House Rules Template: A Host’s Guide to Setting Clear Expectations

A well-crafted set of house rules is more than just a list of 'don'ts'. It's a critical tool for protecting your property, managing guest expectations, and preventing the misunderstandings that can lead to negative reviews. As hosts who have managed everything from our family home in Washington, D.C., to beach properties in the Riviera Maya for over a decade, we've learned firsthand that clarity is kindness. A great house rules template sets a professional, respectful tone from the start, ensuring guests know exactly how to care for your space. This not only safeguards your investment but also helps guests feel confident and comfortable, paving the way for a 5-star stay.

The right set of rules can dramatically reduce guest questions and operational headaches. For hosts looking to streamline their operations even further, exploring tools for property management workflow automation can be a game-changer, complementing the clarity an effective house rules template provides. In this guide, we'll walk you through a curated list of our favorite resources for creating your own rules, from downloadable designs on Etsy to fully integrated digital solutions. Each option includes a brief overview, a direct link, and our take on its best use case, helping you find the perfect fit for your hosting style.

1. SmoothStay

SmoothStay is an AI-powered digital guidebook platform that excels at transforming how hosts communicate essential information, including a clear and professional house rules template. It’s designed from the ground up to minimize repetitive guest questions, elevate the guest experience, and streamline operations for hosts managing one or dozens of properties. The platform moves beyond static PDFs, creating a dynamic, mobile-friendly hub for everything a guest needs.

What truly sets SmoothStay apart is its intelligent approach to hosting. Its built-in AI chatbot can instantly answer guest questions 24/7 by drawing directly from the content you've added, effectively acting as a digital co-host. We've found this feature alone dramatically cuts down on repeat inquiries about things like Wi-Fi, checkout procedures, and of course, specific house rules. The platform is also built for growth; you can use dynamic tags to update a single piece of information (like a new Wi-Fi password) and have it automatically populate across guidebooks for multiple properties. This is a game-changer for anyone scaling their portfolio.

Key Features & Use Cases

• AI-Powered Guest Assistance: The 24/7 AI chatbot provides instant answers, preventing you from being woken up at 2 a.m. to confirm the no-smoking policy.

• Dynamic Content Scaling: Update your core house rules template once, and use dynamic tags to automatically customize details like occupancy limits or parking spot numbers for each specific property.

• Effortless Sharing & Access: A built-in QR code generator makes it simple to place a scannable code in your rental, giving guests immediate access without needing to download an app.

• Full Customization & Branding: Create a guidebook that reflects your brand with custom logos, colors, and a unique URL slug (e.g., smoothstay.io/guide/your-property-name).

Pricing & Availability

SmoothStay offers a compelling entry point with a free Starter plan for a single guidebook. The Host Plan is priced affordably at $6.90/month for the first guide and just $2.90/month for each additional one, making it highly cost-effective as you scale. All paid plans come with a 14-day free trial without requiring a credit card.

Our Take: SmoothStay is the best choice for hosts who see their guidebook as a central part of their hospitality strategy. While the initial setup requires a thoughtful time investment, the long-term payoff in saved time and improved guest satisfaction is substantial. For an in-depth guide, explore their resources on creating an effective Airbnb welcome book.

2. Etsy

Etsy is a sprawling creative marketplace and an excellent resource for hosts who prioritize aesthetics and brand cohesion. Unlike dedicated legal template sites, Etsy’s strength lies in its vast selection of visually appealing, editable designs created by independent artists. This is where you go when a standard black-and-white Word document just won't cut it.

For a relatively small investment, often between $3 and $15, you can instantly download a beautifully designed house rules template that matches your property's specific vibe—whether it's modern minimalist, rustic cabin, or beachy chic. Most sellers offer templates that are easily customizable in free tools like Canva, allowing you to tweak text, colors, and fonts to perfectly align with your brand. Many listings also come as part of a bundle, including matching Wi-Fi signs and checkout checklists, creating a polished and professional guest experience from the moment they arrive.

However, the sheer volume can be a double-edged sword. Quality and file formats vary significantly between sellers, so it’s crucial to read listing descriptions and reviews carefully. Also, remember these are primarily design templates; you are responsible for ensuring the actual rules content is comprehensive and enforceable.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/market/airbnb_house_rules_template

3. Hostfully

Hostfully offers a practical, no-fluff approach for hosts seeking an industry-specific house rules template combined with operational guidance. Rather than focusing on design, Hostfully provides a comprehensive blog article that includes a free, downloadable template tailored specifically for short-term rentals. This resource is ideal for new hosts or those wanting to ensure their rules cover all essential bases, from check-in procedures to local noise ordinances.

