Do My House Rules Apply to Existing Bookings If I Update Them?

When you update your House Rules, the changes do not apply to bookings that have already been confirmed. This is known as the lock-in rule, and it is an important part of how the platform works.

How the lock-in rule works

The House Rules that are active at the time a booking is confirmed are the rules that apply to that booking. If you update your House Rules after a booking has been confirmed, the Booker is not bound by the new rules — only those in place when they booked.

This applies to all updates, whether minor or significant.

Example

Suppose your House Rules currently permit amplified music until 9pm. A Booker confirms a booking for next month. You then update your House Rules to restrict music to acoustic only.

The Booker with the confirmed booking is still entitled to use amplified music until 9pm, because that was the rule when they booked. Your updated rule only applies to new bookings made after the change.

Why does this rule exist?

The lock-in rule protects Bookers. When someone confirms a booking, they are making decisions about their event based on your rules at that time. Changing the terms after confirmation — particularly if the event is weeks or months away — would be unfair and potentially disruptive for them.

What does this mean for you?

• Think carefully before confirming bookings if you are planning rule changes soon — communicate changes in advance where possible
• If you need to make an urgent change that affects an existing booking, contact the Booker directly and try to reach a mutual agreement
• Updated rules automatically apply to all new bookings from the point you save them

Reviewing your House Rules regularly

It is good practice to review your House Rules periodically to make sure they reflect how your space actually operates. See How to Write Accurate and Effective House Rules for guidance on drafting clear and useful rules.