📝 How to Write House Rules Guests Will Actually Read (and Follow)

Every host knows the frustration: you spend time writing house rules, but guests skip right over them. The result? Noise complaints, surprise extra guests, or even broken items — and sometimes, a lower review.

The truth is, most guests don’t ignore rules on purpose. They just don’t read them. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write short-term rental house rules that are short, clear, and — most importantly — unforgettable.

1. Keep It Short (and Visible)

Guests arriving after a long trip won’t read a 2-page PDF. Stick to 5–7 bullet points that cover only the essentials.

• Post a printed card in the entryway.
• Keep a copy in your welcome book.
• Add them to your digital guidebook.

Example: “Quiet hours: 10 pm – 8 am. Please respect our neighbors.”

Pro Tip 💡: Design your rules card like a hotel welcome card — minimal, elegant, even with a touch of scent branding. Guests notice what looks different.

2. Use Guest-Friendly Language

Rules shouldn’t feel like punishments. Instead of saying “Do NOT bring extra people”, try:

👉 “Your reservation is set for [X] guests. Please confirm with us before inviting more people.”

Pro Tip 💡: Try calling them “House Promises” instead of “rules.”
– You promise clean towels and toiletries.
– They promise to respect the home.
Turning it into a shared agreement changes how guests receive the message.

3. Prioritize What Really Matters

Not every detail deserves rule status. Guests only remember the big 3:

• Respect the property.
• Respect the neighbors.
• Respect the check-in/out times.

Pro Tip 💡: Use the “golden triangle” rule: If a guest remembers only three things, make sure it’s these. Everything else is noise.

4. Place Rules Where Guests Act

Think of rules like signposts — they’re most effective at the moment of decision.

• No smoking? Post a “No Smoking” card on the balcony door.
• Quiet hours? Put a note near the TV remote.
• Towel care? Place a reminder in the bathroom.

Pro Tip 💡: Pair rules with positive reinforcement. For example, next to the no-smoking reminder, place a small diffuser (like Roomsium Fruxe Spray) with the note:
“Let’s keep this fresh — thank you.”

5. Add a Positive Reminder at the End

Always close with something warm. Guests will remember the last thing they read.

👉 “Thank you for helping us keep this space peaceful for everyone. We want you to feel at home.”

Pro Tip 💡: End with gratitude and an invitation. Something like:
“We care about details. If anything can make your stay better, let us know right away.”
This turns a rulebook into a relationship.

Conclusion

House rules don’t need to be long or strict. The goal is to make them visible, friendly, and memorable. When rules feel more like promises and reminders instead of restrictions, guests are more likely to follow them — and your reviews will thank you.

Want to take your rules even further? Instead of keeping them static, turn them into a living digital guidebook that updates automatically. Guests can access it anytime from a QR code — reducing questions, improving reviews, and keeping your home stress-free. Learn how in our article: The Living Guidebook: Build a Self-Updating House Manual with AI.

✨ Create Memorable Stays with Roomsium

Looking for more ways to create a 5-star guest experience? At Roomsium, we believe the small details matter most — from the towels and toiletries you offer to the way your rules are presented.

👉 Explore guest-ready essentials at Roomsium.com