What Airbnb Doesn’t Tell You About Your House Rules

For most Airbnb hosts, house rules are extremely important. They are essential for protecting your property, which is often a significant investment. So, when you first create your Airbnb listing and set your house rules, you might think you’re all set. Well, not quite.

This is the information Airbnb has on their website:

but below is what you really need to do to ensure that Airbnb enforces your house rules if a guest breaks them:

1. Set House Rules On Your Listing

First, set your house rules on your listing. Be clear and concise about what they mean. The more specific you are, the better. This helps guests understand exactly what is expected of them during their stay.

2. Include Penalties!!

If your rule has a penalty, you need to write it on your listing. This isn’t about being overly strict it’s about making sure that guests are aware of the consequences of breaking the rules. If the guest is not aware of the fine or penalty, Airbnb will not enforce the rule.

3. Ensure Guests Read and Acknowledge the Rules

It’s crucial to have some type of evidence that the guest has read your house rules. Send them through the Airbnb messaging app multiple times. Ask the guest to acknowledge that they’ve read them or use a service like Docubnb for an added layer of confirmation. This step is vital for ensuring that your guests are fully aware of your expectations.

Why This Matters

Taking these steps will significantly help you with Airbnb customer service if you ever have to fight a dispute. When Airbnb sees that you’ve clearly communicated your rules and that the guest acknowledged them, you’ll have a stronger case.

By being thorough and proactive, you can better protect your property and ensure a smoother experience for both you and your guests.

Happy hosting!

–Suz