Rules and Guidelines for a House-hacking/ Co-living space

[Maxwell Anyimah-mensah]

TLDR: I seek input on roommate rooms in a house hack situation.

I am a Seattle-based investor, and all my properties are house-hacking situations, now called Co-living spaces.

I am currently focusing on creating a more professional template for “Rules and Regulations” as well as processes and procedures.

Can anybody here share the rules or some of the rules they have in place in their roommate agreement or Co-living membership rules?

Thank you for chiming in.

Your input is very appreciated.

[Julien Jeannot]

@Maxwell Anyimah-mensah

Here is a few to get your creativity flowing:

1. Rent and Bills: a. Define each roommate's share of rent and utility bills. b. Specify the due date for rent and bills. c. Outline consequences for late payments.
2. Security Deposit: a. Clarify the amount of the security deposit. b. Specify conditions under which the deposit may be withheld.
3. Guest Policy: a. Set guidelines for overnight guests. b. Determine how long guests can stay.
4. Quiet Hours: a. Establish quiet hours during which noise should be minimized.
5. Cleaning Responsibilities: a. Define each roommate's cleaning responsibilities. b. Specify a cleaning schedule for shared spaces.
6. Personal Belongings: a. Clearly outline personal space boundaries. b. Establish rules regarding borrowing personal items.
7. Groceries and Shared Items: a. Decide on a system for sharing groceries. b. Specify shared items and their maintenance.
8. Communication: a. Establish effective communication methods. b. Discuss how to address conflicts or concerns.
9. Use of Common Areas: a. Set guidelines for the use of shared spaces. b. Address any restrictions on certain activities.
10. Utilities: a. Determine how utility costs will be split. b. Establish energy-saving practices.
11. Internet and Cable: a. Decide on the level of service and how costs will be divided.
12. Smoking and Alcohol: a. Set rules for smoking and drinking within the living space.
13. Pets: a. Discuss whether pets are allowed and if so, what kind and how many. b. Outline pet care responsibilities.
14. Mail and Packages: a. Determine how mail and packages will be handled.
15. Appliances and Equipment: a. Discuss rules for using shared appliances and equipment.
16. Temperature Control: a. Set guidelines for adjusting the thermostat.
17. Personal Space and Privacy: a. Respect each other's personal space and privacy. b. Establish rules for entering each other's rooms.
18. Storage: a. Decide on storage space allocation.
19. Emergency Procedures: a. Outline emergency procedures and contact information.
20. Maintenance and Repairs: a. Establish responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. b. Determine how costs will be shared.
21. Trash and Recycling: a. Set guidelines for trash disposal and recycling.
22. Safety and Security: a. Discuss safety measures within the living space. b. Outline security practices.
23. Apartment Access: a. Specify rules for sharing keys and access to the apartment.
24. Social Events: a. Establish guidelines for hosting social events.
25. Holidays and Special Occasions: a. Discuss plans for holidays and special occasions.
26. Laundry: a. Set a schedule for using shared laundry facilities.
27. Internet Usage: a. Establish guidelines for internet usage and sharing bandwidth.
28. Dishwashing: a. Decide on a system for washing and putting away dishes.
29. Grocery Shopping: a. Determine how grocery shopping will be handled.
30. Respect for Differences: a. Encourage respect for each other's cultural, religious, and lifestyle differences.
31. Use of Personal Items: a. Discuss rules for borrowing or using each other's personal items.
32. Study and Work Spaces: a. Set guidelines for using shared study or work spaces.
33. Sustainability Practices: a. Discuss and agree on sustainability practices within the living space.
34. Weekend Quiet Time: a. Establish quiet hours or downtime during weekends.
35. Rotating Chores: a. Implement a system for rotating chores.
36. Decorating and Personalization: a. Discuss rules for decorating and personalizing shared spaces.
37. Fitness Equipment: a. Set guidelines for using shared fitness equipment.
38. Insurance: a. Discuss the need for renter's insurance and responsibilities.
39. Expiry of Agreement: a. Determine the length of the agreement and whether it will be renewed.
40. Consequences for Violations: a. Outline consequences for violating the roommate agreement.