House sharing rules

avihs on 31/08/2014 - 07:02

Hi fellow Ozbargainers,

I would like to set some house rules for my lodgers as I want to rent two bed rooms in my house. Some of you might have lived in share houses, some may be still living, some of you are land lords, some of you, lodgers/boarders/tenants.

I have come up with some rules for my house and I would like you to go through them, comment on them, suggest improvements or additions. Be aware that there are about 36 rules. Feel free to use the document or parts of it as needed.

House Rules

  1. Payment of Rent is the responsibility of the lodger, and the lodger would keep track of the payment day and pay up ON or BEFORE the due date. Non-payment or delays could result in fines and/or immediate eviction.
  2. The outside security door, the main door and the rear door are all to be locked at all times.
  3. The common areas like kitchen, dining, living, corridor, back yard, front yard and the lodger’s room need to be cleaned periodically using broom, vacuum or/and mop as appropriate. The cleaning roster, if in place should be strictly adhered to.
  4. The condition of the property is to be clean and hygienic at all times.
  5. When toilet paper roll is empty, it needs to be replenished and the cardboard roll cap is to be disposed in the bin.
  6. The toilets and bath rooms are to be maintained cleanly and hygienically at all times. There is to be no water on the toilet floor.
  7. The toilet rolls, dish washing liquid, air freshener, etc can be shared – speak to the land lord about the sharing rules.
  8. The lodger is to use his/her own cutlery, plates, cooking utensils and appliances.
  9. There are to be no food materials, left overs, bread crumbs left on the bench tops or in open utensils left out without immediately cleaning.
  10. The kitchen sink condition is to be clean at all times. Utensils have to be washed immediately after use. Food that is left out in the utensils needs to go into the bin rather than forcing it down the drain.
  11. The condition of the stove is to be clean and hygienic. Spillages are to be cleaned immediately.
  12. The lodger would take all steps and measures to use the things, utensils and appliances safely.
  13. The ventilator/exhaust needs to be used while cooking.
  14. Cooking time must be limited to 30 minutes and the lodger should be considerate of other people.
  15. The lodger would use a cleaning sponge of their own.
  16. The taps need to be turned off gently but firmly so there is no leakage of water.
  17. The lodger would close the doors softly, so as to not cause noise disturbance. Remember, the others could be sleeping.
  18. This is not a dormitory or a back packers housing, so keep the noise to a minimum, limited to the room you are staying in. Do not use profane language or swear.
  19. The lodger would not download via torrent sites, would not indulge in anything illegal over the internet.
  20. The lodger would not use drugs. Failure to comply will cause immediate eviction.
  21. The lodger would be using electricity and appliances ‘smartly’ and ecologically, reducing the carbon footprint. There is to be no unnecessary wastage of any utilities – gas, electricity or water. If there is any undue increase in utility bills, the lodger may be asked to pay up. There is to be no use of a heater without the express permission of the land lord.
  22. Washing machine load selection should be appropriate and only TOP LOADER detergent is to be used. Run a decent load rather than 4 – 5 clothes. Run the washing machine in the morning while the sun is shining.
  23. The bins need to be cleared as and when they are full in its appropriate disposal bins outside. The outside bins need to be placed along the verge during their pick up days and conversely, brought back in after their collection.
  24. There are to be no guests unless pre-approved in every instance. There are to be no parties or sleep overs in the house.
  25. There is no smoking inside the house.
  26. If you are a smoker, the designated smoking area is the back yard. Dispose the cigarette butts responsibly in an ash tray. Dispose the rubbish from ash tray every day.
  27. Any damage done to appliances or property, etc is to be reported immediately first and fixed in a timely manner.
  28. The lodger would remove foot wear before entering the house and use a separate pair of foot wear inside the house.
  29. Fan ventilator would be turned on before taking a hot shower. It has to be left on for some time after use (with the door closed) so the steam would be sucked out of the bath room. Keep the shower time short.
  30. Vehicle parking is to be at a pre assigned area only.
  31. The lodger would not be using the land line phone.
  32. The lodger would be storing kitchen utensils and food material in designated areas only. Stuff inside the fridge would be initialled for easy identification.
  33. The lodger should be aware that there is video recording for security purposes in the house.
  34. The lodger would ask before borrowing something, and would place things back in their original places after use.
  35. The lodger would be respectful to every other person in the house and their privacy.
  36. The lodger would follow any other house rules that may be set by the land lord.
Home & Garden

Comments

        • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 18:27

          'Do as I do' as a minimum (where you are being fair yourself) would be more than what you can expect from a sharemate.

        • Davo1111 on 03/09/2014 - 22:11
          +1

          @avihs:

          yeah i don't think you get it.

          You want to right to dictate, enforce and change rules as you see fit, with penalties. Yet not willing to enforce the rules against yourself. It's a double standard.

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 21:50

          @Davo1111:
          This is what I replied in response to your question.

          …Yet not willing to enforce the rules against yourself…

          This is what I replied :

          "I tend to preach what I follow and I am tolerant to a certain degree too."
          "'Do as I do' as a minimum…"

          In short, I follow all the rules I stated in the opening post and expect the lodger to follow the same.

          I would like to request your inputs on the amended list which I will post soon. Thanks, mate.

        • Davo1111 on 05/09/2014 - 11:29

          @avihs:

          tend to preach what I follow

          tend

          Definition: (when transitive, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something);

          I would like to request your inputs on the amended list which I will post soon.

          Delete everything.

          "Keep the place tidy and clean. No drugs, guests, or excessive noise"

          But honestly, if you're going to actually have half an hour rules (i.e. cooking, cleaning etc), then i think you should keep it how it is. So people know what they're getting in to (and most likely avoid)

        • avihs on 05/09/2014 - 16:07

          @Davo1111:

          "Keep the place tidy and clean. No drugs, guests, or excessive noise"

          Essentially, that is how I am transforming the list by retaining the must haves like payment of rent on time, etc. Rest would be 'expectations' which would be shown to the tenant, if the situation warrants it.

          …tend…

          'Tend to', because I am not absolute myself, and I would totally understand if the other person is like that too. Here is where tolerance kicks in. I would sometimes leave my coffee cup in the sink for washing in the later if I am rushing out for work.

          Many thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  • vinc on 02/09/2014 - 20:52

    That's toooooo much…
    Maybe u can just follow the clauses which are on the RTA contract.
    And add something in the special term.

    • MITM on 02/09/2014 - 22:11

      OP could add these special terms:

