Roommate agreement: 12 house rules to include
Every shared home has unwritten rules; the trouble is that they are rarely the same for everyone. "Should you have told me your friend was staying?" or "is music OK after midnight?" cause friction in any home with unspoken rules.
A roommate agreement, or house rules, puts the rules in a short text everyone agrees to. Below is how to write one, with 12 example rules and a template.
Why have house rules?
- They set expectations: everyone expects the same thing.
- They prevent arguments later: "that was our rule" is impersonal.
- They guide newcomers: someone who moves in learns the rules straight away.
How to write them
- Write them together. Rules written by one person bind nobody.
- Keep it short. One page, 10-15 rules.
- Be specific. Instead of "keep it clean" write "dishes are washed the same day".
- Include the consequence. What happens if a rule is broken?
- Review them. Every three months or when someone new moves in.
12 example rules
- Guests: overnight guests are announced at least a day ahead; no more than two nights a week.
- Quiet hours: keep common areas quiet between 11 pm and 8 am.
- Cleaning: chores follow the rota; dishes are washed the same day.
- Common areas: the living room and kitchen are tidied after use.
- Money: rent and bill shares are paid by the 5th of each month.
- Shared purchases: cleaning supplies and similar items come from the shared pot; personal items are personal.
- Belongings: nobody uses someone else's things without asking.
- Smoking: only on the balcony or outside.
- Pets: talk to everyone before bringing a new pet.
- Moving out: give at least a month's notice; the share is paid until someone new moves in.
- Deposit and shared items: the deposit and shared belongings are agreed ahead of time.
- Resolving problems: talk face to face first, don't argue by text.
These are examples; every home is different. Delete what doesn't fit and add what's missing.
A copy-and-paste template
[Home name] House Rules — Date: ... — Agreed by: ...
1. Payments: rent and bills are paid by the ... of each month.
2. Shared items: ... are shared; personal items are personal.
3. Cleaning: chores follow the rota; dishes the same day.
4. Guests: overnight guests are announced ... hours ahead.
5. Quiet hours: ... to ...
6. Belongings: nobody uses others' things without asking.
7. Leaving: ... days' notice; the share is paid until a replacement moves in.
8. Problems: we talk in person first.
We review these every ... months.
What if someone breaks a rule?
Writing the consequence down in advance keeps it impersonal. Simple options that work:
- The first time: a verbal reminder.
- If it repeats: make it up (an extra chore, or a small contribution to the shared pot).
- If it keeps happening: hold a house meeting and revisit the rule or the arrangement.
The aim is to keep order, not to punish. A consequence everyone accepted is best.
How to run a house meeting
A short 20-minute house meeting once a month solves most problems while they are small. Keep the agenda simple: money (who owes whom), chores (whose turn), upcoming events (guests, repairs) and anything anyone wants to raise. Write down what you decide.
Keep it written and visible
Stick the rules on the fridge or pin them in the group chat. In Ev Ortağım there's a "House Rules" field when you set up the home, so every roommate can read them in the app.
Frequently asked questions
What is a roommate agreement?
A short set of rules roommates write and agree to together, covering guests, quiet hours, cleaning, money and moving out. It isn't a legal contract; it is an agreement within the household.
Should house rules be written down?
Not required, but it greatly reduces arguments, because everyone is looking at the same text.
What should a roommate agreement include?
Guests, quiet hours, cleaning and chores, common areas, payment days, shared purchases, belongings, moving out and the deposit.