Guidance on House Rules

 

Why do I need “house rules”?

Many hosts started out with one rule “treat our house like your own”.   This doesn’t work. Everyone has a different view of what they think is ok - even your own family!  Therefore, it’s best to lay out some guidance from the start so your guests know how you like to operate. Clarity of boundaries also removes potential stress for everyone.

This is not a suggested or exhaustive list, simply something pulled together from our collective experience and issues observed on Forums. 

You may see on Forums that some hosts get very animated about small things that could have been laid out from the start, or clarified as time went on. Do not allow things to fester, explain issues as they arise, it’s easier for everyone.

This is not a list to be presented to your guest, but use this as a starter for your discussions. There will no doubt be some you remove and new ones you think of…. It’s good to explain why too e.g. drying clothes in the bedroom may result in damp and mould. (unless you open a window). Food left on the worktops - the cat will eat it!

You may have a reduced list of “must do/dont’s” and a few others that are ok on occasion or “talk to us first”.

 Outside of the house

  • Car Parking?

  • Garden – ball games ok?

Hall

  • Shoes off in the house? – Shoes are stored where?

  • Coats go where?

  • Wet gear where?

Bedrooms

  • Vent the room to prevent mould build up

  • Wash bedding every 1-2 weeks.

  • No Cellotape on walls – use Blutak

  • Keep rooms tidy

  • Food allowed in the room?

  • Drying clothes ok in the room?

Our Bedroom

  • No access.

 Kitchen

  • Leave it clean after use.

  • Wash, dry and put away or stack in the dishwasher

  • Use the extractor fan when using the hob

  • Use the small oven for…. And the big oven for….

  • Saucepans in the dishwasher?

  • No food left on countertops.

Leaving the house

  • Ensure all appliances are turned off

  • Don’t leave devices on charge

  • Ensure doors and windows are locked if we are not home

  • Take your key with you whenever you leave the house (don’t assume we will be at home)

Childcare

  • For example: We are happy to help occasionally with prior arrangement- regular childcare needs should have proper arrangements made

  • Children should not be in common rooms after Xpm

  • Approach to Discipline – agree how this is dealt with and by who

  • Children under X years old should not be left alone in the house

 Transport

  • Responsibility of the guest. 

  • We can give you a lift somewhere by prior arrangement

Housekeeping

  • Clean your areas including bedroom, bathroom weekly, including removing mould around windows

  • Clean up after using kitchen

  • Share the cleaning of common areas – Kitchen, lounge, dining room, hall

  • Recycling works like this….

  • Bins are collected early on X morning

Laundry

  • Wash and dry full loads. 

  • Use the outdoor line if weather permits

  • Indoor clothes drier – open a window to reduce damp and mould

  • Tumble dry clothes when other methods are unsuitable

Use of resources

  • Be mindful that everything is costing more. 

  • Don’t fill a kettle for one cup

  • Don’t leave TV’s switched on if no-one is watching. 

  • Don’t leave devices on standby overnight.

  • Manage water use as much as possible

 Meal times

  • Please make your own arrangements for Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

  • Lets eat together Friday & Sunday evening at 7pm to catch up

Groceries

  • Buy your own food and hygiene products.

  • We’ll share common household products; spices, cleaning materials, washing powders etc – just replace when low.

Guests

  • Please let us know if you plan to have visitors

  • No visitors to stay overnight

Pets

  • Things to know about your pets. Can they be fed treats? Are guests expected to let them out, keep them in etc?

  • Are guests allowed pets? Rules around this?

Issues and Emergencies

  • Money - discuss your policy on lending it. (We’d recommend not)

  • For help with non-urgent issues, call: X person on ………. or Y person on ……………. or Z person on. ………

  • Locked out? - There is a spare key located/call us on….

  • Power failure - Breakers may have tripped. Consumer unit is located…

  • Water leak - stop cock is located… then call….

  • Fire - we have a fire blanket located….. and an extinguisher located…. Get everyone out and call 999.

  • Serious illness/accident - call 111 for advice or 999 where ambulance needed.

Can’t find the information you need? Try posting a question to other Swindon Hosts on the SN (Postcode) Welcomes Ukraine Facebook page.

Did we miss something? Please get in touch if you have suggestions for this page to help future hosts.