Property - House Rules
When running a Property there are some general ‘House Rules’ that should be established. Keep in mind these are just general suggestions to consider and may apply to each Property differently.
Following these general guidelines will help property roommates get along. Respecting people’s quiet time, belongings and space will go a long way in keeping the peace in a property. Trust us, we understand living in a divided Property over microwave usage, kitchen cleaning and bathroom considerations, ha!
Cleaning up after yourself
This one might be #1 and definitely goes a long way. Clean up after yourself for goodness sake! Guess what?! If your Raviolis explode the microwave, guess who’s cleaning up, yup that’s right YOU, your mom doesn’t live here.
Items to consider
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Wipe down counters and table tops.
- Do not leave your clothes, shoes, bags or other personal belongs in the living room or shared spaces.
- If the trash is full please take it out (Trash day should be posted somewhere).
- If you have long hair, please clean the shower drain.
- If you pee on the seat, come on, please just clean it up.
- If you smoke, do not throw cigarette butts on the ground.
Some listings offer periodic cleaning.
Quiet hours and usage max
Most listings have ‘quiet hours’. Usually 10PM to 8AM so people can get their beauty sleep. Plus many listings have a maximum days per month the tenant can stay there. Some listings have a payment structure where the more you stay, the more you pay.
Entry to the Location
Property landlords should post any rules or conditions regarding access to the Property. For example, when door codes change, any charges for lost keys, gate operating hours, etc. etc.
Behave yourself
It is expected that everyone is respectful to others and does not perform unlawful or illegal acts while at the Property. It is expected that everyone follows the House Rules. No downloading porn!
Kitchen - Refrigerators, Cabinets and Food
As a Property is not a permanent residence, care should be taken in the kitchen. It is a good idea to label your food and other items whether in the refrigerator or in cabinets.
Often refrigerators have allocated space and also are cleaned out periodically. If you put a yummy snack in there and expect nobody is going to touch it for 2 weeks, you need to lower your expectations, be warned! ha
It is truly very kind of you to use/fill the dishwasher, however, it is expected that everyone empties the dishwasher from time to time.
Bedding and linens
Some listings provide bedding, some don’t. You should check with the Property landlord.
Storage space
Property tenants are usually given some closet space, some drawers in a dresser, locker or some small area where they can store some small personal items or in the case of ‘Hot Beds’ (see below) somewhere to store their bedding and/or pillows. There is also usually a luggage area, where suitcases and carry-ons are stored.
Bunk assignments
Some listings have assigned beds. In this case usually seniority wins. If a bed opens up, the person who has been at the Property the longest has the right to claim the bed. Prior notice to the landlord is usually required before switching beds.
Some listings are referred to as ‘Hot Beds’ meaning there are usually more tenants than beds but since everyone is never there at the same time, there are usually beds available. In this set-up, the tenant usually has to take off their bed linens and put them in a closet or storage leaving the bed open for the next person. These are usually less desirable and are cheaper to rent.
Washer dryer etiquette
Property landlords should post rules for doing laundry. Sometimes people get side tracked or fall asleep and forget their laundry in the washing machine. Is it ok to take them out and set them aside? Or in the dryer? These rules should be expressed and posted in the washer area. Are there laundry hours?
Smoking
Each Property will have their own rules regarding smoking.
Transportation and parking
Property landlords will generally post information in a common area with phone numbers for taxis, shuttle services, train or subway info. And landlords will provide parking information for tenants.
Lost or stolen items
Rules should be posted regarding personal security and/or loss of tenant personal belongings.
Maintenance and liability
If something requires maintenance contact the Property landlord. Don’t let it get worse and worse for your fellow Property’ers. If you break something, have a good conscious and tell your landlord so comfortable living can be maintained.
Rent payments and deposit
Prompt payment is always expected and late payment penalties may apply. Deposits and rules are also Property by Property. What about prorating a move in or move out? It should be discussed. Are there other expenses?
General no-no’s and things to follow
- Do not give your door code to anyone.
- No over night guests.
- Be considerate during tv time - volume and sharing.
- Turn off AC/Heat and electronics when leaving.
- Shut up and get off the phone! No one wants to hear the 3 hour conversation with your best friend back home or a lover you are fighting with. Please be considerate of others.
What did we forget? Please let us know.
