Airbnb Etiquette: The 7 Rudest Things Guests Do, According to Experts
When you stay at a hotel, the rules are mostly clear: blasting music at 2 a.m. is not acceptable, running through the halls is prohibited, and staff will intervene if things get out of hand. In contrast, Airbnbs and other vacation rentals operate in a gray zone. You are essentially staying in someone else's home, without a concierge or on-site staff to set expectations or step in when guests cross boundaries.
"We never take a vacation from good manners," said Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. "Even when you are off and away, you still must consider how your behaviors impact those around you." Even if no one is watching, your actions can have real consequences, from negative reviews to canceled bookings or fines. Here are the seven rudest things you can do in an Airbnb, according to etiquette experts.
1. Taking Things That Aren't Yours
"Towels, décor, kitchen tools, robes, or specialty products are not souvenirs," explained Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert in Palm Beach, Florida. "Even small items add up, and replacing them is costly and frustrating. If you are unsure whether something is complimentary, ask. When in doubt, leave it." You might think this is obvious, but hosts routinely report stolen items, from pillows to utensils. While hotel culture often allows taking toiletries or mini bottles, in a short-term rental, all items are part of the host's home inventory.
2. Smoking Anywhere on the Property
"Most rental properties are nonsmoking, and most guests understand that," Smith said. "But some guests think or hope that if they are outside, the no-smoking rule does not apply. However, unless otherwise noted, the entire property is nonsmoking." This strictness has good reason: smoking can cause lingering odors, damage furnishings, and create outdoor fire risks. Discarded cigarettes in planters or mulch have ignited porch fires, leading to serious property damage.
3. Being Noisy and Disruptive
On vacation, routines often change, but that does not mean everyone else is on break. "Late-night gatherings, screaming kids, drunken arguments, and loud music can disturb nearby neighbors," Whitmore said. "Observe quiet hours and be mindful that your neighbors may not be on vacation." It is not just loud parties that cause issues; less conspicuous noises like slamming doors, dragging suitcases at dawn, speakerphone calls on balconies, or kids racing up stairs in multi-unit buildings can also lead to complaints.
4. Ghosting Your Host
Ignoring your host is a major faux pas. "Prompt communication builds trust," Whitmore said. "Be a considerate guest. Respect the host, the neighbors, and the property, and you will always be welcomed back." This courtesy goes both ways. Whether you have a question about a fire alarm or need to report a broken item, it is better to speak up than stay silent. "If there's a problem, speak up," said Nick Leighton, co-host of the "Were You Raised by Wolves?" podcast. "Hosts would much rather know about a problem during your stay and try to address it than learn from a negative review."
5. Treating Your Rental Like a Hotel
At a hotel, leaving towels on the floor or an unmade bed might feel like a perk, but in a vacation rental, this behavior is inappropriate. "Treat the home as if you were staying with a friend or family member," Whitmore advised. "Follow house rules and leave it reasonably tidy. Don't create excessive mess, move furniture, or break something without telling your host." Leaving your rental tidy and respecting the space goes a long way in maintaining good relationships with hosts.
6. Inviting Unapproved Friends or Pets
It might seem harmless to have a friend stay over or bring a pet, but occupancy limits in short-term rentals are often tied to insurance policies, local regulations, and cleaning arrangements. "Unannounced visitors raise safety and insurance concerns," Whitmore explained. "If you plan to bring a guest or a pet, get approval first. Many hosts may charge an extra cleaning fee." Even well-behaved pets can cause issues if the property has a no-pets policy, as hosts often find out through cameras or neighbors.
7. Ignoring the Checkout Procedure
Before you leave, ensure you follow the checkout instructions. "Be sure to read and understand the checkout instructions before you book," Leighton said. "Some can be quite onerous, but once you've agreed, you've agreed! So, follow the list before departure." Experts recommend leaving the rental as you found it, which may include tidying up, returning moved furniture, turning off lights, and adjusting the heat. "Understand how to strip the beds, where to put wet towels, whether to empty the refrigerator, and how to handle garbage and recycling," Smith added.
