What to Include in Your House Rules for a Short-Term Rental

Clear Rules Keep Your Rental Running Smoothly

Unclear house rules lead to headaches. Guests need direct instructions, not uncertainty. Write down exactly what you expect before anyone arrives. This keeps your place protected and your hosting stress low.

Start with the basics. Every guest needs to know:

• Check-in time: 4 PM. Check-out time: 11 AM sharp. No wiggle room.
• Maximum occupancy. Spell it out. Too many people? That’s a problem.
• Parking. Where to park, what’s off-limits, and how to avoid towing.
• Garbage and recycling. When and where to take it out. No one wants a pile of trash left behind.
• WiFi details. Make it easy. No one likes hunting for passwords.
• Emergency contacts. Who to call if something goes wrong.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Guest screening services filter out the wrong fit before they book. Noise monitoring systems keep things quiet without invading privacy. These tools work in the background, but your rules do the heavy lifting up front.

Boundaries That Actually Work

Every rental needs lines that can’t be crossed. No parties. No smoking inside. No extra guests sneaking in. These aren’t suggestions. They’re non-negotiable. Spell them out in plain language. Don’t bury them in fine print. Guests respect what’s clear and enforced.

Local laws matter. Short-term rentals face strict rules in many cities. Make sure your house rules match local ordinances. No one wants a visit from code enforcement or angry neighbors. When you set boundaries, you protect your investment and your standing in the community.

Cleanliness isn’t optional. Professional cleaning and maintenance services keep your place spotless between guests, but guests need to do their part. Leave clear instructions for:

• How to use appliances without breaking them
• Where to put dirty towels and linens
• What to do with dishes before check-out
• How to handle spills or minor messes

Respect for your space starts with clear expectations. When guests know the rules, they’re more likely to follow them.

Special Situations Need Special Rules

Pets bring extra questions. Some rentals welcome dogs, others don’t. If you allow pets, set limits. Size, breed, number. Be specific. List any extra fees. Make it clear where pets can and can’t go. No one wants fur on the couch or scratches on the doors.

Security matters. Security monitoring in common areas keeps everyone honest. Cameras at entrances deter rule-breakers. Guests know you’re serious about protecting your property and their safety.

Other special cases pop up. Maybe you allow children, but not toddlers. Maybe you have a pool with strict safety rules. Spell out every detail. The more specific you are, the fewer headaches you’ll face later.

Enforcing Rules Without the Drama

Rules mean nothing without consequences. Guests need to know what happens if they break them. List every penalty in black and white. No smoking? That’s a $250 fine. Extra guests? Security deposit takes a hit. Late check-out? Charge by the hour. Excessive noise? Eviction isn’t off the table.

Document everything. Take photos before and after each stay. Keep records of communication. When a rule gets broken, you have proof. No arguments. No drawn-out disputes. Just clear, fair enforcement.

• Smoking inside: $250 fine
• Unauthorized guests: loss of deposit
• Late check-out: hourly fee
• Noise complaints: immediate removal

Guests respect rules when they see you enforce them. Consistency keeps your property safe and your business running smoothly.

Communication Makes or Breaks the Experience

Guests want answers fast. They don’t want to dig through pages of rules to find what matters. Keep your language simple. Use bullet points. Highlight the most important rules at the top of your welcome message.

A quick check-in after arrival shows you care. Fast responses to questions or concerns build trust. Our guest communication approach keeps guests happy and problems small.

When guests feel heard, they follow the rules. When they feel ignored, problems grow. Communication isn’t just about avoiding issues. It’s about building a reputation for great stays.

House Rules That Actually Get Read

Long lists get ignored. Dense paragraphs get skipped. Break your rules into sections. Use bold text for deal-breakers. Keep each rule short and direct. Guests remember what’s clear and easy to find.

• Check-in and check-out times at the top
• Non-negotiable rules in bold
• Special policies (pets, children, amenities) in their own section
• Consequences listed clearly at the end

Update your rules as needed. Laws change. Neighborhoods change. Guest behavior changes. At MainStay Hosts, we stay ahead by reviewing our rules every few months. Don’t let outdated policies create confusion or risk.

Ready to Optimize Your Rental Rules?

Contact MainStay Hosts at 813-467-6333 or schedule a consultation to create professional house rules that protect your property while maximizing guest satisfaction.