PLS HELP: what are your rules for housemates?

[QTPie]

I live by myself in my parent's house. Next month, my Mom will have her friends (a couple in their mid 30s and their late 20s brother) to live in the house (for free, I guess) with me for a short period of time while they're looking for jobs (they're from other state). I don't like them staying in the house and going through my stuff. I'm thinking about giving them some rules. The problem is that I never encounter such situation like this; any of you've had experience in this field, please help me out with this? Can I see any sample of your rental agreement?
For now, I could only think of is not letting them use the computer room and and my Dad's book room. Other rooms (not bedrooms) don't have lock. How can I restrict them from those rooms? Is there anything else that I should concern?

Your helps are greatly appreciated!

 

[Orsorum]

I would talk to your parents and let them know of your concerns. Paramount should be that your room is off-limits unless you invite them in, period.

I've only had one houseguest, and he was pretty cool (exchange teacher from Spain). Kept odd hours, but hey.

Good luck.

 

[h8red]

the only advice I can give you is that you have to communicate when anything is not to your liking. Don't be an a$$hole about it, just bring it up in normal conversation. This worked pretty well all through college for me. If you don't talk, there will be animosity...I can guarantee you this

 

[Reel]

I think it will require many long nights at first. You should stay up all night and only sleep when you are sure they are out of the house. That way you can monitor them adequately. I would also suggest that you install some sort of surveillance system. You can find cheap webcams and such online at x10. Whenever you catch them doing something you don't want them to do, such as going into an unauthorized room or touching something you don't want them touching, you should STORM out of your monitor room and slap their hands then yell at them. After about 3 or 4 days of this behavior, they will learn that there is a penalty associated with not following your rules. I imagine that this behavioral training won't take longer than a week but you need to be sure that you catch them every time they do something wrong or it will take longer.

 

[Luden]

Also look into shock collars, that will get them into shape fast!





On a serious note: just lay down the ground work. When they move in tell them nicely that you would appreciate it if they did not bother your stuff.

 

[MrBond]

The no-computer-room thing will probably be a problem. Why not just setup a limited account on a pc for them to use, so they can still surf the net?

It sounds like these guys will either be living with you for a month or over a year. All depends on their drive and motivation.

 

[Citation]

1st. Go to your local police outlet store and pick up a handy cattle prod.
2nd. I'm assuming you have a coat closet near your front door, *pretty much everyone does, if you don't you shouldn't be complaining
anyways because your house sucks. So as I was saying, Hide in the closet by the front door leaving the front door wide open.
Make sure you have plenty of supplies such as a big bag of cheetos and maybe one of those little t.v.'s.
3rd. On second thought just set up your computer in your closet so you can keep us updated on how the ambush is comming.
4th. When they come to the door don't make any sound, let them walk into the house.
5th. Here is the fun part. You guessed it. Jump out and shock their a$$es till they are convulsing on the floor with no control over their
bodies.
6th. Dress them up in funny clothes, take pictures and post them for my amusement. ie. The male of the couple could be dressed up in a
Huge diaper with one of those novelty cowboy hats and holding a bannana.
7th. Use what ever stringy twiny cord substance you have around the house to tie them up in the "proper fashion". Make sure the sons
hand is on the fathers butt.
8th. Just dump them into the closet you were previously hiding in or I find that a basement is quite suitable aswell.

There you have it, no fuss, no mess, and a quiet house all to your self. G/L and keep us posted ¶=Þ


-Cit

 

[QTPie]

holy cow! you guys make me laugh so hard. Thanks for all the useful as well as some silly but funny ideas. Seriously, I really need your help. I've already talked to my parents about it but they don't live here so they don't care much about it.
I don't want to be an a$$hole to their friends, but I am soon to be the only one to deal with them. I'd like to treat them as friendly as possible but I'm not sure what info should I tell them when they move in. They might use the kitchen (which I seldom use it), cookware and other stuff that I couldn't think of now.
Any of you have shared the house with somebody else before, please give me some advice. Thanks!

 

[Reel]

Ok fine, I will post a serious reply.

I think that perhaps when they get in and settled a bit and are relaxed, you should have a talk with them. Don't talk down to them or give orders or anything. Just tell them something like: "I'm sure we are all worried about living together but I'd prefer if we can make it as smooth as possible. Let's talk about any preferences or quirks that we should know about each other up front." If you do it this way, you come off as more thoughtful and concerned. You may have a routine that every Saturday, you do your laundry and you'd prefer that they don't tie up the washing machine on Saturdays. You may take your morning shower at 7:30am and you want to be sure it is free. While it is tempting to simply dictate a list of rules, no matter how you do it, you will come off rude. Also when you are saying things you might prefer they don't use (such as your computer), be sure you also tell them things you don't mind using (such as your cookware). Be careful to try to keep it a balanced discussion and make it a discussion for everyone's mutual benefit so you don't come off the wrong way and have to spend a miserable month or however long with them.

 

[her209]

No showers, no food, no drinks, no friends, no bed, no nudity.

 

[psianime]

I think you should talk to your parents first before they come. Since your parents are already friends with them, it should be easier for them to lay down the ground work and rules. I'm sure they won't give you any problems since they are probably mature enough to "look for jobs" instead of leeching off your parents. Plus I wouldn't question your parent's judgement on what kind of friends they have. Personally, I wouldn't have long time friends if I thought they were shady or always wanted to take advantage of the situation. If they are decent people, they will show you their gratitude by at least keeping their hands off your stuff unless permission is given.

Good luck.

-psianime

 

[QTPie]

thanks guys, so I should not put up a list of do's and don'ts.