If a traveler violates your property's rules during a stay, Vidle Housing is here to help document the concern, review the available information, and determine the appropriate next steps.
House rule violations may include unauthorized travelers or visitors, unauthorized pets, parties, excessive noise, smoking, property misuse, or other conduct that conflicts with clearly disclosed listing rules.
Common Types of House Rule Violations
Examples may include:
Unauthorized travelers or overnight guests.
Exceeding the property's disclosed occupancy limit.
Bringing an unauthorized pet.
Hosting a party or unauthorized gathering.
Violating quiet hours.
Smoking or vaping in a non-smoking property.
Misusing the property or amenities.
Entering restricted areas.
Causing repeated disturbances.
Violating parking rules.
Other clearly disclosed house rules.
Step 1: Document the Issue
If you believe a traveler has violated a house rule, gather as much relevant information as possible.
Documentation may include:
Date and time of the incident.
A clear description of what occurred.
Messages exchanged with the traveler.
Photos or videos, when legally obtained and relevant.
Noise complaints from neighbors or building management.
Written notices from an HOA, apartment complex, or property manager.
Security reports.
Police reports, when applicable.
Any previous warnings related to the same issue.
Do not enter the property without proper notice or violate the traveler's privacy in an attempt to collect evidence.
Step 2: Communicate With the Traveler
For non-emergency concerns, contact the traveler through Vidle Housing messaging and clearly explain:
The specific house rule involved.
What behavior or situation was reported.
What needs to change.
Any reasonable timeframe for correcting the issue.
Keep your message professional and focused on the facts.
For example:
"Hi [Traveler Name], I wanted to reach out because I received a report regarding [brief description of concern]. As outlined in the house rules, [specific rule]. Please address this as soon as possible and let me know once resolved. Thank you."
Avoid threats, accusations, or confrontational language.
Step 3: Contact Vidle Housing Support
Contact Vidle Housing Support if:
The traveler does not correct the issue.
The violation is repeated.
The traveler disputes the allegation.
The situation involves significant property damage.
The host or neighbors have serious safety concerns.
The traveler is threatening or harassing someone.
You believe immediate intervention may be necessary.
You are unsure how to proceed.
Provide all available documentation so our team can review the situation.
Unauthorized Travelers or Additional Guests
If you believe additional people are staying at the property without permission:
Review your listing's occupancy limits and visitor policies.
Document the dates and times of the suspected violation.
Keep any relevant communication, building reports, or other evidence.
Contact the traveler through Vidle Housing messaging.
Contact Vidle Housing Support if the issue is not resolved.
Hosts are encouraged to clearly state occupancy limits and visitor policies in their listing and house rules before booking.
Unauthorized Pets
If a traveler brings an animal to a property with a no-pets policy or without prior approval:
Document the concern.
Review your listing's pet policy.
Contact the traveler through Vidle Housing messaging.
Contact Vidle Housing Support if the issue remains unresolved.
Important Note About Assistance Animals
Do not automatically treat a service animal or qualifying assistance animal as an unauthorized pet.
Service and assistance animals may receive legal protections and may not be considered pets under applicable law. If a traveler states that an animal is a service animal, emotional support animal, or other assistance animal, contact Vidle Housing Support before denying the request, charging a pet fee, or taking action against the traveler.
Parties, Noise & Quiet-Hour Violations
If a traveler hosts an unauthorized gathering or repeatedly violates quiet hours:
Document the date, time, and nature of the disturbance.
Save any relevant complaints from neighbors, building management, or an HOA.
Contact the traveler and request that the disturbance stop.
Contact Vidle Housing Support if the issue continues or is serious.
If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety or an active emergency, contact local emergency services first.
Smoking or Vaping Violations
If your property has a clearly disclosed no-smoking or no-vaping policy and you believe it has been violated:
Document any evidence of the violation.
Keep photos of damage, residue, or additional cleaning needs when applicable.
Save cleaning invoices or professional remediation estimates.
Contact Vidle Housing Support if additional review is needed.
Do not make unsupported accusations based solely on assumptions or odors without additional context when possible.
What Happens After a Violation Is Reported?
Vidle Housing may review:
The listing and house rules.
Reservation details.
Messages between the host and traveler.
Photos or videos.
Complaints from neighbors or property management.
Previous warnings or reported violations.
Information submitted by both parties.
Depending on the circumstances and available evidence, next steps may include:
Guidance or mediation.
A warning to the traveler.
A request to correct the violation.
Additional documentation requests.
Account restrictions.
Other appropriate action based on the severity and circumstances of the issue.
Each case is reviewed individually.
Can a Host Immediately Remove a Traveler?
Hosts should not attempt to physically remove a traveler, change locks, shut off utilities, remove belongings, or take other self-help eviction actions without first considering applicable laws and obtaining appropriate guidance.
For longer stays, landlord-tenant laws or other occupancy protections may apply depending on the property, location, and length of stay.
If you believe a traveler must leave the property due to a serious violation, contact Vidle Housing Support immediately. Hosts are responsible for following all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
If there is an immediate safety emergency, contact local emergency services.
Tips for Preventing House Rule Disputes
To help prevent misunderstandings:
Clearly state occupancy limits.
Clearly disclose pet policies.
Include quiet hours.
State smoking and vaping policies.
Explain parking restrictions.
Disclose visitor rules.
Keep rules reasonable and easy to understand.
Make sure travelers can review important policies before booking.
Keep communication on the Vidle Housing platform.
If a traveler violates your house rules or you're unsure how to handle a conduct concern, contact Vidle Housing Support.
Provide as much information and documentation as possible so our team can review the situation and help determine the appropriate next steps.