      Payment of Rent is the responsibility of the lodger, and the lodger would keep track of the payment day and pay up ON or BEFORE the due date. Non-payment or delays could result in fines and/or immediate eviction.
      The outside security door, the main door and the rear door are all to be locked at all times.
      The common areas like kitchen, dining, living, corridor, back yard, front yard and the lodger’s room need to be cleaned periodically using broom, vacuum or/and mop as appropriate. The cleaning roster, if in place should be strictly adhered to.
      The condition of the property is to be clean and hygienic at all times.
      When toilet paper roll is empty, it needs to be replenished and the cardboard roll cap is to be disposed in the bin.
      The toilets and bath rooms are to be maintained cleanly and hygienically at all times. There is to be no water on the toilet floor.
      The toilet rolls, dish washing liquid, air freshener, etc can be shared – speak to the land lord about the sharing rules.
      The lodger is to use his/her own cutlery, plates, cooking utensils and appliances.
      There are to be no food materials, left overs, bread crumbs left on the bench tops or in open utensils left out without immediately cleaning.
      The kitchen sink condition is to be clean at all times. Utensils have to be washed immediately after use. Food that is left out in the utensils needs to go into the bin rather than forcing it down the drain.
      The condition of the stove is to be clean and hygienic. Spillages are to be cleaned immediately.
      The lodger would take all steps and measures to use the things, utensils and appliances safely.
      The ventilator/exhaust needs to be used while cooking.
      Cooking time must be limited to 30 minutes and the lodger should be considerate of other people.
      The lodger would use a cleaning sponge of their own.
      The taps need to be turned off gently but firmly so there is no leakage of water.
      The lodger would close the doors softly, so as to not cause noise disturbance. Remember, the others could be sleeping.
      This is not a dormitory or a back packers housing, so keep the noise to a minimum, limited to the room you are staying in. Do not use profane language or swear.
      The lodger would not download via torrent sites, would not indulge in anything illegal over the internet.
      The lodger would not use drugs. Failure to comply will cause immediate eviction.
      The lodger would be using electricity and appliances ‘smartly’ and ecologically, reducing the carbon footprint. There is to be no unnecessary wastage of any utilities – gas, electricity or water. If there is any undue increase in utility bills, the lodger may be asked to pay up. There is to be no use of a heater without the express permission of the land lord.
      Washing machine load selection should be appropriate and only TOP LOADER detergent is to be used. Run a decent load rather than 4 – 5 clothes. Run the washing machine in the morning while the sun is shining.
      The bins need to be cleared as and when they are full in its appropriate disposal bins outside. The outside bins need to be placed along the verge during their pick up days and conversely, brought back in after their collection.
      There are to be no guests unless pre-approved in every instance. There are to be no parties or sleep overs in the house.
      There is no smoking inside the house.
      If you are a smoker, the designated smoking area is the back yard. Dispose the cigarette butts responsibly in an ash tray. Dispose the rubbish from ash tray every day.
      Any damage done to appliances or property, etc is to be reported immediately first and fixed in a timely manner.
      The lodger would remove foot wear before entering the house and use a separate pair of foot wear inside the house.
      Fan ventilator would be turned on before taking a hot shower. It has to be left on for some time after use (with the door closed) so the steam would be sucked out of the bath room. Keep the shower time short.
      Vehicle parking is to be at a pre assigned area only.
      The lodger would not be using the land line phone.
      The lodger would be storing kitchen utensils and food material in designated areas only. Stuff inside the fridge would be initialled for easy identification.
      The lodger should be aware that there is video recording for security purposes in the house.
      The lodger would ask before borrowing something, and would place things back in their original places after use.
      The lodger would be respectful to every other person in the house and their privacy.
      The lodger would follow any other house rules that may be set by the land lord.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 05:16

      Hi Vinc,

      Could you please link me to the RTA Contract rules? Is RTA a Queensland only thing?

      • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 05:20

        Found the link
        Gosh, there are 44 major rules and about a set of at least 10 sub rules on the list, going through it all more comprehensively than I did.

  • Pacify on 02/09/2014 - 21:10

    well, this thread certainly was very entertaining.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 00:04

      Thanks for reading through the long list. Each rule is a lesson learnt from experience that I know has to be avoided in the future.

      • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 06:38
        -1

        Just wondering if 'photo bombing' is your hobby?

  • Eveena on 02/09/2014 - 22:08

    I don't usually post on the Forums but I must say whilst I personally have difficulty abiding with these rules (nor will I entertain the idea of sharing a house with anyone), the rules can work if you find a likeminded lodger who seeks peace and quiet and somewhere cheap and safe to stay at. Most of the rules are common sense, and really do not require to be spelt out. Unfortunately from what I gathered in my attempt to find shared accommodation, these type of individuals are in the minority. Most younger renters (your target market) can be difficult to live with if you are at a different stage in life to them. Anyone in their mid to late twenties with a decent income is likely to choose to live by themselves or share with a partner.

    The way I found my last housemate was through a similar method, but instead of imposing rules I had a list of discussion questions which was used to tease out any issues during the first meeting. I had some very specific needs that I will not compromise on, such as cleanliness and security. If I had any second thoughts about the individual (such as the girl who wanted to give her relatives a set of spare keys) I will gladly pass on the offer to house share.

    I would be fine with most rules on the list, and quite possibly clean too much for most peoples' liking. But the following rules I can see myself struggling with:

    -14. I'm a baker, and cakes can take 45-60 minutes in the oven.
    -23. I have a personal dislike for bins. I simply cannot handle having to take a full-sized bin that has week old contents out without feeling very uncomfortable for hours afterwards. The way I got around this with my previous housemate was to offer to mop the floor in exchange of him on bin duty.
    -24. I enjoy having friends over for dinner, and my partner usually stays overnight once a week. Obviously this is something that I would bring up in the outset so that expectations are clear both ways.
    -29. Whilst I do not use heating during winter, depending on the shower, I often do not turn on the fan as it can be very cold with the fan on. It varies from household to household but I generally maintain that I'd rather not catch a cold. I do, however, clean the tiles and grout on a regular basis.
    -33. Entrance surveillance is fine, but being the privacy conscious individual I am, I would seriously question whether there are hidden cameras inside the house as well. You may be better off installing a brand name system from a authorised dealer instead of DIY security.
    -36. This is a catch all term that is far too broad for me to comfortably agree with. Given that you OP are the sole dictator of the rules, this final rule is very draconian on the lodgers. Perhaps a more democratic approach, at least on the face of it, could be more appropriate.

    In addition, I agree with one of the posters above that whilst useful, perhaps this rule set can be something that is brought up at a later time given it's apparent severity.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 06:31
      -4

      Eveena, please accept my gratitude for going through the post and detailing your views. Definitely, your post helped me gain insight into another person's neutral thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

      Most of the rules are common sense, and really do not require to be spelt out. Unfortunately from what I gathered in my attempt to find shared accommodation, these type of individuals are in the minority.

      You have summed up the problem I intended to deal with succinctly.

      -14. I'm a baker, and cakes can take 45-60 minutes in the oven.

      While you are free to use the kitchen when others are not waiting, it would be courtesy to follow a 'fair go' attitude and let another person use the stove after using it for about 30 minutes. You can then resume your cooking after your share mate has his/her 30 or less minutes stove time.
      I have had an Asian couple who spent a lot of time in the kitchen, hogging stove space while me and another tenant waited for them to finish so we could cook something and go out.
      It would be great to have a tenant who can bake - I could assist with mixing the dough or shopping?

      -23. I have a personal dislike for bins…offer to mop the floor in exchange of him on bin duty.

      Fair enough. You have shown that you are a considerate person by swapping one chore for another in a mutually agreeable way.

      -24. I enjoy having friends over for dinner, and my partner usually stays overnight once a week. Obviously this is something that I would bring up in the outset so that expectations are clear both ways.

      The druggie tenant I had told me in our initial discussion that she is going to be staying alone and that her partner is in jail for abusive behaviour towards her. At this stage, I told her that there are going to be no sleepovers in the house and she agreed. At a later date, she told me her partner is out and if she could bring him in for a 'short' time. By then, I already suspected she was abusing drugs and I refused.
      Your case would be different, though because you seem to be a person who can be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining sensitivities of the housemates.

      -29. Whilst I do not use heating…I do, however, clean the tiles and grout on a regular basis.

      Fair enough to not have the fan on while taking a hot shower, but it would be good to have the fan ventilator on after taking shower so as to extract vapour out and prevent mould from growing on the ceiling.

      -33. Entrance surveillance is fine…I would seriously question whether there are hidden cameras inside the house as well.

      Rule 35 : The lodger would be respectful to every other person in the house and their privacy. applies both ways. You can not expect one person to respect the privacy of the other unless it is reciprocated by an equal measure. Hence, it would be wrong to do that and there are no secret spy cameras inside the house.

