Family cabin rules: a template you can adapt
Most conflicts at a shared cabin aren't about big things – they're about expectations nobody said out loud. One family thinks mopping before you leave is obvious; another thinks a quick sweep is plenty. Written house rules make the awkward conversations easy: it's already written down.
Use these examples as a starting point. Cross out what doesn't fit, and add what's specific to your place.
Booking
- Every stay goes in the shared calendar. If it isn't in the calendar, it isn't booked.
- Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving rotate between families.
- Summer requests are due by February 1.
- If plans change, cancel as early as possible so someone else can go.
- On changeover days, the departing family is out by noon.
Need a scheduling model? See how to share a family cabin with a schedule that works.
Cleaning
- Leave the cabin the way you'd like to find it. Follow the departure checklist.
- Bring your own linens, or wash and replace what you used.
- If you use something up, add it to the shopping list.
Costs and purchases
- Fixed costs are split equally; utilities and firewood are paid by whoever is staying.
- Purchases over $200 are agreed with everyone first.
- Log every expense the same week; we settle up twice a year.
More on this in how to split vacation home costs fairly.
Guests and rentals
- Friends may use your week, but you're responsible for them following the rules.
- The cabin isn't rented out without everyone's agreement.
Pets, smoking and quiet hours
- Dogs are welcome, but not on the beds. Vacuum thoroughly before you leave.
- No smoking indoors.
- Quiet after 11 pm when several families are there at once.
Repairs
- If you break something, say so and make sure it gets replaced.
- Report problems right away so someone can deal with them.
Where should the rules live?
Rules in a drawer don't help much. Keep them where everyone – including first-time guests – will see them. In FamilyHut, the rules can sit in the cabin info next to the address, Wi-Fi password and lockbox code, and the arrival and departure routines live in the shared checklists.