Our Partners

House Rules Example Template

A sensible, guest-friendly set of example rules you can adapt

House Rules Example Template

A sensible, guest-friendly set of example rules you can adapt

Last updated: 10 March 2026

Quick links:
Host Start Pack ·
Home Visit Checklist ·
Host Guidelines

This is an example set of house rules you can share with a guest. Please edit it to match your home and keep it reasonable. Clear expectations help everyone, but too many rules can make guests uncomfortable.

Tip: When guests arrive, run through the essentials (Wi‑Fi, keys, bathroom, kitchen, laundry, quiet hours) and ask if anything is unclear.

Download this template (PDF) Edit your own copy (Google Docs)

Customise this — edit the template below to match your home. Items in [square brackets] are for you to fill in. Delete anything that does not apply.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to our home. We’re glad to have you here. These simple house rules are to help everyone feel comfortable and respected.

Key details (please complete)

Host name(s)[      ]
Address[      ]
Main contact number[      ]
London Homestays office contact (office hours)[      ]
Emergency support (out of hours)Provided at booking confirmation / voicemail (not published online)
Wi‑Fi name[      ]
Wi‑Fi password[      ]
Guest room[      ]
Bathroom[Shared / Private] — shared with: [      ]

Respect and noise

  • Please be considerate with noise, especially in the evenings.
  • Quiet hours (example): [10:30pm–7:00am] (edit as needed).
  • Headphones are appreciated for music/video after [  ] pm.

Keys and security

  • You will be given a key. Please keep it safe and do not lend it to anyone.
  • Always lock the front door when you leave and when you come in.
  • If you lose a key, tell us straight away.

Bathroom

  • Please leave the bathroom clean and tidy after use.
  • If the bathroom is shared, please be mindful of time in the morning/evening.
  • If anything leaks or breaks, tell us as soon as possible.

Kitchen and meals

Meal plan for your booking: [Self-catering / Bed & breakfast / Half board]

Please follow the arrangements that match your booking and what we agree in advance.

  • If you are on Bed & breakfast / Half board: meal times are usually around [  ] (please confirm each day if needed).
  • Please let us know about allergies or dietary needs as soon as possible.
  • Please wash up and tidy after any light kitchen use that’s agreed in advance.

Laundry

  • Laundry arrangement (example): [1–2 loads per week]. Please agree a day/time with us.
  • Please do not use the washing machine late at night.
  • If you need extra laundry for a special reason, please ask first.

Guests and visitors

  • Visitors: please ask in advance before inviting anyone to the house.
  • Overnight visitors are not permitted unless London Homestays and the host agree in writing in advance.
  • Please do not share the address or access details with anyone.

Smoking, vaping, alcohol and substances

  • Smoking/vaping: [Not allowed anywhere inside / Allowed outside only in: (location)].
  • Please do not use illegal substances in or near the home.

Heating, electricity and water

  • Please use heating and hot water reasonably.
  • If you feel cold or something isn’t working, tell us rather than using portable heaters.

Cleaning and household routines

  • Please keep your bedroom reasonably tidy.
  • Please keep shared areas tidy after use.
  • Rubbish and recycling: [where bins are kept / which day].

Check-in, check-out, and coming home late

  • Please tell us your expected arrival time on the first day.
  • If you will be home late, a quick message is appreciated so we know you are safe.
  • Check-out time on the last day: [  ] (unless agreed otherwise).

Problems, repairs and emergencies

If something feels wrong, it’s always better to mention it early.

  • For non-urgent issues: tell the host first (and we will help if needed).
  • For urgent safety issues: contact the host immediately. If you can’t reach the host, follow the emergency instructions provided at booking confirmation.
  • In a medical emergency, call 999.

Thank you. If you have any questions, please ask — we want you to feel comfortable and at home.

Download this template (PDF) Edit your own copy (Google Docs)

Related resources

Contact us

If you have any questions about house rules or hosting, our team is here to help.

Apply to become a host

In their words...

Our Partners & Accreditations