      -36. This is a catch all term that is far too broad for me to comfortably agree with. Given that you OP are the sole dictator of the rules, this final rule is very draconian on the lodgers. Perhaps a more democratic approach, at least on the face of it, could be more appropriate.

      This rule could appear draconian to all considerate people like yourself. In instances like this, this rule can be scrapped, or if it must exist, it can be modified into: There may be other rules under mutual agreement in the future.
      This rule is to provide landlords with that little balance they need with the seemingly lopsided law that tilts in favour of the tenant most times. It gives the landlords an extra option of adding other rules (of course, they need to be reasonable in framing it in the first place)

      • IdLikeToBeATree on 03/09/2014 - 14:48

        You want the baker to take the cake out of the oven after it's been cooking for 30 minutes and then put it back in half an hour later (while someone else uses the kitchen) to finish cooking? That'd be a delicious cake.

        To avoid this there would also be a kitchen timetable for when you are allowed in the kitchen so everyone knows when someone else will be cooking..?

        • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 18:31
          -2

          …Kitchen timetable…

          Absolutely agree. You would not start cooking knowing that it would take a complete 2 hours to finish if you know a share mate has to cook, eat and leave in the next 30 minutes. You would rather tell the person to finish up first so you can start.
          If you are unable to achieve that harmony, the rule will be a 'fall back' reference when a dispute arises.
          Sounds fair?

        • IdLikeToBeATree on 03/09/2014 - 21:08
          +2

          @avihs: This just keeps getting more and more ridiculous.. this rule is actually one of the most crazy sounding to me

        • rambutann on 03/09/2014 - 21:50

          @avihs:

          This is common sense.. but it requires everyone to know everyone elses schedules… Sh!t happens….

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 19:50

          @rambutann:

          If you observe closely, MOST of the rules listed are common sense. The rules list is a 'fall back' if people are unable to communicate, know each other and understand sensitivities of others.
          You must be communicative, hence know that your share mate has to leave in 20 minutes. Then, you must also be considerate as to let the share mate use the shower first, because you are free and can have your shower after 20 minutes.

          Sh!t happens….

          If it can be avoided, why not give it full chance? Why wait for it to happen and deal with the situation?

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:24
          -1

          @jumpo:
          It would be absolutely difficult to set and maintain a time table for kitchen use. Hence I agree with you when you said it is ridiculous. Imagine, if that were followed, there would have to be another time table for bath room usage, for backyard usage, etc.

          It would be just simple to say 'be considerate to other share mates' when it comes to using common areas/facilities.

      • Eveena on 03/09/2014 - 23:14

        While you are free to use the kitchen when others are not waiting, it would be courtesy to follow a 'fair go' attitude and let another person use the stove after using it for about 30 minutes. You can then resume your cooking after your share mate has his/her 30 or less minutes stove time.

        I must admit it was far less of a problem when I was only sharing with one other person, who cooked very little. He also happened to be a good friend and a lovely housemate. I don't see myself ever sharing with another 3 or 4 people, but if i do, I expect some common understanding with regards to cooking time like the one you've proposed above. Certainly the more people you have in the house the harder it gets. I can often work overtime so a rigid schedule will not work for me personally, but it also means by the time I get home most of the action in the kitchen would have subsided.

        OP I imagine you have multiple stove spots? I used to live in a place where the common kitchen was shared by the entire building. There was 8 stove spaces and 2 ovens, and lots of demand during peak hours. The way I got around having to wait forever was to prepare everything before going to the kitchen and use the stove for the short duration required to cook the food only. Whilst the kitchen is busy, most of the demand actually came from finding clear bench space. It did help that majority of my cooking is vegetarian which I could prepare beforehand. Oh, and this method also saved my sanity by minimising exposure from all the mess everyone leaves behind… but that's another story.

        Your case would be different … sensitivities of the housemates.

        My ex-housemate strongly disliked my partner of years but we agreed at the very outset that he can visit and stay over one day of weekends and as much as he wants during the week. Anything extra I'd have to check with him first, which he always says yes to. It would have been a deal breaker for me if my partner was completely banned from the house.

        I think it's more of a problem when sleepovers become semi-permanent lodging. The hard thing is to be able to draw a line in the sand and break it to the lodger nicely that perhaps their sub-lodger (?) should start paying rent as well.

        Although, there was a place I looked at a while back that charged $7 every time someone stayed over, along with other rules such as no showering after midnight, no stealing food, no drying dishes in the common kitchen, no leaving mess after cooking, with monetary penalties imposed accordingly… they had only one room vacant so their model must have worked.

        Perhaps you could use a questionnaire format with open questions? I found it quite useful myself so long as the other person is being frank and honest. I'd rather issues to come out before I lock myself into a year long lease. You can encourage the enquirer to ask any questions about you as well, which gives you a feel for what they are looking for.

        You might also want to split your rules into those that have some room for negotiation and those that don't. I remember one girl agreed to my no-shoes-in-the-house rule but wanted her (rather large) dog to be able to free roam the house… I think she missed the point.

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:14

          …and this method also saved my sanity by minimising exposure from all the mess everyone leaves behind…

          If majority of people thought similarly or are open to suggestions like that, the need to notify what is expected of them does not arise. Good on you - you are a problem solver.

          Perhaps you could use a questionnaire format with open questions?…

          With the suggestions I have received so far, I have something on mind. If this does not work, I will certainly go for the questionnaire method which can solve the double purpose of not only letting the person know what I expect but also to know about the person and if the person would be willing to understand sensitivities and make personal compromises.
          For example, a person may prefer to walk all the way inside the house into their bed room with the external foot wear. Understanding that the land lord has a sensitivity with external foot wear soiling the carpet, it would be great if this person makes a compromise and follows. Or, the person could say they have a sensitive sole and thus can not leave the foot wear outside, but willing to pay an extra on rent for additional clean up or damages.

          I'd rather issues to come out before I lock myself into a year long lease. You can encourage the enquirer to ask any questions about you as well, which gives you a feel for what they are looking for.

          Fantastic suggestions. I have split the rules into 'others' and 'mandatory'. As with swapping the bin wheeling duty with another one, all the solutions you posted are fair to everybody and workable. Mind if I asked what you do for a living?

        • Eveena on 04/09/2014 - 20:49

          I'm your stereotypical Bachelor of Arts graduate who never found a real job. I essentially have a office job, and the role is a mix of a receptionist, a personal assistant, a bookkeeper and a IT troubleshooter. In case you were wondering, I have a somewhat mediocre wage, and I have very little left after rent and bills.

          What about yourself?

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 22:13
          +1

          @Eveena:

          Your method of thinking is oriented towards finding solutions quickly and amicably. Hope your office recognises your skills and honours you accordingly.

          I am into business and a lot of other things.

          Thanks for your inputs.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2014 - 22:29
    +1

    Advertise your place (without posting the 36 rules) and see how many people actually contact you.Its really hard to find someone willing to move in with the landlord. It took 7 weeks for the mrs's friend to find someone to move in to her place and she's a pretty, single,friendly and fun 30 year old!

  • love2buy on 02/09/2014 - 23:30

    Just find sensible people and you'll be right. No need for such a long winded list. Fix issues and problems as you go along.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 00:04

      Thanks for reading through the long list. Each rule is a lesson learnt from experience that I know has to be avoided in the future.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 06:37

      @ love2buy

      Just find sensible people…

      With a really 'sensible' person, the rules can just transform into sensitivities that can be discussed and attitudes can be adapted so as to cause least/no friction. More importantly, it can bring up a fun atmosphere in the house.

  • smpantsonfire on 03/09/2014 - 00:35

    All this action and no one has found a deal on popcorn? I'm so disappointed in ozbargain.

    OP, good luck finding someone. You and my bro would get along though.

