I recently purchased a townhouse and my initial plan was to rent it out by the room co-living style. That may still be the end goal, but the first and only tenant I have so far was looking for more of a mid-term rental...so I jumped on it. I've been working on getting another bedroom set up for mid-term use, but if I get a second person in the unit I know I will need to roll out a solid and defined set of HOUSE RULES for the main floor shared living space. I assume most mid-term rentals aren't set up this way, but if any of you do rent by the room, would you be willing to share your house rules with me? Thanks
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1mo
It's not just about rules, you also need to clearly define the primary space you are renting (Bedroom #1) as well as various storage areas located in Common spaces. A shelf in the refrigerator, a section of kitchen cabinet space, a shelf or drawer in the bathroom, space in the laundry area, and of course parking and possibly space for storage of rec equipment such as bikes or kayaks.
Your rules cannot be used to micromanage, but should be used to direct general behaviors. Specific Quiet Hours. Pet Policy. Assistance Animal Policy. Overnight Guest Policy. No Smoking including medicinal materials. No Auto repairs on premises. No Loud vehicles. The list goes on...
Also, you need to define/designate who/how trash removal is handled and cleaning of common areas is accomplished.
House rules are completely separate from the Terms of your Rental Agreement, which spells out the LL/Tenant relationship and responsibilities including due date, late fees, payment methods and location, reporting requirements for maintenance issues and much more. I actually recommend a separate Parking Agreement for multi-tenant properties, to prevent disputes over the spaces available, and also to identify and document ownership of all vehicles. In many locales, having an abandoned vehicle or unauthorized vehicle can be very expensive, and paid for by property owner.
Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 288 posts · 129 votes
3d
I'd make the cleaning expectations really specific. 'Keep the kitchen clean' means something different to everybody. Dishes out of the sink after cooking, food out of the fridge at move-out, and who actually takes the bins to the curb. Also talk through the change with the person already there before the second tenant arrives. They've had the common space to themselves so far.