Shared Living Arrangements: How to Divide Chores with a Bedroom Tenant

When you have a tenant renting a bedroom in your home and sharing the kitchen and bathroom, it's essential to establish clear and fair housekeeping responsibilities. Proper communication and clear guidelines can help maintain a harmonious cohabitation experience.

Shared Space and Chores Distribution

The distribution of chores when renting a bedroom can be tricky, especially if there's a shared kitchen and bathroom. It's important to consider how many people are using these spaces and who is responsible for cleaning.

If there are just two of you - you and the tenant, each week, you could take turns cleaning the shared spaces. For example, if it's just you and your tenant using the bathroom and kitchen, you could do the cleaning on alternate weeks. The tenant would be responsible for the cleanliness of her rented bedroom all the time.

Dividing the tasks in a shared living arrangement can include:

Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens: Split the tasks so that each person takes responsibility for their part of the housekeeping. Dishwashing: Responsibilities for washing big dishes and smaller dishes in the dishwasher can be divided. Taking out the trash: This can also be shared, ensuring both parties are contributing to the cleanliness of the shared living area.

Responsibilities and Expectations

It's crucial to set expectations and ensure that the tenant understands their responsibilities. The tenant should be expected to keep her rented room clean and take care of her personal belongings. They should also ensure that they clean up after using the shared spaces but not be expected to clean after the landlord.

For a smoother shared living experience, it's important to discuss and agree on the level of cleanliness:

The tenant is responsible for cleaning up after themselves. They should wash and put away their dishes within 48 hours. No laundry should be left in common areas. If they use the last of the toilet paper, they should replace the roll. Dirty laundry should be taken to their room, not public areas. Cleaning up spills immediately is a must.

Lease Agreements and Stipulations

It is highly recommended to include detailed housekeeping responsibilities in the rental agreement. The lease should clearly state that the tenant is responsible for:

Cleaning up after themselves Washing and putting away dishes within 48 hours Alternating the cleaning of the shower and toilet Buying new toilet paper as needed Ensuring rooms are relatively clean with no trash or items that attract pests

Landlords should also specify penalties for non-compliance, such as paying extra if the tenant leaves a mess or doesn't clean up when notified. Continuous violation of the rules may lead to eviction. However, the rules should be reasonable to avoid conflicts.

Conclusion

Shared living arrangements can be successful when both parties agree on housekeeping responsibilities. By dividing chores fairly and communicating clearly, you can maintain a clean and comfortable living environment for everyone. Remember to set reasonable expectations and include these responsibilities in the rental agreement.