  • syousef on 03/09/2014 - 02:06
    +2

    Big Bang Theory jokes aside, I think I'd rather freeze to death on the street than share a house with you. Heck I'm not sure I want to share a suburb. You seriously need to lighten up. I don't mean that as ridicule. I mean you need to take a look in the mirror, check your priorities and think about what kind of life you're making for yourself. Making everyone around you miserable or crazy won't make for a good house sharing experience.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 06:46

      Could you define 'common sense' or 'sensibility'?

      When you see that a person is not being 'sensible' and that their definition of 'sensibility' is entirely different from yours just because they want to take it easy on their share of responsibility, it becomes imperative that you attempt to define the above mentioned terms so that in case of a dispute, you are covered. The rules I came up with need not be specifically written down in a listed format and signed off on if both the parties are sensible, which would usher an understanding between them.

      • syousef on 03/09/2014 - 23:21

        tl;dr Too many rules and a lack of respect will get you nowhere.

        Common sense should need no definition. If you're doing something that annoys the landlord you should talk it out and come to a sensible agreement that you're both at peace with. No list of rules is going to replace finding someone with the attitude that it's possible to make the living situation a happy one. The list of rules only gets in the way. This is a temporary living situation, not a long term employment agreement. It's inappropriate.

        You see the key thing that you're missing is that it's very easy to follow a set of rules and still come into conflict. Sure you can make more rules but pretty soon you have something that no one is going to be able to remember and rules that one party think are over the top and a joke.

        The best thing you can do is have a discussion with someone about what they expect and remain FLEXIBLE. For example: If they're using the kitchen for 40 minutes to cook a meal instead of 30 and it's not getting in your way, what exactly is the problem here???

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:37
          +1

          Common sense should need no definition…

          That is exactly what I thought and rented the house with a back packer saying there are no house rules other than being considerate. 'Common sense' should have told him to switch on the bath room fan after he has had his 45 minute hot shower, which he stops after the hot water is finished. That is when I started telling tenants after him to keep shower times short and to turn on the exhaust.

          …should talk it out and come to a sensible agreement…

          I talked to him about the issue. He agreed to keep the shower time short. Worked for two days. And it only worked for two days, no more. A person who is blessed with common sense would not do it in the first place. A person deprived of the above blessing would not listen even after being prompted.

          Rather than having to have that uneasy talk with the tenant saying this is creating problems to the house hold, it is probably better to have a house rule beforehand.

          …This is a temporary living situation, not a long term employment agreement. It's inappropriate.

          After the suggestions I have received here, I am probably not going to call it 'Rules' anymore, but rather 'expectations'. I will try and reduce their number, removing those that are in the realm of 'common sense', although I am of the opinion that common sense need not really be very common.

  • sandsay on 03/09/2014 - 04:18

    What if I have a particularly gassy day or tummy issues?

  • odyssi on 03/09/2014 - 04:30

    Oh, Good Grief!

  • lenlynn on 03/09/2014 - 08:55

    Maybe include a probation period of say 1 month, rather than all those rules? You say that the rules are not overboard and are reasonable but most prospective tenants will not see it as that. Seriously, what is regarded as courtesy has been enumerated as your rules?! Nope sorry, your rules go beyond that. Courtesy would be no loud noises after 10pm or something.

    How bout being courteous to the tenants? I would be offended as a prospective tenant and even though I might adhere to all your rules (those I read at a glance that is), I wouldn't want to be your tenant. The rules are alienating.

    Remove half of the rules (OK maybe more than that lol), conduct a vigorous "screening process" when you meet them, be in no hurry to rent it out, and a probation of a month so both you and the tenants can decide if you want to live with one another.

    When I was looking for someone to take the spare room, I went with people I felt really comfortable with when we first met up and well none of them were druggies!lol

    hmm and just to let you know, I did dismissed rental places with excessively low rent as "there must be something wrong with them". Lolol even if there's something wrong with yours (aka the rules of 'courtesy'), are you sure you wanna convey that impression? Maybe up it slightly and offer suitable prospective tenants a lower rate when you meet face to face as an incentive?

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 18:44

      @Lenlynn

      …probation period of say 1 month

      Your suggestion is one of the most valuable I have come across.

      Seriously, what is regarded as courtesy has been enumerated as your rules?! Nope sorry, your rules go beyond that.

      Asking for toilets to be clean at all times, sink to be uncluttered, appliances to be turned off while not being used, security door to be locked, fan exhaust to be on, rent to be paid on time, not doing drugs, etc - every rule is 'common sense' or 'courtesy'.
      'Everybody' follows them without being told (sarcastically said). The rule list only makes explicit as to what is expected of them, 'even though they know them all and follow them all at all times'.

      Maybe the rules could be introduced to the person after the probation period if it seems like the person needs to be shown the rules.

      Thanks for your inputs. Much appreciated.

  • myian on 03/09/2014 - 09:40
    +1

    oh on, NO torrent ??!!!! I cannot live with rule 19.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 18:45

      Do torrents while being considerate to others. Maybe limit the bandwidth to a certain speed so another person is able to read their email?

      • Malarkey on 04/09/2014 - 11:46
        +1

        Most home setups can be done so that its an equal split, i.e if there is one active connection they get 100%, 2 is 50% each etc.

        • dealman on 04/09/2014 - 13:34

          Can you shed some light on how to set it up? What's such sharing called?

        • samfisher5986 on 04/09/2014 - 13:46

          @dealman:

          It requires custom router firmware or setting up a spare computer to be the Internet gateway/proxy.

          Honestly its actually a very poor way to do it considering the amount of devices you can have that run an active connection.

          Quality of Service is the only real solution but this is very hard to do properly.

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:45

          @samfisher5986:
          Gargoyle Router Management Utility is a good and cheap option for QOS, but it is risky too. And, it is hard to do properly like you mentioned.

  • Gorodemon on 03/09/2014 - 10:07
    +1

    The rules should apply to OP as well. If the lodgers find OP in a breach of these rules, they should be able to issue a fine/eviction notice to OP. Do unto others as you would!

  • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 12:00
    +3

    For all the people who say that the OP is running some kind of orwellian residency or saying how the OP is such a ramrod dictator.

    I assume you would be okay if your tenant did any of the following or in an extreme example, all of the following? I have shared houses with a few groups of people and these are a collection of my experiences.

