House Rules for a Vacation Rental: What to Put on the Sign (Template + Examples)

Updated October 2026

In short: a good house rules sign fits into 8 to 10 short points: check-in and check-out times, quiet hours and neighbours, smoking, pets, parties, number of guests, waste, energy, safety and emergency contacts. Written with a smile and displayed in English and French, they prevent most misunderstandings and bad reviews. You'll find a ready-to-copy template below.

Why display house rules?

Your rules are already in your listing. The problem: few guests reread them before arriving. A sign in the property reminds them at the right moment, on site, without you having to send a message.

• Fewer misunderstandings: times, recycling or heating no longer raise questions.
• Fewer messages: guests find the answer on the wall instead of texting you at 10 pm.
• Better reviews: a clear, well-presented welcome gives the impression of a well-kept home.
• Support if there's a problem: if a rule isn't followed, it was displayed and visible.

The 10 essential rules to put on the sign

1. Check-in and check-out times

This is the most important rule for your organisation (cleaning, next guests). Give a precise time: “Check-in from 4 pm, check-out before 11 am.”

2. Quiet hours and respect for neighbours

Especially in apartments. Give a clear time rather than a vague “no noise”: “Quiet time after 10 pm, thank you for our neighbours.”

3. Smoking

Non-smoking inside? Say so, and say where guests can smoke if possible: “Non-smoking property. You can smoke on the terrace, an ashtray is provided.”

4. Pets

Allowed, not allowed or allowed with conditions (not on the sofa, not in the bedrooms). Be specific to avoid surprises.

5. Parties and number of guests

“Parties and events are not allowed. Only the guests listed in the booking may stay overnight.” This is also a matter of insurance and safety.

6. Waste and recycling

Recycling rules change from one town to another, and international guests don't know them. Explain where the bins are, which bin is for what, and the collection day if guests have to put the bins out.

7. Energy: heating, air conditioning, lights

“Please switch off the air conditioning and lights when you go out, and close the windows when the heating is on.” A simple rule that lowers your bills.

8. Keys and access

Where to leave the keys when leaving, what to do if they're lost, the gate or key box code (better given in your welcome book than on a sign everyone can see).

9. Safety

Pool, barbecue, fireplace, balcony: remind guests of the basic safety rules. “Unsupervised pool: children must always be accompanied by an adult.” Also show where the fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are.

10. Useful and emergency contacts

Your number (or the number of the person managing on site) and the emergency numbers: 112 (emergencies in Europe), 15 (ambulance in France), 17 (police), 18 (fire brigade). International guests don't always know them.

House rules template to copy

Here's an example ready to adapt to your property. Keep sentences short: a sign is read in a few seconds.

Welcome to our home!
To make your stay perfect:

• Check-in from 4 pm, check-out before 11 am.
• Quiet time after 10 pm, thank you for our neighbours.
• No smoking inside (ashtray on the terrace).
• No parties, only registered guests may stay overnight.
• Pets welcome, but not on beds or sofa.
• Recycling: yellow bin for packaging, green bin for glass.
• Please switch off lights and air conditioning when you go out.
• When leaving: dishes put away, bins taken out, keys in the box.
• Any problem? Message us, we answer quickly.
• Emergency: 112.

Thank you and enjoy your stay!

The French version (for French-speaking guests)

Bienvenue chez nous !
Pour que votre séjour se passe au mieux :

• Arrivée à partir de 16 h, départ avant 11 h.
• Calme après 22 h, merci pour nos voisins.
• Logement non-fumeur (cendrier sur la terrasse).
• Pas de fêtes, seuls les voyageurs de la réservation dorment ici.
• Animaux acceptés, mais pas sur les lits ni le canapé.
• Tri : bac jaune pour les emballages, bac vert pour le verre.
• Merci d’éteindre lumières et climatisation en sortant.
• Au départ : vaisselle rangée, poubelles sorties, clés dans la boîte.
• Un souci ? Écrivez-nous, nous répondons vite.
• Urgences : 112.

Merci et bon séjour !

The right tone: welcoming, not bossy

A list of prohibitions in capital letters feels like arriving at the home of someone suspicious. A few writing rules change everything:

• Start by welcoming your guests, and finish with a thank you.
• Prefer “please…” to “do not…”, except for safety rules, which must stay very clear.
• Give the reason when it helps: “for our neighbours”, “for your safety”. A rule that's understood is better respected.
• Offer a solution: “non-smoking, but there's an ashtray on the terrace” rather than a flat refusal.
• Keep it short: 10 rules maximum. Everything else (Wi-Fi, equipment, local tips) goes in the welcome book.

Where to display the rules in the property?

• At the entrance: it's the first thing guests see, ideal for a welcome sign with the main rules.
• In the kitchen: for recycling, the dishwasher and check-out instructions.
• Near the exit door: for the check-out list (keys, bins, lights).
• Next to the pool or barbecue: for safety instructions.

Frame the sign rather than taping it up: it stays clean longer and matches the decor. To hang it without damaging the walls, see our guide to wall decor without drilling.

Mistakes to avoid

• Too many rules: beyond 10, nobody reads them.
• Rules that differ from the listing: the sign must repeat exactly what guests agreed to when booking.
• A single language: if you host international guests, add at least English.
• Worn or handwritten paper: a neat sign shows a well-kept home.
• The access code visible to everyone: keep it for the arrival message or the welcome book.

A ready-to-print house rules sign

Don't feel like doing the layout yourself? The Welcome Home and Rental Rules poster and the Vacation Rental Welcome Sign set (3 posters) are ready to print and frame. You can display them in every property you rent out or manage. Find the full range in the Welcome Home Sign & Seasonal Rental Printable Kit collection.

To go further with decorating your property, read our guide to posters that boost your bookings.

Frequently asked questions

What should go in the house rules of a vacation rental?

Check-in and check-out times, quiet hours, smoking, pets, parties and number of guests, recycling, energy, keys, safety and emergency contacts.

How many rules should go on the sign?

Between 8 and 10 short rules. Longer practical information (Wi-Fi, equipment, local tips) goes in the welcome book.

Should house rules be translated?

Yes, as soon as you host international guests. An English-French version is enough in most cases.

Where should house rules be displayed in a holiday rental?

At the entrance for the main rules, in the kitchen for recycling and check-out instructions, and near the pool or barbecue for safety.

How do I write rules without sounding bossy?

Start by welcoming guests, prefer “please…” to “do not”, explain the reason for the rule and finish with a thank you.

Should the access code go on the sign?

No. The door or key box code should stay in the arrival message or the welcome book, not on a sign everyone can see.