Hosting guests comes with clear expectations, and sometimes a guest breaks your house rules, such as hosting an unauthorized party or exceeding the allowed number of guests. When this happens, acting quickly and calmly protects your property, your neighbors, and your rights as a host. This guide explains what you can do if a guest violates your house rules and how to handle each stage of the situation.

What steps should I take if a guest violates the house rules?

1. Communicate clearly and calmly. Approach the guests in a polite, friendly manner. Explain the specific violation and refer to the house rules you shared with them. Most situations are resolved with a clear, friendly reminder.
2. Refer to your house rules. Make sure your house rules are easy to find before and during the stay. You can share them in advance, include them in your welcome book, or display a printed copy in a visible location in the property. This makes it easier to show guests exactly what was agreed upon.
3. Involve local authorities if needed. If guests refuse to comply or the situation escalates, for example because of excessive noise or safety concerns, contact the local authorities. Your safety and the safety of your neighbors always come first.
4. Contact Holidu Support immediately. Let Holidu Support know as soon as possible so the situation can be documented and you can receive assistance with communication on the booking platform.
5. Send a formal written warning. If the violation continues, send a formal written warning to the guests that outlines the consequences of further violations.
6. Consider terminating the rental agreement. If the guests keep breaking the house rules after a formal warning, you may be able to terminate the rental agreement, and the guests must then vacate the property. Notify Holidu before taking this step so we can guide you through the next steps and support you.

How can I set up my house rules to prevent violations?

Clear house rules are the best way to prevent problems before they start. When preparing your house rules, consider including the following:

• Maximum number of guests allowed in the property
• Rules on parties, events, and gatherings
• Quiet hours and noise restrictions
• Smoking and pet policies
• Check-in and check-out times
• Parking and waste disposal guidelines
• Consequences for violating the rules

In your Holidu account, you will find useful templates for House rules, Welcome book, and Emergency numbers. You can download these templates, customize them for your property, and share them with your guests before arrival. You can also place a printed copy of your house rules in a visible location within the property.

To access the templates:

1. Log in to your Holidu Account.
2. Click the Holidu logo in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to Help & Resources.

What documentation do I need?

Good documentation protects you if a dispute arises or if you need to contact a booking platform for support. Keep the following records:

• All communications with the guests, including messages, emails, and call notes
• Copies of the house rules you shared before and during the stay
• Copies of any formal written warnings
• Photos or videos of any damage or evidence related to the violation, taken only if it is safe to do so
• Reports from local authorities, if they were involved

Can I get a refund if I remove guests from the property?

Some booking platforms may require partial refunds if a guest is removed before the end of their booking. Policies vary by platform, so check the platform-specific rules in advance. Holidu Support can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.

Summary

• Address house rule violations quickly, calmly, and politely.
• Document every communication, warning, and piece of evidence.
• Involve local authorities when safety is at risk or the situation escalates.
• Contact Holidu Support as soon as you involve authorities or consider terminating the rental agreement.
• Use the House rules, Welcome book, and Emergency numbers templates found under Help & Resources in your Holidu account.
• Clear house rules and thorough documentation help you resolve disputes and keep your property protected.