    Paying rent late
    Leaving doors unlocked
    Not cleaning up any of the areas that he or she uses through the entire duration of stay
    Leaving the property in a mess
    Leaving the cardboard roll on the dispenser after expending the paper. Or letting the cardboard roll pile up in the corner of the toilet
    Letting the toilet go dirty, hair everywhere. Mold growing on the sides of the sink. Toilet floor constantly wet, carpeting outside the toilet starting to grow mold (to be fair one can get a bath mat to solve this)
    Uses your cutlery, bends them. Leaves them around, does not wash. Food stains on "washed" bowls. Leaves appliances extra dirty, burnt crumbs on toaster, caked rice-water all over the rice cooker, crazy oily kettle
    Leaves food bits cooked or uncooked all over the floor, bench, table and sink.
    Utensils left overnight, you can't use them when required. Food starting to collect flies
    Leaving the stove on for extended durations unattended. Puddle of water collecting near the base of electrical appliances
    Ventilator exhaust not used when cooking. Smoke constantly triggers the smoke alarm. Oil builds up around the stove (walls, floor, cupboard and bench etc)
    Occupies all appliances all the time (to be fair most people never do this all the time, its quite hard to imagine and I have never encountered, most lazy housemates from hell tend to do minimal cooking while creating a giant mess)
    Leaving your sponge soaked or full of sauce. Maggots start to infest the sponge
    Leaking water from untightened taps, damaged taps due to turning them way past their limit
    Constantly slamming all doors shut (I have not encountered anybody who does this unintentionally)
    Blasting music, shows and talking loudly on phone.
    Downloading from torrent sites that results in you receiving an email from the provider warning you about your illegal activities. Or if you are using a limited internet service 80% of the quota is used up within the first 10 days.
    Junkie tenant
    Leaving the fridge open, leaving all lights/fans/heaters on through the entire day. Takes 1 hour showers, using up all the hot water. (To be fair again, this should be factored into the rent, but shit happens). Frankly, resonable heater usage should be allowed
    Overloads or constantly underloads the washing machine. Uses inappropriate settings on the machine causing it to jump about or leak.
    Not clearing all bins at all. Letting the rubbish pile up beside the bin. Flies and maggots infest the house
    Brings back loud rowdy drunk guests regularly
    Smokes inside the house, or very near the open balcony doors
    Leaving the ash try overfilled and overflowing with rain water or leaving the butts lying all around the balcony
    Not informing landlord about damaged furniture, continue using in exacerbating the damage
    Wearing muddy shoes all over the house. Dragging grass, mud and stones all over the house
    Ventilator not used, causing mold to grow on the ceilings. (Again, you could probably get the ventilator linked to the light switch).
    Parking on your garden/lawn. Blocks your car
    Uses your landline to make overseas calls (you could remove the phone, I don't know anybody who still uses a landline)
    Stores his or her kitchen stuff or food together with yours. Tosses wet recently washed utensils in for good measure. Leaves food to rot and grow fungus gardens in the fridge.
    Nobody uses video recording for security in their houses? Is it unreasonable to do so and also to inform your tenant of it?
    Uses your stuff constantly, uses your clean pails to soak their shoes. "borrows" your coats/shoes/umbrellas. Takes lights/fans/speakers into their room.
    Barging into your room, looks over your shoulders at the computer. Rude to you
    Does something weird and strange just because its not in the rules

    I trust most of you are reasonable people and would never do such things hence the displeasure at the rules. However, empathize with the OP a little and consider what it would be like if you rented with somebody like this. (It is quite hard to tell from a 1 hour interview whether somebody would do any of these things. To be fair again though, you would definitely be able to tell if somebody was going to do ALL of these)

    • samfisher5986 on 03/09/2014 - 12:06
      +1

      Most posters either are lucky, have friends as housemates or are the exact type of people the OP is trying to avoid.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 12:12
        +1

        Some of these were from friends as housemates =/. Some of them weren't used to living by themselves yet.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 19:38
      +1

      @lolbbq

      After reading your 'recollections post', I feel vindicated after rule-haters failed to see (maybe I fell short of explaining properly) that the 'rules' as they were referred to are actually things that you and I do without being told to do that way.

      What you said is exactly what happens with 'some' share mates you come across. These 'some' people would range from those that commit all of those listed irritations or some or half, depending on the range of uncouthness they are used to living with and unwilling to change despite them being told they are causing inconvenience.

      Most of the readers of this post are sensible people who would not commit most of the irritations you mentioned, or would be responsive to reason. It is probable that these readers may not have encountered those 'some' share mates that you and I have come across.

      Frankly, resonable heater usage should be allowed

      My electricity bill for two months factoring in the solar panels is about $ 30 - $ 50 and I am okay with the tenant bearing the excess bill after the maximum $ 50, considering that I never use heaters. I factor in up to $ 50 as a common electricity bill into the 'utilities included' clause. One of the months, the bill was $ 150. I was lenient and just talked to the tenant about moderating the use of heater. It jumped to $ 225 in the next bill, which is about 5 times the maximum I consume.

      However, empathize with the OP a little and consider what it would be like if you rented with somebody like this.

      I am in gratitude for the post and the message it conveys. Thanks.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 12:26
    +2

    Payment of Rent is the responsibility of the lodger, and the lodger would keep track of the payment day and pay up ON or BEFORE the due date. Non-payment or delays could result in fines and/or immediate eviction.

    If you are calling it rent, then you will be bound by residential property law for your relevant state. If you are caught renting without having followed the proper residential tenancy laws, you can get caught out and charged. Fines and immediate eviction for late rent are probably illegal, and fines where you don't list the amount or terms in the contract are not legal (as is the 'The lodger would follow any other house rules that may be set by the land lord').

    Everything else you listed

    Everything else you have listed is unenforceable, except for maybe the no drugs policy. Have you thought about what you have listed? If the tenant swears too much and downloads a few legal torrents, and you try to evict them immediately, how will you do this? Call the police? Show them your contract? Take them to court? Waste police/court time with a video where you caught someone swearing?

    Here is what you need to put in your contract:

    • How and when their board (not rent) is supposed to be paid
    • Penalties for late or non payment of board (penalties are usually late fees (not fines), and will have to be stated in the contract)
    • How much notice the boarder has to give you if moving out
    • How much notice you have to give the boarder if you want them to move out

    Then separate of the contract:

    • List of guidelines/suggestions for living in the shared accommodation (all the stuff you have posted).

    This way you can give the boarder notice, with out reason, that they have to move out. If they don't or cause problems, you can get the police/courts involved with the sole reason they are trespassing on your property as notice was given for the tenant to move out.

    • samfisher5986 on 03/09/2014 - 13:10

      unenforceable?

      Its called giving notice for them to leave and your done.

      Your post isn't particularly relevant. OP never mentioned about evicting someone immediately that's near impossible.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 14:51

        His first rule mentions immediate eviction:

        Payment of Rent is the responsibility of the lodger, and the lodger would keep track of the payment day and pay up ON or BEFORE the due date. Non-payment or delays could result in fines and/or immediate eviction.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 14:52

          Re unenforceable: How would you get someone to move out if they swear?

        • samfisher5986 on 03/09/2014 - 15:26

          Fair enough I didn't notice he said this.

          Not only is it unreasonable its also very cruel to do this to someone…

        • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:08

          @samfisher5986:

          Law states that "Reasonable notice" needs to be given to a lodger. That is as 'immediate' as it will get. Depending on the severity of damage i.e the tenant smokes weed inside the room, your reasonable notice could be 2 days too if the lodger does not have large furniture.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:03

      @snowblindnz

      If you are calling it rent, then you will be bound by residential property law…

      Lodgers and boarders, by definition are not covered by the Residential Tenancy Act that each of the Australian states follow. The money a lodger/boarder pays is called ‘rent’ too.

      Fines and immediate eviction for late rent are probably illegal… fines where you don't list the amount…

      Point taken about the fine amounts. The phrases about ‘fines’ and ‘immediate evacuation’ are only there as a deterrent to prevent the lodger from the thought ‘can I get away with delaying or skipping the rent this week’?
      Regarding ‘Immediate evacuation’: For boarders and lodgers, the land lord only needs to give a ‘reasonable time’ to leave. If they don’t, ‘immediate’ is the time it takes for the tribunal/magistrate’s court to issue a ‘Recovery of possession’ order and the sheriff doing the enforcement.

      …unenforceable, except for maybe the no drugs policy

      Nothing is really enforceable. But each of the stipulated points that are not complied would make you evaluate whether you would like to carry on with the tenancy. At a stage where you decide that the tenant would be causing you head aches, you have a reason to ask them to leave.
      The police, the courts, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and a lot of other organisations were hardly of any assistance after I told them about the druggie tenant who was caught red handed smoking weed inside the house.

      tenant swears too much and downloads a few legal torrents,

      Swearing is a minor irritation that I can probably live with, provided everything else is good about the person. Legal torrents do not get me into trouble from the ISP, but the main issue is that of clogging the bandwidth to the point that your mail does not open up.

