stays warm" gets followed more than "COVER MUST BE ON."
- Lead with welcome, not warnings. All-caps rules in your description read as hostile. Keep rules in the rules section.
- Be specific. "Quiet hours 10pm–8am" is clear. "Be respectful of neighbors" isn't measurable.
- Keep checkout requests reasonable. A short list gets done. A long list of chores tends to show up in reviews.
- Match your house manual. If the manual says "leave towels on the floor" and the rules say "in the tub," guests will pick one. Keep them identical. See our house manual template.
Rules and Instant Book
Airbnb says instantly bookable listings may rank higher in search. Clear house rules are what make Instant Book comfortable: guests see and agree to them before booking. If parties or extra guests are your worry, set the events and maximum-guests rules and keep the pet rule accurate rather than switching Instant Book off. Read more in how Airbnb search ranking works.
On Vrbo
Vrbo has its own house rules settings, including pet policies and events with a maximum number of attendees. Vrbo's Instant Booking page notes that travelers must accept your house rules before booking. The same template works; see our Vrbo listing tips.
Frequently asked questions
What house rules can I set on Airbnb?
Airbnb lets hosts choose rules for pets, events, smoking and vaping, quiet hours, maximum overnight guests, commercial photography and filming, locking up at checkout, and which Airbnb Service categories are allowed. Anything else goes in requests.
What's the difference between house rules and requests?
House rules are the core expectations guests are required to follow, chosen from Airbnb's set list. Requests are extra details you write yourself, such as removing shoes indoors, and can apply during the stay or before checkout.
Do changes to house rules apply to existing bookings?
No. Airbnb says changes to house rules and requests only apply to reservations made after the change. Existing bookings keep the rules that were on the listing when they booked.
Can I put HOA rules or local fines in my house rules?
Airbnb says local rules, such as an HOA or local government fine guests should know about, have their own place on the listing rather than in requests.
Related guides
- Airbnb Guidebook and House Manual Template (Free, Copy and Paste)
- Airbnb Listing Optimization: A Complete Checklist (2026)
- Vrbo Listing Tips: How to Set Up and Rank a Vrbo Listing
Sources
- Airbnb Help Center: Add house rules and requests to your listing
- Airbnb Help Center: How search results work
- Vrbo Help: About Instant Booking
- Vrbo Help: List your property on Vrbo
Airbnb and Vrbo update their guidance from time to time. We read these pages in October 2026. GlowListing is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Airbnb or Vrbo.