June 27, 2026 · 5 min read
10 Reasonable Roommate Rules Every Shared Home Needs
Most roommate fights aren't about big things. They're about dishes in the sink, music at midnight, and whose turn it is to buy toilet paper. Clear rules — written down and agreed to — prevent 90% of these.
1. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–8 AM weekdays, midnight–9 AM weekends. Use headphones for gaming and music during quiet hours.
2. Clean-as-you-go Kitchen: Wash your dishes within 2 hours of using them. Don't leave food in the sink. Wipe counters after cooking.
3. Guest Notice: Give a heads-up before having guests over. Overnight guests max 3 nights/month without discussion.
4. Shared Groceries: Label your food. If you finish something shared, replace it within 24 hours. Don't eat labeled food without asking.
5. Rent Due Date: Rent is due on the 1st. Late after the 5th. Late fee of $50 applies. No exceptions without prior discussion.
6. Bathroom Schedule: Morning showers max 15 minutes if someone is waiting. Clean hair from drain after every use.
7. Trash Rotation: Take trash out when full. Rotate weekly — assign a primary person each week.
8. Temperature: Thermostat at 68-72°F. No adjusting without discussion. If you're cold, wear a sweater before touching the dial.
9. Shared Items: Ask before borrowing anything that isn't yours. If you break it, replace it. Netflix login is shared; don't change the password.
10. Communication: Don't leave passive-aggressive notes. If something bothers you, say it directly — within 24 hours. Monthly 10-minute house check-in.
Get all 10 rules in a signed agreement.
Our AI generates a customized roommate agreement with all these rules — plus rent split, cleaning schedule, and guest policy. Free — 5 minutes.
More resources: