Best Practices for Being a Great Guest in FRBO Properties (Etiquette and House Rules)

Vacation rentals are someone’s property — often their second home or a significant investment. Treating it with respect not only ensures you get your security deposit back, but it also builds a good reputation that can lead to better rental options and even discounts on future stays. Here’s how to be the kind of guest every owner hopes for.

Read and Follow the House Rules

Every rental has house rules for a reason. Whether it’s no shoes indoors, quiet hours after 10 PM, or specific trash sorting instructions, these rules exist to protect the property and maintain good relationships with neighbors. Read them before you arrive and make sure everyone in your group is aware. Ignoring house rules is the fastest way to earn a bad review from an owner, which can affect your ability to book quality rentals in the future.

Communicate Proactively

If you’re running late for check-in, need an early checkout, or have any questions during your stay, let the owner know promptly. If something breaks or stops working, report it right away rather than waiting until checkout. Most owners appreciate honest communication and will work with you to solve problems quickly. Trying to hide damage or issues almost always backfires and creates a worse outcome for everyone.

Treat the Space Like Your Own Home

This is the golden rule of vacation rental etiquette. Clean up after yourself in the kitchen, wipe down counters, and don’t leave food out overnight. Use coasters on wooden furniture. Keep the floors clean, especially if the rental has light-colored carpets. You don’t need to deep clean the place, but leaving it in the same general condition you found it goes a long way.

Be Mindful of Neighbors

Many vacation rentals are in residential neighborhoods. Loud music, late-night parties, and overflowing parking can create problems for the owner with their neighbors and even local authorities. Keep noise at reasonable levels, park in designated areas, and remember that the people living next door aren’t on vacation. Being a considerate guest helps owners maintain their ability to rent the property, which keeps great rental options available for everyone.

Follow Checkout Instructions

Checkout procedures vary by property. Some owners ask you to start the dishwasher, strip the beds, or take out the trash. Others just want you to lock the door and leave. Whatever the instructions are, follow them. It takes a few extra minutes but makes a huge difference for the owner or cleaning crew preparing for the next guest. Check out on time — late departures can cascade and affect the next guest’s check-in.

Leave an Honest Review

After your stay, take a few minutes to leave a thoughtful review. Mention what you enjoyed and anything future guests should know. Honest reviews help other travelers make informed decisions and reward good owners with the visibility they deserve. If something wasn’t perfect, it’s fine to mention it constructively — but give the owner credit for the things they did well.

Great guests get great experiences. By following house rules, communicating openly, and treating the property with care, you’ll build a reputation that opens doors to the best vacation rentals out there. It’s a simple formula: respect the space, and the space will reward you with unforgettable trips.