      …board (not rent)…

      Point taken. I have used the terms interchangeably because I did not know this before. Now, convenience sake, I will retain the interchangeable usage but will change the wording on the rules later.

      The notice times are mentioned on the signed contract.

      This way you can give the boarder notice, with out reason, that they have to move out. If they don't or
      cause problems, you can get the police/courts involved with the sole reason they are trespassing on your property as notice was given for the tenant to move out.

      Many thanks for your valuable inputs. They are treasure.

  • wannagrababargain on 03/09/2014 - 13:59
    +2

    Ok I have read your post and some of the comments and since I am about to rent out rooms myself I feel I should respond.

    Firstly you need to seperate out things that belong in the sub-lease/licensing agreement and those things that are just house rules. Payment of rent and damage to property belong in the lease agreement (ie they already should 'know' about those things before walking into a sharing situation). While anything that is about sharing the house with others is part of the house rules.

    Secondly I would try not to make one big long list of rules like you have done here. Instead re-format this into a room mate agreement. In the agreement make sub-headings such as "Cleaning", "Noise", "Drugs and smoking", "Guests" and use wording that gives people responsibility rather than telling them what they 'should' and 'must' do as well as providing reasoning. (eg "For the peace of all living in the house room mates agree to keep noise to a minimum between x and x on Monday to Friday and x and x on the weekends.") This makes it a two/three/four way agreement BETWEEN housemates, not just a bunch of rules set by someone. You're not going to get very far just having a laundry list of your own pet hates framed as 'rules.' You might satisfy your own mind that you've put onto paper all these things but people are more likely to ignore your rules if they are laid out like this. It's more about garnering the respect and agreement of fellow room mates than thinking people are robotically going to follow rules just because you wrote them down.

    I understand where you are coming from with the rules but you've gone over the top with some things. Prior approval of all guests is a bit over the top. Instead you can come to an agreement about visiting times of guests, that guests should be aware of rules and when guests should leave. Video recording may be appropriate to secure the house from outside intruders but I think that it is inappropriate to video record your room mates for purpose of 'enforcing' house rules. Limiting cooking time arbitrarily to 30 mins is silly - sometimes it takes me 2 mins to reheat a meal, other times it takes me an hour to prepare a meal. A more generic agreement along the lines of "Room mates agree not to hog the kitchen during meal times" would be better. That way people are free to negotiate and work around each other peacefully rather than sitting there watching each other with a timer set for 30 mins! Asking each time to use a heater is a bit much. People should be able to reasonably expect to be comfortable - sure set expectations (ie no leaving the heaters on when leaving), ban plug in element heaters etc however if you're that concerned about bills either increase your rent or change the utility billing structure.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:28

      wannagrababargain

      …seperate out things …

      Suggestion taken.

      …make sub-headings such as "Cleaning", "Noise", "Drugs and smoking", "Guests"…

      A valuable suggestion about the sub headings, it makes reading the list a lot easier.

      …more about garnering the respect and agreement of fellow room mates than thinking people are robotically going to follow rules…

      I see your point and the reason why some people did not like the tone in which the rules were mentioned. Your ‘Agreement between shareholders’ is a very positive idea.

      I think that it is inappropriate to video record your room mates for purpose of 'enforcing' house rules.

      I totally agree.

      Room mates agree not to hog the kitchen during meal times

      That is verily the intent. The point needs polish.

      if you're that concerned about bills either increase your rent or change the utility billing structure.

      I am in consonance. One bill was $ 10 in peak summer when my solar worked hard, next one was a moderate $ 30, next one was $ 150 and the one after that was $ 225. Since I have only factored in about $ 50 as the maximum common electricity bill which is included in the rent, I would naturally be concerned at the increase due to the usage of heater. If I were a tenant and wanted to use heater, I would tell the land lord that I would bear the extra costs over $ 50.

      Your comments were very helpful to me, thanks for your time.

  • onefromoz on 03/09/2014 - 15:16
    +1

    Welcome to ALCATRAAAZ!
    Now, sit down -in designated spot when asked- and SHUT UP !

    Edit:
    Ooopps!
    I did not realize this is a JOKE!

  • mirridon on 03/09/2014 - 16:42
    +1

    As somebody who has lived with people that have been absolutely horrible, beyond normal in terms of respecting other peoples property, I can put my 2 cents in here. I had lost one of my very good friends just by living with him….

    In your perfect world you want everything to be the way you want it. This is problematic, as other people have preferences in regards to what they deem to be important to them. As this is the case, I would strongly recommend you limit your 'rules' to a bare minimum. It's your house, and I understand you like it the way you want it to be. However, they are paying to rent to stay there and by paying rent they have 'a say' in what goes on within the household. Limiting or manipulating their lifestyle, by placing heavy constraints, is going to cause some issues later down the track.

    If you want the house to be perfect for your living conditions, don't get let anyone rent the rooms, just live in the house yourself. This is the price of renting out rooms to people, they're going to want to do their own thing to the house in some manner. Just be straight up with expectations, but don't be overbearing, your list is too much and over the top.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:35

      Thanks for the comments, Mirridon.

      As lots of comments suggest, I should change the way they were presented. If I called them 'expectations', it might have sounded less stricter, and would have attracted lesser resistance. As I mentioned a few times before in response to comments, the rules are unnecessary amongst people who are considerate to each other.

  • noskich on 03/09/2014 - 17:37

    As the poster before wrote, it took a single 30 years old bubbly female in Melbourne 7 weeks to find a flatmate.
    I think that posters criticising the OP have probably never been head tenants themselves and looking for flatmates outthere (not counting friends and friends of friends).
    I can tell you for Sydney, I look for flatmates for a shared flat which is 5 minutes average speed walk to one of the major train and bus stations in Sydney (10-15 minutes on a train away from both CBD and Parramatta) and often I hear complaints from people inspecting that it is too far.
    They simply expect too much for 170 dollars per week including bills, for example a double bed, a master room, built in wardrobe, their own bathroom, air conditioning, no couples in the flat or more than one person per room, gym and pool in the building, their own balcony, brand new furniture, place 100 meters away from the train station… and all that for $170!! And again what I said previously, most of these people contacting the ad posters on Gumtree are huge timewasters. They call and ask 10 questions while all the information has already been posted. Than they dont show up to an inspection at all without cancelling or postpone it once or twice and again dont show up.
    The actual number of people who show up at the inspection and offer to take the room in my case last month was just one so I had to accept, and that is after I would estimate around 50 inspections and who knows how many calls, texts and SMSes. Took me one month to find her. I always put up a detailed ad with lots of information and 10 photos both of the room and the flat, but it doesnt help as most people it seems dont read the ad at all.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:45

      @noskich
      Your posts keep shifting fonts like Mika Schumacher used to shift gears. You move from ‘Arial’ to ‘Courier New’ all of a sudden. Do you type in Word before you copy-paste it on the browser? Do you use a non standard keyboard?

      Edit : I actually had everything in Arial, and changed font to Courier New from half onwards in Word. But, copy-pasting it converted everything into Calibri.

      Looks like your fonts are having a party. lol

      • noskich on 03/09/2014 - 22:03

        Dont have a clue whats going on man. Seems like I am the only one with this problem.
        Yeah, standard keyboard, Lenovo laptop, English US language.

      • jzdhgkd on 03/09/2014 - 22:07

        probably something to do with the keyboard. notice they shift when he types stuff like "don't" - it shifts where the apostrophe sits.

        • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 17:30
          +1

          @jzdhgkd
          Bingo! You have eagle eyes. That was a good observation. It is possible that noskich has knowingly or unknowingly set a Keyboard Shortcut to change font with a SHIFT + ' combination.

          noskich, please check if this helps you.