The strength of this resource is its integration with a well-known digital guidebook platform. The article walks you through not just what rules to include but also how to implement them effectively within the Hostfully ecosystem. This is a significant advantage for hosts who already use or are considering Hostfully Guidebooks, as it streamlines the entire process. You can explore more strategies for integrating your rules into guidebooks with this detailed guide on crafting comprehensive vacation rental house rules.

However, the template is presented within a blog post, which may require an email signup to access, adding an extra step. Its content is also naturally geared toward promoting the Hostfully platform, so hosts using other systems will need to adapt the implementation advice. While the template is solid, its presentation is more functional than aesthetic, lacking the design-forward options found on creative marketplaces.

Website: https://www.hostfully.com/blog/airbnb-house-rules-template/

4. Lodgify

Lodgify, a vacation rental software company, offers more than just a template; it provides a comprehensive guide focused on creating and implementing Airbnb house rules. This resource is ideal for new hosts or anyone looking to refine their rules with a step-by-step framework, explaining not just what to include but also how to add the rules directly into the Airbnb platform. It's less about visual design and more about foundational, practical knowledge for short-term rental management.

The guide walks you through common rule categories with clear examples, making it easy to build a solid structure. Alongside this detailed article, Lodgify offers a free, downloadable house rules template in a customizable PDF format. This combination of education and a ready-to-use tool is particularly valuable, ensuring hosts understand the reasoning behind each rule they set for their property.

While the resource is incredibly helpful and tailored specifically to the vacation rental industry, be aware that accessing the template may require submitting your contact information through a form. Additionally, since the content is heavily centered on Airbnb, hosts using other platforms like Vrbo or direct booking sites might need to adapt the instructions and some of the platform-specific advice to fit their needs.

Website: https://www.lodgify.com/guides/airbnb-house-rules/

5. Zeevou

Zeevou, a property management system, offers a free and straightforward house rules template designed for hosts who need a comprehensive, no-frills solution immediately. Unlike design-focused platforms, Zeevou provides a functional, ready-to-use PDF that covers the essential categories for short-term rentals. This resource is perfect for busy property managers or new hosts who want a solid foundation without spending time on design or extensive writing.

The template is available as an instant download directly from their site, with no sign-up or payment required, which is a major advantage for those in a hurry. You can print it as-is or copy the text into your own branded document or digital guidebook. It serves as an excellent starting point, ensuring you don’t miss crucial rules related to safety, guests, pets, and property care. From our experience, it's best to start with a complete checklist like this and then tailor it to your specific property.

The main limitation is its format. As a static PDF, it lacks the easy customization of a Canva or Word file, requiring you to retype and reformat the content to match your brand’s aesthetic. However, for sheer speed and comprehensive content, Zeevou's offering is a valuable tool for hosts who prioritize function over form and need a reliable template to build upon quickly.

Website: https://zeevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Giveaway_-_House_rules_template.pdf

6. Creative Market

Creative Market is an online marketplace for hosts looking to invest in a higher tier of design and branding. It's a step up from general marketplaces, featuring professionally crafted assets from experienced designers. If you see your property as a distinct brand and want every guest-facing document to reflect that quality, this is an excellent resource. You'll find cohesive bundles that go beyond just a sign, often including multi-page welcome books with a dedicated house rules template page already integrated.

The primary advantage here is the polished, brand-ready quality. Most templates are delivered as fully editable Canva files, allowing for deep customization while maintaining a professional layout. This saves hosts significant time and effort in creating a truly premium welcome package. It's a perfect solution for boutique rentals, high-end properties, or hosts managing multiple listings who need a consistent and impressive brand identity across their portfolio.

However, this premium quality comes at a higher price point, with comprehensive host bundles often costing more than individual templates on other platforms. It's also vital to check the licensing terms that come with your purchase. Some designers may have specific restrictions on commercial use, so always read the fine print to ensure the license aligns with your business needs.

Website: https://creativemarket.com/TimVfh/10217940-Ultimate-airbnb-host-bundle

7. Creative Fabrica

Creative Fabrica is a massive digital marketplace for crafters and designers, but it's also a hidden gem for short-term rental hosts. Similar to Etsy, it offers a wide variety of editable designs from independent creators, but it often caters to those who need quick, affordable, and practical assets. This is an excellent stop for hosts looking for a stylish and printable house rules template without the overwhelming volume of a broader creative marketplace.

