Help writing my listing house rules?

[Vanessa137]

Hey everyone!

I have been Airbnbing for a while, but I feel like I lack rules in the house rules section. What do your house rules cover??

Thanks.

[Linda108]

@Jake-and-Melissa0   First of all I must say I love your place!  Such a wonderful desert experience can happen here.  I am not too far away in La Quinta, but your place has a remoteness and wildness that I do not have.  I agree that rules must be respectfully, not defensively, written.  The rules need to come from an inviting, but educating point of view.  Fire arms...not sure how to address that 😛 

[Jake-and-Melissa0]

Thanks, Linda! I suppose we're almost neighbors 😉

[Edwin57]

my Dad walks the guest through the three bedrooms apartment show them every thing, NO miscommunication, the most important respect my house and my house will respect you now let your mine work on that you know what i mean

[Susie5]

@Jake-and-Melissa0, one rule which I saw in a different thread was about guests using the Wifi to illegally download copyrighted content, and the host then receiving threatening letters from the lawyers for the owners of the materials.  I copied some wording someone had used on that for my rules (I apologise to the original posting, I can't find it anymore but thanks for the tip!):

"Absolutely NO downloading of copyrighted materials (no "bit torrent", for example) is allowed. Any copyright infringement by guests will be subject to release of guests' info to the copyright holder for further action." 

I've been a non-smoking house and have had several guests not able to comply with that rule, smoking outside and leaving butts around.  I have recently decided to permit vaping in the hope that they will take the hint and switch to vaping for the duration of their time with me.  Pot is another issue now that it is legal here in Massachusetts, although I haven't had anyone smoke it in the house that I know of. It's such a strong smell, I think I would have noticed if someone had smoked it.  

[Sarah977]

I host a single room with private bath in my home. I have very few rules listed under house rules. I really don't care what time someone comes home at night as long as they don't make a lot of noise if it's late. Nor do I care much what time they check in or out, as I give myself a day between bookings to clean and people really can't help it if their flight gets in late or gets delayed.

The only house rules I really have are no extra guests, no taking my house towels (or anything else) to the beach, and limited use of internet as I am on a metered connection. I consider cleaning up after oneself to be something all respectful adults do, so I don't even mention that (although I certainly would be very clear about it if I was an off-site host).  Everything else, like not taking 20 minute showers due to the fact that I don't receive a consistent water supply and therefore try to be conservative in water usage, I just explain to the guest when they arrive, rather than posting it up as a rule.

I have been lucky to have very respectful guests, only a couple incidents where a guest took liberties.

And, in general, I find drunks far more problematic than stoners.

[Alexandra316]

@Sarah977I ask guests not to take bath towels to the beach or pool as well at my cottage listing. How does that work for you? Do people generally comply?

[Sarah977]

@Alexandra316   So far it's worked well- I have reminded the guests when I send them a map to my place and other info about a week before their arrival to please provide their own beach towel. Now, in the last month, 2 guests have left beach towels behind (on purpose, their bags were full) so now I have a couple I can offer to guests when they arrive and maybe not tell them to bring one, since most of my guests fly in and as we all know, baggage limits are miniscule these days.

I didn't want to have to provide beach towels, since they often disappear- someone goes to a beach restaurant and leaves the towel hanging over the back of their chair. Plus they get full of sand and dirty from dogs and kids running over them.

One recent guest, who obviously didn't read my house rules, took one of my good guest towels on a booze cruise, when I asked her where the other bath towel I had given her was, after not seeing it when cleaning, she said "its hanging in the bathroom", and brought out a totally different towel to show me, different color, different size, and scratchy.  When I said that one wasn't mine, she said she must have grabbed someone else's towel on the boat, as if it was no big deal.

She did offer to pay for the missing towel, but I let it go. But kind of upset me, since I can't get another matching one anymore.

[Alexandra316]

@Sarah977That's good. I hope most people stick to it for us as well. I don't care as much about the pool, but the beach at our cottage is kind of dirty (typical Great Lakes beach... the sand isn't pristine) so I really don't want our white towels down there!

[Lisa723]

No weapons

No smoking or vaping of any kind in or within 50 feet of the house

No cigarette smoking anywhere on the property

[Marcin13]

 Hi, I took advantage of amazing rules lined up by 

Linda

Linda

La Quinta, CA

Level 10  4667 Posts

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La Quinta, CA

‎11-11-2016 10:16 AM

Welcome!

