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Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time booker, staying in someone else’s space comes with a bit more responsibility than your average hotel. There are a few key Airbnb rules for guests to ensure a smooth and respectful stay.
1. Respect Check-In and Check-Out Times
Arriving early or overstaying without permission can throw off cleaning schedules, frustrate the next guests and create unnecessary tension. If you need flexibility, just ask, but don’t assume.
Hosts often pay cleaners by the hour and plan tightly between guest stays. Respecting check-in and check-out times shows that you understand their process and value their time.
2. No Parties or Events (Unless Explicitly Allowed)
Unless the listing explicitly allows it (which is rare), assume parties are not allowed. That includes birthday celebrations, bachelor weekends or impromptu hangouts with loud music.
Airbnb has a strict no-party policy due to damage complaints, noise issues and community backlash. Disregarding this rule can lead to removal from the platform and a ruined vacation if you’re asked to leave early.
3. Be Honest About the Guest Count
It might seem harmless to bring along an extra friend or family member last minute, but doing so without notifying your hosts is one of the most commonly broken Airbnb rules for guests. Most listings have a strict guest limit for safety, insurance and amenity planning.
Exceeding the guest count without permission can violate Airbnb’s policies and the host’s local regulations. It can also void insurance coverage if anything goes wrong during your stay.
4. Follow the House Rules
Every host includes a set of house rules in their listing, often covering things beyond Airbnb’s standard guidelines. These might consist of whether you can bring pets, quiet hours, how to use certain appliances and rules about parking.
Hosts know their home best. What seems like a quirky request, like keeping windows closed at night or not using a fireplace, could actually be tied to safety, insurance or local laws. Skimming or ignoring house rules is a fast way to lose a host’s trust.
5. Clean Up After Yourself
You don’t need to deep clean before you leave, but you should leave the space in decent condition. That means putting used towels in one place, throwing out trash, washing or stacking dishes and wiping up spills. If you break or stain something, be honest about it.
Cleanliness is a big part of host reviews. A guest who leaves a mess creates more work and expenses for the host, affecting their rating and future bookings.
6. Don’t Tamper With Security Cameras or Wi-Fi Systems
Outdoor security cameras and Wi-Fi routers are not your toys. Never unplug or tamper with them. If there’s an issue with the connection or something isn’t working, message the host through the Airbnb app.
Airbnb allows outdoor cameras for safety and interfering with them can make you look suspicious or violate the terms. It can also make your host anxious about the integrity of their property.
7. Be a Good Neighbor
Hosting bad guests is one of the biggest risks of having an Airbnb. You’re not just a guest in someone’s home, you’re temporarily part of their community. Avoid loud music, keep voices down late at night and never block driveways or communal spaces.
Neighborhood complaints can lead to hosts being fined or banned from renting their property. Your actions don’t just affect your stay, but they also affect whether the host can keep offering their place to future travelers.
8. Communicate Clearly and Promptly
Let your host know if your plans change, if you’re running late or if you encounter any issues during your stay. Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust.
Airbnb is a peer-to-peer platform. Unlike hotels with 24/7 front desks, hosts rely on communication to help manage everything from check-in to emergencies. A quick message can solve a lot of problems before they escalate.
9. Don’t Smoke Indoors
Most Airbnb listings are non-smoking. Even if you’re careful, smoke leaves behind odors and residues that can linger for days. Some homes may have sensitive furniture, curtains or even guests with allergies arriving right after you.
Smoking indoors can lead to expensive cleaning fees or a forfeited security deposit. If you’re unsure, always ask the host. When in doubt, smoke outside and away from open windows.
10. Don’t Assume It’s Pet-Friendly
Even if you think your dog is the most well-behaved animal in the world, don’t bring a pet unless the host clearly states that animals are allowed. Even then, double-check for any conditions, as some hosts limit pets by size, breed or number.
Violating pet rules could result in a canceled reservation mid-stay or an additional cleaning fee. Hosts often set pet rules based on allergies, furniture or previous damage. In 2024, there were over five million properties listed on Airbnb. So, you’re sure to find one that’s pet-friendly.
11. Use Amenities as Instructed
Whether it’s a hot tub, fireplace, espresso machine or washer-dryer, make sure you know how to use everything properly. Many hosts provide instruction guides for a reason. Don’t force something that seems stuck or unfamiliar.
Damaging or misusing expensive amenities — even accidentally — can lead to extra charges. It’s also respectful to treat someone else’s property with care.
12. Don’t Rearrange the Furniture
It’s tempting to move things around to make the space “work better” for your group, but this can cause wear and tear or even damage to floors and walls. Plus, it often leaves hosts scrambling to put things back in order before the next guest.
One of the often-overlooked Airbnb rules for guests is to leave the space more or less as you found it. Moving furniture without permission may seem small, but it creates big headaches for hosts.
13. Report Any Damages
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a cracked dish, spilled wine on the couch or a broken lamp, honesty goes a long way. Letting your host know right away gives them a chance to fix things before the next guest arrives.
Airbnb’s Resolution Center exists to help settle minor damages fairly. But not reporting something can escalate issues and lead to a poor review or even platform penalties.
The Big Picture
A great stay starts with mutual respect. These Airbnb rules for guests exist to help you be the kind of traveler who’s welcomed back, recommended and remembered fondly.
About The Author
Olivia Elsher is a Senior Writer and Editorial Manager at Renovated. She has over 5+ years of experience writing about property related topics such as: real estate, home improvement, renovation, and construction.
