House Rules

Hey,

One of my students recently asked, "Rob, how do I set house rules that keep my property safe without making guests feel like they’ve checked into an episode of Rules and Regulations: The Airbnb Edition?"

Great question.

Let’s face it, without the right rules, your hosting journey can turn into an unwanted episode of Property Nightmares.

Here are some of the essential house rules every host needs to enforce to protect their property—and their sanity.

1. No smoking indoors 🚭

Nothing kills a 5-star review faster than a mystery smell guests can’t explain. Enforce a no-smoking policy indoors, and let guests know about extra cleaning fees for violations.

2. Quiet Hours = Happy Neighbors

Set quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. This keeps the peace and ensures you stay on your neighbors’ good side.

3. Clean Up (Yes, including dishes)

Make it clear that guests need to wash their dishes (or load up the dishwasher). If they don’t, extra cleaning fees will apply. Think of this as a gentle nudge toward adulthood.

4. No unauthorized parties

Guests might think your house is the spot for their college reunion. Make it clear: no parties without permission. If they break this rule, hit them with extra cleaning fees—or, if things get wild, a swift checkout notice.

5. Spray tans beware

You’d be surprised how many linens have fallen victim to orange streaks. A friendly PSA: if your guest is rocking a spray tan, they need to bring their own linens—or prepare for some additional charges.

These are just a few of the golden rules I’ve used to keep my properties drama-free and 5-star review-worthy.

Implementing them isn’t about being the Airbnb police—it’s about protecting your investment and creating a great experience for everyone involved.

Want the full list of house rules?

Head over to HostCamp.com where you can download my free guide, packed with all the tips and tricks to make your hosting journey smooth and profitable.

Cheers,

Rob

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