Before You Bring Housemates In...

With the economy is such disrepair, there are lots of people who are considering renting out a room or two in the house. It is a Huge decision and one not to be taken lightly. To bring people into your home to help pay your mortgage is way more then just easily being said. Everything changes. The new dishes in the kitchen, the presence of someone walking around the house, someone cooking food, doing laundry, watching tv, playing with your pets, and simply just being in the house. When you have been living alone for a while; whether it's 6 months of 15 years, it's an adjustment. The person you have met with and got along with each time you chatted is now all moved in. They could be totally oblivious to your feeling and how to respect you. Or they could totally understand and do everything they can to help make the transition goes easily for you. If you make the decision to have housemates, be sure your ready for them. If you make a contract with them where they have full access to the common area, then they have full access to the common areas. Be careful not to call them a Tenant, because that has a bunch of other legal stuff you may not be aware of. Being a tenant entitles the person a place of their own. A Housemate is just that, a housemate, equal shares of everything within the house. Be sure to have a house rules list made up and each person gets a copy. It should have everything from respecting each persons space to when trash day is and how to recycle. So many fights and frustrations can be spared with this information given on day one. It would be very smart to have a grace period for the first month where everyone has enough time to get used to the new living situation, both home owners and new housemates. No one is going to get everything right in the first 24 hours or even first week. It takes time. If at the end of the first 30 days or so, allow the housemate who came in leave the situation without fault or regret of moving in. Life is too short to get so bent out of shape about something that is solvable. Be patient, understanding and respectful of everyone involved. Lastly, know your rights incase you find yourself in a situation that is beyond repair and you need to find a way to get out of the situation. Good Luck!