I’m thrilled that you’ve chosen to stay here!

We all come from different backgrounds, cultures and places, and expectations vary. To get the most out of your stay, please take a few moments to read through the House Rules.

Look, we hate having to lay out rules as much as you hate having to follow them. So we've identified the things that are REALLY important to us so please read them and be respectful of our needs so we can be great hosts for you.

**House Rules**

* Preparation, being Mindful *

To help you prepare, here are a few tips to help enhance your experience with us.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/695/how-can-i-be-a-considerate-guest

* Communication *

Should you have any questions regarding your booking please just drop us a message, we will try to respond within 24 hours, mostly it is within an hour. This is important to keep in mind when travelling to our place, for example from the airport. Upon arrival our host will assist you with all questions and reasonable requests.

Please mind we can only assist you in the urgent matter, and so please allow us for some privacy.

* Plan Your Arrival *

BE ON TIME: We'll expect you to work with us to find a mutually acceptable check-in time and commit to arriving at the agreed upon time.

We will advise you and ask kindly to give us precise time of your arrival so we can ensure our presence to welcome you and give away the keys ( please refer to * Guest Access * for more details )
Please kindly message us when you about board bus from the airport to London.

If you won't provide to us exact time frame of your arrival, and will message us once you at the door, it might happen that the room won't be ready or we won't be able to get to our place in reasonable time, other than agreed time check in time.

Please mind that we both work day jobs and so the Airbnb room rent is aside our schedule, tho we are very accommodating given that you will follow the advice stated above.

* Check - In and Identification *

Read below for some guidelines to help you have a smooth check-in.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/41/how-do-i-coordinate-check-in-details-with-my-host

PROFILE PICTURE: Please upload a profile picture where we can identify you by sight. This is our only way of ensuring we let you in and not a stranger.

On arrival You might be asked to proof Your identity: Passport, ID. We might take photo of your ID or passport as security measures. Please be ensured we dispose those information after trip is over.

Please forward to our Airbnb email your flight bookings. This is to replace deposit and confirm your identity.

The only acceptable form of identification is an official government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, that meets all of the requirements above. Student ID cards are not valid forms of identification.If you can't comply with our request we won't be able to accommodate your stay and proceed with the check in.

Please mind that we give away keys to the house and we share with our guests our most private spaces. As for our experience ID check is the most reliable way to build trust.

You might consider full authentication of your profile with valid ID:

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/4/how-does-airbnb-help-build-trust-between-hosts-and-guests

* Make Yourself at Home *

NO ENTERTAINING: We are perfectly happy having people pop by to pick up our guests, but we would prefer that you not use our home to entertain them. We'd be happy to help you find other places to spend time with your family and friends, for example working out details to pack a picnic to take to the Gardens or making a dinner reservation.

⦁ Please kindly take off Your shoes at the front door
⦁ All our doors haven't got fitted locks. We kindly ask our guest to keep the door open to allow for heating circulation. On daily basis we check the room and clean it to ensure good condition of the room and furnishings

Heating:
⦁ Smart energy controller is fitted to monitor electricity usage, please please use electric heating fairly and sustainably
⦁ Turn off heating when going out
⦁ Use heating when all windows are CLOSED

* Safety Is Our Priority *

Please mind there is live recording, CCTV on the premises, that is limited to our private room and the hall. We store the images from the common areas for 30 days on independent serwer.

We would like to encourage you to read the following articles:

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/241/i-m-a-guest--what-are-some-safety-tips-i-can-follow

* Allergies *

Information about cat is presented on our booking page and you have been advised to read house rules where this information is available as well.

Please mind our accommodation is not suitable for guests with allergic reactions to cat allergens. Therefore we advise you to take this under consideration when booking with us and seek suitable accommodation.

* Guest Access *

OVERNIGHT GUESTS: All overnight guests must be approved in advance through the booking process and are subject to an additional fee as noted in the price.

Guests may access these areas of the house:
Bathroom, Kitchen

These areas are off-limits:
Host’s Bedroom

On occasions we might limit access to the house keys. We will always make sure to communicate to you all limitations and how you can access the flat.

* SMOKING POLICY *

No smoking is allowed inside the House at any time. If you are a smoker, please find different accommodations immediately. No smoking on the property.

* Laundry Use *

Guests may run one load of laundry. Please let me show you how to operate the machines and what detergent to use.

