Co-living 101: House Rules: What's Fair and What's Overboard?

Q: Your roommate suggests a rule: “No one uses the kitchen after 9 PM.” What’s the best way to respond?

Ask why, and explore a version that works for both of you. This is collaborative and respectful. Good house rules are built through shared context. Asking for the “why” gives room for empathy, while suggesting alternatives ensures both of you are heard.

Q: Your housemate insists on everyone labeling their groceries. Is this a fair house rule?

Yes. It helps avoid confusion and accidental overstepping. Practical and fair. Labeling food is a small step that helps maintain respect in shared kitchens. It makes personal boundaries easier to honor and supports a cleaner, more organized system.

Q: A new roommate proposes a rule: “No overnight guests ever.” What’s the fairest way to approach this?

Ask about their concerns and propose a limit instead. This promotes shared decision-making. Understanding the reasons behind the rule lets you co-create a version that balances comfort and freedom. For example, limiting overnight guests to a few nights a month could work for both of you.

5 Questions

By: The Platuni Team

03 Jun, 2025

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1. Your roommate suggests a rule: “No one uses the kitchen after 9 PM.” What’s the best way to respond?

Agree immediately. It’s their home too

Ask why, and explore a version that works for both of you

Ignore the rule and use the kitchen whenever you want

Post your own rule in response, like “No loud music after 6 PM”

2. Your housemate insists on everyone labeling their groceries. Is this a fair house rule?

Co-living 101: House Rules: What's Fair and What's Overboard?

1. Your roommate suggests a rule: “No one uses the kitchen after 9 PM.” What’s the best way to respond?

Agree immediately. It’s their home too

Ask why, and explore a version that works for both of you

Ignore the rule and use the kitchen whenever you want

Post your own rule in response, like “No loud music after 6 PM”

2. Your housemate insists on everyone labeling their groceries. Is this a fair house rule?

No. Everyone should just share what’s in the fridge

Yes. It helps avoid confusion and accidental overstepping

It’s fine, but only if someone actually complains

Only if you split groceries. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter

3. A new roommate proposes a rule: “No overnight guests ever.” What’s the fairest way to approach this?

Agree to keep the peace

Reject it completely. That’s too extreme

Ask about their concerns and propose a limit instead

Accept the rule but break it discreetly

4. Your roommate created a long list of detailed cleaning rules without asking for input. What should you do?

Follow them without question. At least someone cares about cleanliness

Talk with them and propose simplifying or revising the list together

Add your own list next to theirs so it feels more balanced

Do only the parts that make sense to you

5. Is it reasonable for a roommate to set a rule that no one can use the living room past 10 PM?

Yes. Everyone has a right to define how the space is used

Maybe, if others agree and the rule is based on noise or rest

No. Common areas should always be available

Not really, unless they pay more rent