Many templates on Creative Fabrica are designed for easy editing in Canva and are typically available for instant download in standard printable sizes like A4 and US Letter. For just a few dollars, you can find a clean, professional template that looks great printed and framed in your property. The platform is particularly strong for finding bundles that include matching welcome signs and Wi-Fi info cards, helping you create a cohesive set of guest-facing documents on a tight budget.

However, since it is a marketplace, the design quality and file usability can vary. It's important to read the product descriptions to confirm file types and editing software requirements. Be mindful that the platform heavily promotes its subscription model, which gives access to the entire library, but you can always purchase templates individually without a recurring commitment. As with any design-focused template, you are still responsible for providing the actual rule content.

Website: https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/airbnb-house-rule-template/

8. CYDesignStudio

CYDesignStudio offers a hyper-focused solution for hosts who believe less is more. Instead of a multi-page guidebook, this shop provides a single, elegantly designed house rules template intended to be printed, framed, and displayed prominently in your rental. It’s the perfect choice for hosts who want to convey all critical information—house rules, Wi-Fi details, contact info, and checkout instructions—in one scannable, visually appealing sign.

For a one-time cost of around $4, you get an instant download of a clean, minimalist template formatted for US Letter size. The design is fully editable in Canva, allowing you to quickly insert your specific details, change colors to match your decor, and export a print-ready file. This approach is ideal for placing in a welcome binder or a stylish frame on an entryway table, ensuring guests see the most important information immediately upon arrival without having to flip through a booklet.

The main advantage is its simplicity and affordability; it solves a single problem efficiently and looks professional. However, its narrow scope is also its primary limitation. This product is just the sign, not part of a larger, coordinated bundle with welcome books or other guest communication materials. It’s an excellent, low-cost add-on but not a comprehensive guidebook solution.

Website: https://cydesign.studio/products/airbnb-vrbo-welcome-sign-canva-template-editable-house-rules-wifi-info

9. This Hosted Home

This Hosted Home offers a simple yet elegant solution for hosts who need a quick, attractive, and free way to display their core rules. It’s perfect for those who want a physical sign without the complexity of designing one from scratch or the cost of purchasing a premium template. The site provides a single, stylish 5×7 printable that is ideal for placing in a small frame on an entryway table, bedside stand, or kitchen counter.

The primary offering is a beautifully designed, minimalist house rules template that you can download instantly. The creator provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to open the file, customize the text with your specific rules, and print it for immediate use. This approach is fantastic for new hosts or anyone looking to add a professional, personal touch to their property without investing a lot of time or money.

The major limitation is its scope. This is not a comprehensive, multi-page guidebook but a single, focused sign. Its default 5x7 size is designed for smaller frames, so if you need a large-format poster, you would need to resize it yourself. However, for its intended purpose—a concise and visually pleasing reminder of key rules—it excels. It's an excellent, no-cost starting point that looks far more polished than a basic typed document.

Website: https://www.thishostedhome.com/airbnb-house-rules-template-free/

10. CozyHostLab (Gumroad)

For hosts who need a straightforward, professionally designed sign without the cost or complexity of a full guidebook, CozyHostLab's offering on Gumroad is an excellent find. This resource is built for speed and simplicity. It's a single, clean-looking house rules template designed to be printed and framed, perfect for placing in an entryway or living room where guests will immediately see it. The core value here is its get-it-done efficiency for hosts who just need the essentials covered beautifully.

The template is available as a free or "pay-what-you-want" download, making it accessible to hosts at any budget. Upon download, you get a link to an editable Canva template that works with a free Canva account. It comes pre-filled with common, thoughtfully phrased short-term rental rules, which significantly speeds up the copywriting process. You can quickly customize the text, add your Wi-Fi details, and print it on either A4 or US Letter paper. It’s a practical solution for getting a key piece of guest communication in place within minutes.

However, its strength is also its limitation. This is a single-page sign, not a comprehensive multi-page rulebook or welcome guide. Hosts needing to detail complex appliance instructions or local recommendations will need a more robust solution. The Gumroad download process is also slightly different, requiring you to enter an email address, which can be a minor hurdle for some users.

Website: https://cozyhostlab.gumroad.com/l/free

11. Notion Everything

Notion Everything provides a comprehensive digital solution for hosts who want to centralize their entire guest experience, moving beyond just a printed sign. Their standout product is a fully integrated Airbnb Guidebook template built in Notion, which includes a dedicated section for your house rules template. This is an excellent choice for hosts aiming for a sleek, modern, and entirely digital communication strategy with their guests.