* Bathroom *

⦁ Do NOT open window in the toilet
⦁ Conserve water
⦁ Turn off water when brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes
⦁ Do not flush tampons or sanitary napkins
⦁ Please hang your wet towels. Do not leave damp towels on the furniture
⦁ Leave the bathroom door open, when not in use

* Kitchen Use *

COOKING: You are welcome to use the microwave, glassware and dishes for anything you've brought for yourself. That means the stove, oven, cookware and knives are to be used only by us. If you desire a home-cooked meal instead of eating out, you must work that out in advance.

Kitchen use is limited to:
⦁ Preparing breakfast
⦁ Simple food prep (sandwiches, etc.)
⦁ Using the microwave and toaster oven
⦁ Anything more involved (i.e., if it involves pots, pans, stove, oven, etc.) is not permitted

* Checkout / Departure *

⦁ Checkout is 12:00 PM unless prior arrangements have been made
⦁ Leave bed unmade
⦁ Used towels leave on the floor
⦁ Check the bathroom for your toiletries
⦁ Check the refrigerator for your food
⦁ If I’m not home, please leave keys on the green night stand and shut door behind you
⦁ Come back again soon!

ASK IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR ISSUE: The key is, we're almost always here, just ask if you need something or want to know something. We appreciate the opportunity to make things more comfortable for you. If we aren't here, just text. We'll point you in the right direction 🙂

Whew! Let's do something more fun now 🙂

[Carrie185]

I am new to hosting and we just had our first guests. Who were awesome, btw. We asked their feedback on what we could do better and they said to make House Rules. So I searched the community and found this thread. It was a great help! I plagiarized quite a few. 🙂 

Here's what I came up with. It might be a tad overkill, but better safe than sorry.

"We want you to have an enjoyable, relaxing experience when you stay in our home, so communication with us is key. We’re happy to arrange breakfast items and other things in advance.

~~Some Basics~~
- Please treat our home with respect.
- You can wear shoes in the house, just please make sure they’re not dirty.
- Pick up after yourself in the common areas and please wash your dishes or place them in the dishwasher. 
- Please don’t leave doors open, not even for a few seconds. (We have a cat.) If you go onto the patio, close the sliding door. If you leave, lock the front and patio doors.
- Should you like the temperature adjusted, ask Neal or myself. (NOTE: There is a ceiling fan in your room.)
- Accidents do happen, so if anything breaks, spills, stains, etc., please let Neal or I know immediately.
- One house key is provided. Unreturned and/or lost key will be charged a $25 replacement fee. 
- Don’t take what isn’t yours or what wasn’t provided for you. (We do provide a fresh toothbrush and disposable razor should you need one, so feel free to take them with you!)

~~Food~~
- Breakfast is provided. During the work week (M-F), breakfast will be set out around 7-8am depending, and will consist of a predetermined selection. We’ll communicate with you beforehand to ensure we have the goodies you’ll like. You can select from the following:
--- Homemade quick breads (coffee cake, banana bread, scones, etc.) or muffins (blueberry or apple-cinnamon)
--- Fresh fruit
--- Whole wheat toast, peanut butter, and jam
--- Hard-boiled eggs
--- Yogurt
--- Whole wheat bagels and cream cheese
--- Coffee or tea
--- On the weekends, we usually cook a hot breakfast and you are very welcome to join us
- If you’re more the do-it-yourself person, let me know what items I can provide you to cook.
- No eating meals in the bedroom please, but snacks/munchies are fine.
- We often make dinner. If you’d like to join us, we simply ask for a reasonable donation.

~~Drugs, Alcohol & Smoking~~
- We have zero tolerance for drugs of any kind. We are not 420-friendly. Alcohol is fine. (Bring your own.)
- We’d prefer to have non-smoking guests. We do not allow smoking of anything on our property. That includes vaping.

~~Common Room Access~~
- Common rooms are considered the living, dining, kitchen, and laundry areas, as well as the front and back yards, and patio.
- You do not have access to the home office, master rooms, or the bar.

~~Quiet Hours~~
- Quiet time Monday-Thursday is from 10pm to 6am. Friday-Sunday is from 12am to 8am.

~~Kitchen & Laundry Room Privileges~~
- You are welcome to use the kitchen. Please ask where something is or how to use something if needed, and clean whatever items you use.
- You may use the washer and dryer if you are staying for 3 or more nights.

