When you move into a house with a group of friends, no matter how close you are, the group has to set ground rules. If you don’t, someone will end up overstepping the line and annoying everyone else. As usual, the best way to avoid major disagreements is to solve potential problems before they erupt.

While writing this book I have interviewed many friends, and friends of friends. Every time I spoke to someone, I asked them what rules had been established at their place to make life more peaceful. From their answers, along with my own experiences, I have put together a list of general ground rules that you might like to start with as a guideline:

• Always knock before you enter someone’s room, and wait for a response.

• Each household member has their own food cupboards and space in the fridge—unless you have agreed to all cook and shop together.

• Share the cost of common household items—toilet paper, cleaning products, etc.

• Do not eat other people’s food without asking them first.

• Do not have friends stay the night unless you have cleared it with your other housemates beforehand.

Tagged: Learning to Live, Rules, Setting, the Ground