Noise is a sensitive topic for many hosts, and it shows in the way most guest guides handle it. Either the guide says nothing (leaving guests to guess) or it contains a heavy-handed list of prohibitions that reads like a lease agreement. Neither approach works well.
Here’s how to communicate noise expectations in a way that’s clear, respectful, and effective.
Give context, not just rules
“No noise after 10pm” raises questions guests will silently wonder about: How strict is this? What counts as noise? What if we’re just watching TV?
“Our neighbours work early shifts and the walls between these terrace houses are thinner than you’d expect — we’d really appreciate keeping things quiet after 10pm” gives the same message but with human context. Guests who understand why a rule exists are far more likely to follow it.
Be specific about what quiet hours mean
State the times: “We ask that music, loud conversation, and outdoor gatherings wrap up by 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends.” Specificity removes ambiguity. Guests can plan around a clear time. They can’t plan around “please be respectful of neighbours.”
Mention the neighbourhood character
Is your property in a dense terrace row? Mention it. Are there elderly neighbours on one side? Mention it. Is the area generally quiet at night? That context helps guests calibrate without making them feel suspected of bad behaviour.
Party policy without the lecture
If you don’t allow parties or large gatherings, say so simply: “We’re not set up for events or large gatherings — the property is best suited to the number of guests in the booking.” You don’t need to describe scenarios, list consequences, or repeat yourself. One clear sentence is enough.
What not to do
Don’t write a noise section that’s longer than your check-in instructions. Don’t include threats about fines or immediate eviction as the first mention of noise. Don’t frame the entire section as an anticipation of bad behaviour. Most guests will never be a noise issue. Write for the majority, not the exception.
A well-written noise section protects your relationship with neighbours and sets clear expectations — without making guests feel like they’re being managed from the moment they arrive.