~~Pool Usage~~
- You may use the pool at your leisure but please be respectful of quiet hours. You can swim during that time, just be quiet.
- No glass in or around the pool area. If you only have glass bottles, we’ll supply you with cups.
- We’ll provide you with big beach towels. Please don’t use the bath towels for the pool area.
- You may use any floaties or rafts available.
- This should go without saying but: 
---Our pool is not a bathroom. No bathing or using it as a toilet
---No sex in the pool

~~Guests & Events~~
- No unregistered guests without prior approval
- No overnight visitors
- No parties or entertaining of your guests without prior approval

~~WIFI Use~~
- No downloading of copyrighted materials (no "bit torrent", for example) is allowed. Any copyright infringement by guests will be subject to release of guests' info to the copyright holder for further action.
- No downloading or viewing of illegal images or videos (i.e. child pornography, etc.)

~~Reminders~~
- We don’t have cable but you are welcome to stream Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. on your personal device. You may want to bring headphones if you watch during quiet hours.
- We have a dog and a cat. Don’t leave any doors open for any length of time.
- No children under 12.
- Sorry, no pets. While we love animals, adding yours night cause problems we’d rather avoid.

[Nannette8]

I  softened up to make it more friendly and coorperative on the part of the host and the guest.   I don't care for the use of the word RULES when we are hosting!

 Our Moto is EASY!  The more we understand each other’s expectations, the easier it is for everyone, so let’s get started on making your stay perfect!

*  GUESTS: All overnight guests must be approved in advance through the booking process and are subject to an additional fee as noted in the price including children.

* CHILDREN: Our home is not child-friendly/safe your child must always be in the same room with you.

* DOGS: Our Terrier Buddy is part of our family, and we are sure you share that feeling about your dog.  Some arrangements differ when booking with your dog (UNDER 40LB ONLY)

Please do not instant book if you plan on bringing your dog.

The dog must be with you at all times. PetSmart is nearby with Doggie Day Camp,

* CHECK-IN: We'll communicate ahead of arrival regarding your estimated check-in time, you will have our cell number if changes need to be made. Whole Foods and Shop Rite both have online ordering and delivery if you would like particular items here for you when you arrive, they even have flora depts if you need a gift for someone.

* COOKING and DINING AREAS: We provide our guests with a mini frig with freezer, microwave, small convection oven, and an infrared burner (like those used on some cooking shows!) minimal cookware and spices, and an array of table setting to enjoy anything you've brought or ordered in.  Weather permitting, we have an outdoor dining area with both gas and charcoal grills. There is a large selection of TO GO restaurants in the area with delivery.  Our liquor cabinet is restricted, please.

*GUEST HUBS: These marked areas contain supplies of coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks in the cart in the kitchen; hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, TP, etc in the baskets and under the bathroom sink. Please respect that these items are for your use while you are here with us, please leave supplies here for the next guest. If you don't see what you need, please ask via text or call me.

WHERE IS IT?  Ironing- inside the door to the basement. There is a carpet sweeper in the hallway. Fireplace remote is on top of the unit.  TV Use the remote 1 to turn on the TV and the Roku remote to watch Netflix, Amazon, etc.

DURING YOUR STAY WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE....

* QUIET HOURS: 10 PM to 6 AM, so please bring your headphones!

* ENTERTAINING: We are perfectly happy having people pop by to pick you up. Please arrange to entertain them elsewhere unless we have agreed to it at the time of booking.

*SMOKING: There is no smoking or vaping of any kind in the house, lots of comfy outdoor space for smokers.

* AT CHECK OUT: Please leave the keys in the bedroom lock; leave laundry (sheets and towels, etc) in the bathtub and feel free to leave a tip for our cleaners. Call or text me and I will swing by to lock up after you leave.  Items left-behind can be shipped to you COD upon request. There is a $25 charge for lost keys.

 Just ask if you need something or want a dining or event recommendation, we are here to make things EASY for YOU! If we aren't here, just text. We'll point you in the right direction.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Vanessa137 I'd be a bit more concerned about the tone of the feedback and some of the comments which many mean you are starting to attract the wrong type of guest

[Helen427]

Have you updated your house rules as a result of Corona virus/ Covid 19 related matters?

If not, maybe it's something to work on whilst in lockdowns.

Keep safe and look after ones health.