The template isn't just a list of rules; it's a complete, shareable mini-website that covers check-in instructions, appliance guides, emergency contacts, and local recommendations. You purchase the template (around $30) and can then customize it endlessly within Notion's free platform. Once it's ready, you publish it as a webpage and share the link with guests, or even better, link it to a QR code placed prominently in your property. This makes updates incredibly efficient; change a rule once in Notion, and it's instantly live for all future guests.

The primary drawback is its digital-only nature. It relies on guests actively scanning a QR code or clicking a link, which some may overlook. While you can print pages from Notion, the format isn't optimized for a physical sign, potentially requiring extra work to create a printable version for display. However, for hosts committed to a streamlined, tech-forward guest experience, this template provides a polished and highly functional framework that elevates your guidebook far beyond a simple document.

Website: https://www.notioneverything.com/templates/1-airbnb-guidebook

12. The Host Co

The Host Co offers a smart, business-oriented approach for hosts looking to integrate their rules into a broader guest experience strategy. Instead of just a standalone document, they provide free, comprehensive digital guidebook templates that position your house rules alongside other crucial information and even revenue-generating upsells. This is ideal for hosts who want their rules to feel like a helpful part of a complete welcome package rather than a stern list of demands.

You get two distinct options: a premium, beautifully designed customizable guidebook and a more straightforward Google Doc template. The premium version is great for creating a polished digital brand, while the Google Doc is perfect for quick deployment or for hosts who prefer a text-only format that can be easily duplicated and modified. The resources are free, but you will need to copy the files to your own account to start editing.

The main drawback is that these templates are designed for digital guidebooks, not necessarily for a printed sign to display in your property. The content is tailored for the short-term rental industry and uniquely frames the house rules template as a component of your business operations, including tips for ancillary revenue. This makes it a great fit if you're looking to professionalize and monetize your hosting beyond the basics.

Website: https://www.thehost.co/blog-list/free-airbnb-guidebook-template

House Rules Template — Top 12 Comparison

Choosing the Right Template for a Smoother Stay

Navigating the world of house rules can feel like a balancing act. You want to protect your property and set clear boundaries, but you also want to welcome your guests with warmth and trust. As we've explored, the tools and templates available today offer a wide spectrum of solutions, from the artistic and printable designs on Etsy to the comprehensive, integrated systems like Hostfully and our own SmoothStay. From our experience, there is no single "best" house rules template—only the one that is best for your specific property and hosting style.

A well-crafted set of house rules does more than just list prohibitions. It acts as a crucial part of your guest communication strategy, setting the tone for the entire stay from the moment of booking. By clearly and kindly outlining expectations, you’re not just preventing problems—you’re actively empowering your guests to be great visitors. This proactive approach significantly reduces the back-and-forth messaging that can drain a host's time and energy.

A Few Final Thoughts on Picking Your Template

As you decide which approach to take, here are a few final points we’ve learned over the years. Your choice will ultimately shape the guest experience and your own operational efficiency.

• Scalability vs. Simplicity: For a single, unique property, a beautifully designed PDF from a creator on Etsy might be perfect. It adds a personal touch and is straightforward to implement. However, if you're scaling your portfolio, a dynamic, template-driven system is essential for maintaining consistency. A platform-based solution that lets you update a rule once for all properties is a massive time-saver.

• Digital vs. Physical: While a physical sign or binder has its place, we’ve found that a digital-first approach is far more effective. Guests always have their phones. Integrating your house rules template into a digital guidebook means they are always accessible, searchable, and can even be translated. This is especially critical for communicating complex instructions, like operating a smart home device or a hot tub.

• Tone and Brand Alignment: The visual design and language of your rules should feel like a natural extension of your property’s brand. A luxury urban loft will have a different vibe than a rustic family cabin. Choose a template that allows you to customize the tone to match the experience you're selling.

Ultimately, the goal is to create clarity and build trust. A great house rules template is one that guests actually read and appreciate because it helps them enjoy their stay without uncertainty. It shows you’re a professional, thoughtful host who has considered their needs. By investing a little time upfront to select and customize the right template, you are paving the way for smoother operations, fewer issues, and a steady stream of positive, five-star reviews.

Ready to create a professional, centralized home for your house rules? SmoothStay lets you build beautiful, interactive digital guidebooks where you can easily embed your customized house rules template, add helpful videos, and answer questions before they’re even asked. Built by hosts, for hosts—start your free trial today and see how a seamless guest experience begins with clear communication.