Rent a Room - house rules?

[Mel]

I've found someone to rent the spare room in my house.
I've read all the other threads here regarding rent limits etc, but as it's a long time since I shared a house with other people (as renters), I was wondering if anyone has any tips on 'ground rules' to set out at the start?

Things like when and how to collect rent and so on, visitors, chores, noise, shared bathroom (i have no ensuite unfortunately) etc.?

I have a child in the house, and don't know the person, should I be asking for some sort of reference or garda clearance, or is that going over the top?

 

[PaddyW]

I would say references from previous land lords would be a must.

 

[Speedwell]

Or a reference from work and if can try verify the phone number supplied if it is a mobile, especially with a child in the house. I sublet the house I rent and I have seen some very strange characters come through the door.

I like to believe in the goodness of people but unfortunately actions speak louder than words.

I get the rent lodged into my bank account.

I have a cleaning roster. The bills are split between us and worked out starting from the day they move in, esb, gas, bins, sky tv etc and are also lodged into my account for DD or else paid through billpay and then they give me their receipt when the bill comes in.

Re visitors, I tell them to treat the house as it is their own but that I do not want boyfriends / girlfriends / mates hanging around 24/7. They seem to take this on board and do not mind.

Re noise, I take it as it comes. As in they move in and then we will speak if there is too much noise late at night or early in the morning. This will always work both ways of course. I just say that we all have to get along and to have some repect for the person in the room beside you etc.

Any other questions, just let me know. Hope that helps.