More Questions to Ask When Planning to Share a House

What's your definition of "clean"?

Everyone has his own idea about what constitutes a clean house. Talk out whether the renter will take turns cleaning the house or whether each person will have specific jobs they're responsible for. When possible, simplify things by tacking $50 onto the rent and hiring a regular cleaning service.

Even with a cleaning service, minor offenses can arise just in day-to-day tidying, so anything your parents feel strongly about should be stated up front. Is it OK to leave dishes on the drying rack overnight or do they need to be put away immediately? Do they want the shower wiped down each morning?

Do you ever work from home?

Many seniors want a renter who heads out in the morning and doesn't come back until evening so they can have the house to themselves during the day. But as working remotely becomes more and more common, this is a good question to clear up right away.

If the renter is a grad student, be sure to ask whether she'll be studying on campus or at home. What schedule will she keep? Make sure it's acceptable to your parents and that it's something the renter is willing to stick to.

Do you expect to have any overnight guests?

This one's a biggie. How do your parents feel about a renter having an overnight guest? If a renter's guests start showing up regularly, your parents may feel outnumbered -- like it's not their house anymore.

Or maybe they'd object to having an unmarried couple spending the night in their home. If a renter expects to have overnight guests on a regular basis and your parents aren't outright opposed to it, they could increase the rent a bit to accommodate the imposition. Just be clear up front.

Similarly, is it OK if a renter's friends come over for dinner? Coffee? Just to meet up and leave? Or are your parents uncomfortable having anyone else in the house? If your parents' preferences and a renter's needs are incompatible, it's probably not a match. Write whatever is agreed upon into the lease.

How much do you plan to cook?

Sharing a kitchen is often a bone of contention, particularly with older women. Some renters may duck into the kitchen just long enough to pour a bowl of cereal or microwave a frozen entrée. But others like to cook elaborate meals. Is that OK with your parents? Will the renter be bringing in a lot of kitchen appliances or dishes? Is there room? Or will she share what's already in the cupboards? Will she be expected to have all her own spices and staples?

How do you feel about sharing a bathroom?

If your parents' house has two bathrooms, it's preferable to give the renter her own. This avoids the need to coordinate morning and bedtime schedules and gives everyone a more comfortable level of privacy. As with bed linens, specify whether your parents will provide towels and washcloths.