Setting Up House Rules on Airbnb
Before booking, your guests need clarity: what they can do at the accommodation, what time to arrive, or if they can bring their pet. That's what house rules are for. Setting them up well not only avoids misunderstandings but also builds trust and helps stays go smoothly without surprises.
What They Are and Where They Appear
House rules are displayed in the “What you need to know” section of the Airbnb listing. From there, the guest sees the most important information before confirming the booking:
Check-in: entry time defined in the key collection schedule.
Check-out: departure time set in the same schedule.
Pets: allowed or not, as indicated in the property listing.
Smoking: permitted or not, also according to the listing configuration.
Events: by default, it shows “No parties or events.”
Additionally, Airbnb adds an Other rules block, where you can detail additional conditions.
Additional Rules Available
Online Check-in: if you have an Avantio web and the online check-in feature activated, this requirement will appear.
Entry Schedule: the range of hours set in the VRMS for key collection.
Departure Schedule: also defined in the VRMS.
Custom Rules: additional restrictions, such as “no groups of young people allowed” or “no dangerous dogs allowed.”
👉 Pay Attention to Details: the option “No parties or events allowed” is activated from the property listing in VRMS by selecting the corresponding tag in additional features.
Best Practices
Be Clear and Specific: avoid vague terms. Better “no large pets allowed” than “pets upon request.”
Anticipate Common Questions: add rules about noise, pool use, or parking if relevant.
Avoid Excessive Rules: too many restrictions can discourage potential guests.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Sync Information in VRMS: Airbnb only shows what is correctly configured in the listing and key collection rule.
Leaving Rules Blank: lack of information creates uncertainty and more guest inquiries.
Not Checking After Activating Online Check-in: if you have it enabled, make sure it appears correctly in the listing.
Quick Checklist
Before publishing your listing:
Are the check-in and check-out times set in VRMS?
Have you clearly indicated if pets and smoking are allowed?
Have you added the most important additional rules for your property?
Is the “No parties/events” tag activated if applicable?
Conclusion
House rules are your best ally for setting clear expectations from the start. Set them up well in VRMS and ensure the information syncs with Airbnb. This way, you'll avoid misunderstandings and offer a smoother experience for both you and your guests.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do guests see the house rules?
In the “What you need to know” section within the Airbnb listing.
Can I customize the rules per accommodation?
Yes. Each listing in VRMS allows you to set specific rules.
What happens if I don't set up the rules?
Airbnb will only show the default options, which can lead to misunderstandings with guests.
How do I disable parties or events at my property?
From VRMS, in the property listing, add the “No parties/events allowed” tag in additional features.
Does online check-in sync automatically?
Yes, as long as you have the feature active on your Avantio web.