  • Talonparty on 03/09/2014 - 18:43
    +4

    I have to say that it is a pretty admirable effort of avish to take the time to address many of the criticisms put forward regarding his list.

    I might not agree with your reasoning but it is nice to see someone not descending into a shouting match and genuinely trying to justify their decisions.

    Aside from some of your list points which I very much disagree with, I think you seem to be a reasonable person who is open to debate. I hope you can find the housemates you are after and genuinely wish you the best.

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:49

      Thank you very much for your wishes and inputs.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2014 - 20:11
    +2

    OP,

    Wherever there is danger, there lurks opportunity; wherever there is opportunity, there lurks danger. The two are inseparable.

    ― Earl Nightingale

    • avihs on 03/09/2014 - 20:51

      It is akin to saying there is direct proportionality between Price and Quality.

      The reason I posted this on Ozbargain is because I find a lot of posts that give you the best of both Quality and the best of Price too.

      I was trying to mitigate danger and maximise opportunity.

      Thanks for the comment.

  • poppit88 on 04/09/2014 - 00:10
    +1

    Are you being serious,or is this a Joke of some description. If I was coming to inspect your house and you presented me with this set of rules I'd run a mile.

    I had to house share for years to make ends meet and get myself back on my feet financially, fortunately I'm no longer 'forced' to have housemates. That said, you are inviting people into your home, to make it their home. You aren't running an army regiment camp.

    The only rules I ever ask for was:-

    1. Put the deadlock on and lock the security screen when you leave the house if you are the last out, and check that all windows are closed if you are last out.
    2. Clean up after yourself in the kitchen so that the next person can get in and use the place
    3. Put warm clothes on before you start turning on the heater etc.,
    4. Turn the lights out if you aren't in the room.

    Did people do all these things, no! Did they see the bin, was full, the bath, shower, toilet needed cleaning, No! So, I resolved my situation by advertising:

    Furnished or unfurnished room available.
    Bills split evenly
    Internet included.
    VOIP calls to landlines in Australia included (my internet setup allows for this.)
    Easy going household.
    Consider the rest of the people in the house.

    In the end I used to tell people that as it was my home predominately and that I usually did most of the house work each week, if they wanted to chip in though I'd really appreciate it. I did the lawns etc., - I just used to whack on an 'extra' to the rent when advertising for my time. That also covered toilet paper, dish washing liquid, cleaning products, sponges, alfoil, gladwrap etc.,

    It saved all the fights etc., and the two girls that I did have for a year or so that chipped in - full on chipped in to help, are still really great friends to this day, even though we have all moved on.

    If you're really serious on presenting that set of house rules to a prospective housemate, you really are not cut out to house share. My suggestion downsize if you can't afford the rent/mortgage.

    Frankly, the list is obnoxious - you're asking someone to hand over good money each week to live with an army drill sergeant.

    And in all seriousness, anyone with an ounce of consideration for the rest of the people they are living with would be automatically doing/or not doing most of the things on your list to start with. Otherwise you give their marching orders if they don't.

    • syousef on 04/09/2014 - 07:01

      Frankly, the list is obnoxious - you're asking someone to hand over good money each week to live with an army drill sergeant.

      The OP will learn first hand that the only only people who would accept such a list would be those who:
      - are desperate enough that they had no other choice or
      - enjoy the challenge of causing trouble despite a list or
      - have no intention of abiding by the rules or
      - don't understand them

      All the jokes about Big Bang Theory…has anyone considered ASD etc. as a real possibility here? I don't mean this as ridicule and I'm certainly not medically qualified to diagnose anyone of anything but I do wonder. If this is the case OP isn't being obnoxious intentionally.

      • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 17:57

        The OP will learn first hand that the only only people who would accept such a list would be…

        Not entirely true, but in some cases, it is verily true. I have had some fantastic house mates too with who I did not have to specify what is expected of them.

        …has anyone considered ASD etc…
        Thanks for the suggestion, man. Hopefully I do not have it. lol

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 17:41

      @poppit88

      Many thanks for adding your opinions. They are valuable, and your suggestions were almost like a summary of all the suggestions I have received in the thread.

      A question for you : how do you deal with

      Bills split evenly

      if the person leaves the heater on while they are not in the house to have a warm condition when they are back home? Or, when the person leaves water kettle on the gas stove in the morning, goes out to meet a friend and gets delayed until night?

      Your suggestion about providing shared stuff is taken. I will try and make the list a little more presentable. Thanks to you again.

      • poppit88 on 16/09/2014 - 22:36

        My advice Avihs is S%^t happens. I left my own gas heater on last night - yes all night! At least I don't have anyone with me at the moment.

        Frankly you're splitting hairs.

        Firstly, if someone left my kettle on a gas stove and then went out, they'd get one warning. Do it again and watch this space to see what happens!

        Secondly, I have never ever had someone walk out and leave a heater on.

        One would hope that your housemates, like the many, many housemates I had over the years A)Have common sense B) Both issues have absolutely nothing to do with saving money, your should be more seriously concerned about house safety!

        Both are fire hazards for a start!

        Unfortunately you're sharing, splitting the bill, and it being a bit higher or lower than your normal bill, it's just one of those things you just have to cop I'm afraid. A bit like the fact that we have to put up with our lodgers breathing the same air as us, without them having to request permission to do so.

  • samfisher5986 on 04/09/2014 - 11:12
    +3

    People keep saying that they don't have many rules at their place etc etc.

    You are actually wrong and you don't know it.

    Housemate has his girlfriend live there permanently? Oh it wasn't a rule? But now you are unhappy with it?

    My point is that people have hundreds of hidden rules they don't reveal until it becomes an issue.

    The OP has simply taken his history with past housemates and attempted to put it in writing without realising that even if someone accepted it he's still short many rules that people could potentially be annoying with.

    I would assume that most of the posters here do not have their own place and simply don't understand.

    My situation: This is my house and you can only be here if I want you to be. There is no reason why I would put up with someone I don't want.

    I don't have any rules but I will tell someone to stop or change what they are doing if it bothers me. Its nothing that different to the OP except that I wait for someone to do something first.

    For example Internet: I pay a lot of money for a good Internet connection and don't want to be served notices for torrenting files. If you want to torrent or do anything else illegal get your own Internet connection. If anything copyrighted is going to be downloaded I'm going to do it and I'll do it safely…

    • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2014 - 11:45
      +3

      Agree and also, none of his rules seem like quirks to me. Most are basic courtesy expectation, segregation of personal belongings (assuming the space and facilities are sufficient, unless the OP is asking the boarder to put all of his belongings in a tiny box) and logical infrastructure usage.

      If the OP follows those rules, I would be quite happy to have him/her over at my house (He/she would be a dream to host).

      I do not have my own place and I consider myself pretty easy going as I expected most of the people around to have basic courtesy and consideration. I also wonder how the objectors live in a modern and ordered society.

      No speeding? What a bunch of dictators.

      No smoking indoors? Its my life and I do what I want

      People shitting and spitting in public? Good on them, power to the people!

      No littering? You can't expect me to soil my car with rubbish right? I will stick that gum where I want to.

      One can always argue that the cost to following these rules pay off in having a beautiful country for all to share, would it not be the same in the house?

      From the number of objectors, it appears that most people if given the chance (and allowed to get away with it), would pick an easier life for themselves at the expense of others. Or in other words "consideration" if not optional = concentration camp.

      With regards to some of the over-the-top rules, I reckon the OP has made it clear that he/she is open to negotiation and would make the rules more reasonable.

      Reasonable, that is all one can ask for nowadays I suppose.

      • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 18:26

        Many thanks for the kind words, people. Taking all the suggestions, comments, remarks and criticism I will polish the material in the initial post.

