These House Etiquette Guidelines are part of the Room Rental Agreement. They explain how the shared household operates day to day. The goal is to keep the home clean, quiet, safe, and comfortable for everyone who lives here.
Access, Keys, and Security
Door opening code: ______. Do not share the door code with anyone. Guests must be let in by the Housemate they are visiting. You will also be given a key to your bedroom door. If you lose your key the replacement cost is $10.
Quiet Time
Quiet time is from _____ PM to _____ AM every day. Please use headphones or earbuds for your TV, phone or laptop during those hours. If you get up at night, please be considerate of your Housemates and close doors quietly and do not make any unnecessary noise in any of the common areas including the kitchen.
Visitors and Overnight Guests
Visitors are permitted between _____ AM and _____ PM. Visitors must follow the same House Etiquette Guidelines as everyone living in the home. Housemate is responsible for the behavior of all visitors and for any damage they cause. Any exception to the visiting hours, including an overnight guest, requires Landlord’s prior written approval.
Parking
Housemate’s assigned parking space is ______________. Please do not park behind another vehicle unless you are loading or unloading. Guests are required to park ____________________________________________ unless otherwise approved by Landlord.
Household Supplies
Household supplies provided by Landlord: (I supply paper towels, dish soap, dishwashing sponges, and all-purpose cleaner for use on the countertops, stovetop and microwave) ___________________________________________.
Supplies not listed above are the responsibility of the Housemate.
Bathroom Rules
Housemate is responsible for keeping their bathroom clean. Wipe countertops and mirrors as needed and promptly clean up any excessive water, hair, or personal items left behind. Make sure the toilet bowl is clean after you use it. Wash bath mats and dump the trash as needed.
Bedroom Cleanliness
Keep your bedroom reasonably clean, sanitary, and free of accumulated trash, spoiled food, and conditions that could attract insects or pests. Do not leave dirty dishes or uncovered food in the bedroom. Report any maintenance, moisture, or pest problem promptly.
Kitchen and Food Storage
Feel free to utilize pots, pans, plates, glasses, etc. and any appliances. Housemate will be provided with cabinet storage space for your food items and storage space in the refrigerator. Please do not eat or drink another Housemate’s food or beverages without asking their permission first. Please respect your Housemates by not cooking foods with strong odors. Turn the vent fan on high when using the oven or stovetop. This keeps the cooking odor to a minimum and it vents the heat out in the summer.
Do not cut anything on the countertop – use a cutting board. Please clean up after yourself. After preparing your food wash your dishes, pans, etc. and put them away. Do not leave them “soaking” in the sink. Do not take plates, glasses, utensils or silverware out of the house for any reason. Clean the stove top when you are finished. When you microwave food be sure to cover it to avoid splatters.
Landlord provides a coffee maker. Housemate must purchase their own coffee and filters.
Laundry
There are also a washer and dryer for Housemate’s convenience. If you see detergent, etc. in the cabinet that belongs to someone else, the same rule applies as with the food – don’t use it without asking permission first. Do not leave washed clothes sitting in the washing machine or dried clothes in the dryer. Clean the lint trap on the dryer after using it.
Trash
Empty the kitchen trash container when you see it is full. Trash is picked up every ____________ at _________
Smoking and Vaping [OPTIONAL — Include only if outdoor smoking is permitted]
If Housemate smokes or vapes, it is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. DO NOT SMOKE OR VAPE IN YOUR BEDROOM!
Pets
No pets are allowed unless approved in writing or required by applicable law.
Internet / Wi-Fi
High-speed internet is provided for ordinary personal use, subject to a total household data allowance of ____ GB/TB per month. Do not use the internet for unlawful activity, illegal downloading, or activity that violates the internet provider’s terms.
Any provider-imposed charges caused by clearly identifiable excessive use may be charged to the responsible Housemate as permitted by the Room Rental Agreement and applicable law.
Thermostat and Utilities
Utility costs are a major expense. That is why the Landlord needs the Housemate to do their part in keeping costs down. Do not leave your lights, ceiling fans, or TVs on when you leave the house. Do not change the thermostat without prior approval. If the home is too hot or too cold, please contact the Landlord. Do not use space heaters, mini-fridges, or other appliances in your room without prior written approval of the Landlord.
Repairs, Damage, and Safety Problems
Promptly report leaks, water damage, pests, broken appliances, electrical problems, damaged locks, or any other maintenance or safety concern. Do not attempt major repairs without the Landlord’s approval.
Private or Off-Limits Areas
Housemate and their visitors may not enter the Landlord’s bedroom, bathroom, office, storage areas, other Housemates’ bedrooms, or any other area identified as private without permission.
Mail and Packages
Do not open, move, or discard mail or packages belonging to another Housemate.
Bedroom Safety
No candles, incense, space heaters, illegal drugs, hazardous materials, or open flames are allowed in bedrooms unless approved in writing.
TVs and Bedroom Furniture
Housemate may have a television in their bedroom and may rearrange the furniture. Do not remove, replace, or dispose of furniture supplied with the room without the Landlord’s prior written approval. Adding additional furniture also requires prior approval.
Patio, BBQ, and Outdoor Areas
The patio and backyard are there for all the Housemates to enjoy. Please do your part to keep them neat and clean. [OPTIONAL: Include only if outdoor smoking is permitted] If Housemate smokes, please place cigarette butts in appropriate ashtrays and dump them after you are finished smoking. [If your Housemates have use of a BBQ] There is a gas/charcoal BBQ on the patio that you are welcome to use. Be sure to turn off the gas [If applicable] and clean the grill when you are done. Housemate will be expected to help pay for any gas/charcoal used.
Emergency Contact Information
If a problem arises, Housemate may contact Landlord at:
Cell: _______________ / Email: ___________________
I acknowledge that I have received, read, and agree to follow these House Etiquette Guidelines. I understand that violation of these guidelines may be treated as a violation of the Room Rental Agreement.
Housemate Signature: __________________ Date: ______
This document is intended as a sample form for educational purposes and should be reviewed by a qualified attorney before use.