  • YouLIKEyouLICK on 04/09/2014 - 12:33

    You need Sheldon Cooper to help you out.!.

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 18:11

      He would probably ask you to solve this conundrum before you could speak to him.

  • dealman on 04/09/2014 - 14:33
    +1

    Why collect rent weekly ? and put up with the hassle 52 times in a year,

    Do it Monthly , Paid in advance within the first 2 days of the month.

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 18:14

      I do it fortnightly, going through the hassle 26 times a year - if the tenant lasts that long. By the way, if the tenant does last that long, it would then not be a hassle anymore.

      Thanks for the posting dealman.

  • noskich on 04/09/2014 - 14:45
    +2

    Good luck with finding people who will pay the rent a month upfront plus the bond one month. I ask for three weeks bond and rent two weeks upfront and it is often an issue. As mentioned previously the pool of potential flatmates is terrible and you are lucky if you have people who pay the rent on time. I have three flatmates and last week two of them were late with rent. Personally cant really understand the logic of any person who doesnt have at least a couple of K saved for emergencies and is late with paying the rent. What is that person thinking putting themselves and others in a position of owing and total financial insecurity. I would do whatever I could to avoid it, a second job, very strict spending cuts… I can understand it if it is health related, but if not, what are these people thinking really.

    • samfisher5986 on 04/09/2014 - 17:03
      +1

      Its one of those annoying situations.

      People who can't pay a month upfront and a month bond aren't generally the type of people you want to be living with you.

      But most people who will be applying are those people…

      • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 18:22

        In my opinion, most people that are tenanting in my suburb get paid fortnightly and they have no issues paying 2 weeks bond and two weeks rent upfront.

        I agree that one must have at least $2K saved up for an emergency.

        I would do whatever I could to avoid it, a second job, very strict spending cuts…

        …being a regular on Ozbargain or at the least, checking on here before buying something.

  • fredzfrog on 04/09/2014 - 17:48

    No heater? too bad if the new tenant is a home nudist.

    :P

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:50

      Thankfully the rule filters out all that category of people. lol

  • bargdebarg on 04/09/2014 - 18:02
    +2

    Just a word on replacing the toilet paper rules OP, I suggest you should stipulate the direction that the toilet paper should flow. It must be from the top not underneath.

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 18:24

      lol…I concur with your choice of 'over', not 'under' but I will leave it out of the rules.

      Check out this amusing debate with facts and figures

    • Tal_Shiar on 05/09/2014 - 19:22

      may as well cover who rolls and who scrunches to maximise efficiency…

  • Click_It on 04/09/2014 - 20:01
    +2

    Wow I haven't bothered reading most of this, nor those 500 rules but as a landlord who rented out rooms in a share-living arrangement for a number of years I can tell the OP that this idea ain't gonna fly unless the rent is free.

    My rules were simple - They pay rent, internet & utilities inclusive provided they are sensible - I had energy monitoring on the house so I could see if an electricity bill was getting legs, they were then given the option to chip in for a larger upcoming bill or curb their patterns now.

    • People cooked when they wanted to (I had kitchen + 2 BBQs, I'd get them to chip in for BBQ gas occasionally)
    • People sat where they wanted
    • Out of RESPECT (because I didn't treat them like gutter rats) they ALWAYS asked if I minded them having guests but generally did their socialising not in the house.
    • About the only organising I did was give everyone a section in the kitchen to store their foods. I had 2 fridges and 2 freezers so that was never a problem.
    • And the usual, lock the door when you go out, keep shared areas clean etc

    You get what you give in life. I suggest simplifying it down to the most important 5 rules, KEEP IT SIMPLE.

    • avihs on 04/09/2014 - 20:54

      Thanks for the comments, Click_it. Your inputs are helpful to me. I am in the process of simplification.

      • Click_It on 04/09/2014 - 20:58
        +1

        You're welcome. I found a little generosity went a long way, I'd rather my tenants happy (esp since I was living with them) than spiteful. If you do the numbers you'll still be well ahead and they'll be more appreciative.

        It's good to have some rules in place but I always covered mine verbally, keeping it low key but each to their own. Regardless, you will get a good feel as to whether they are going to be respectful or not and just choose wisely.

        In contrast, I had a friend around the corner doing this too, however he was very strict on his tenants. One of his rules prevented them access to parts of his house which never made sense to me. He had lots of dramas over the years including more than one act of aggression. To be fair he didn't put much effort into filtering the candidates and chose some questionable characters at times, but his treatment toward them certainly didn't help.

        • avihs on 05/09/2014 - 03:30

          Maybe you are a good judge of character compared to your mate. Not to take away any credit due to you on this regard, it is possible that you just happened to get good tenants who are respectful and understanding.

          If the house owner states before tenancy begins that certain rooms are off limits, the potential tenant can then decide whether he/she would like to live in a household with that rule. If they accept it at that time, they need to abide by that rule.

          I see it as very welcoming and embracing if you tell the tenant 'the only rule is to be considerate and to resolve any problems through talks', it would not have worked with some of the tenants I have had. I would not have been able to make out these people as ones that would cause problems during the initial meeting.

          I have been pondering about a month's probation, during which I would be able to assess the person and 1) begin tenancy 2) begin tenancy after showing what is expected of the person, or 3) asking the person to look elsewhere.

          Please share your thoughts.

  • SuperTeD1982 on 05/09/2014 - 00:52
    +1

    i have read alot of these comments and i was just wondering, if you are worried about the bills, why bother factoring them into the rent/board, why not have the rent/board at a set rate + bills. Thats the way it works in the house i am sharing, there can be still problems, i.e. people using too much gas etc, but, it's pretty fair overall i think.

    • avihs on 05/09/2014 - 03:41

      Thanks for the inputs, SuperTeD1982.

      I am highly skeptical about the open ended share bills equally arrangement. If I were living in the house alone, for two months, the electricity bill would average $30-40 per two months, as I never use heaters and other high power consumption equipment. If one of my tenants were to stay by himself, it would average about $180-200 per two months because his heater would run all evening and all night. Meaning I need to add $20-25 to the weekly bill, just to factor in the electricity. There is gas and water to be factored in too. That would then make the rent too high.

      Even considering that the share mate is going to be frugal, 5 hours of 2200 W heater every night for 60 days would be 660 units. @ $0.24 per unit, the bill for the heater is about $ 160. Meaning the total bill is about $200. Each person is different, and I find it unfair if I were to pay half or even part of it.

      Any ideas on how to make it work?

      • samfisher5986 on 05/09/2014 - 11:01

        I've never really understood putting bills in the rent.

        In summer my electricity bill is $700, in Winter its $500.

        For the amount things change I would have to regularly change rent prices.

        • Davo1111 on 05/09/2014 - 11:33
          +1

          The bills would get split evenly amongst the people in the house. It also encourages people not to waste electricity (i.e. running heaters constantly).

          There was a post on ozb about a guy heating his house with the gas stove, because it wasn't metered, and the cost was spread evenly through the apartment block.

        • avihs on 05/09/2014 - 15:26

          @Davo1111:

          a post on ozb about a guy heating his house with the gas stove
          I remember that one

          If the bill is $ 40 without heater between two people A & B in a shared house, you split it between two @ $20 each. Next time, it is $300 where A's usage remained exactly similar, while B used a 2200W heater for the whole 60 day billing period for 5 hours each day and the bill stands at $ 200. Now :
          1) Should A cop it up and pay the same $100 as B for his $20 usage?
          2) Should A pay $ 20 and let B pay $ 180?

          Hence, I fail to understand 'Equal' bill sharing. In my opinion, it would work if A used similar wattage heater for a similar number of hours over a similar number of days.

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