I'm kind of in the same situation, but from the other side -- I just moved in to my friends place at the end of August for what we're calling a 'short squatting session' (i have plans to be out around january). I ended up with a really short closing on the house I was living at (about 3 weeks), and didn't want to commit to a year rental agreement while i was looking to buy a place. *done history*

We set out ground rules before I came to live there -

- I pay some rent, but not 1/2 - I have a bedroom space there to keep my things at, and part of her basement for storage but since i'm not always there we figured it was fair for me to pay something, but nowhere near a full half. Maybe something like this would be fair - but set out your thoughts for rental payment up front -- this will save you headaches and confusion. Now is the best time to talk about it I know she has only a futon to stay on, but can you set up a corner or something for her to keep her clothes etc. in - maybe change the TV stand over for a dresser etc.?

- I contribute to the upkeep since im there -- if i make dishes, i wash them. If i watch TV, i make sure I tidy up the area once i'm done. I help out by mowing the lawn and giving her a hand with some things. lay out the rules you live by for cleanliness and expect to be followed -- im sharing her space as a guest, and I follow her rules.

- Figure out a schedule for things like the shower - 2 people trying to get into a bathroom at the same time in the morning just causes stress. Shes getting up a little earlier, and i've made arrangements with my work to have a flexible 15-min window to be a little later so we're both not trying to be in the bathroom at 6:30.

- We have a 'pants-on' rule until 10pm -- this means that pants must be worn until 10pm incase of visitors. This sounds kind of funny, but bringing by other friends while the other person is in their knickers just makes for amusing yet awkward scenes.

- We only share meals by pre-arrangement, otherwise i'm on my own. I have a shelf in the fridge thats mine to keep my foodstuffs on - if either of us wants to share we ask first.

Umm... thats about all i can think of for now -- all i can say is, coming from the other side of the equation --- shes lucky to have a friend like you to take her in last minute, i know i really appreciate my friend for taking me in

... although I'm sure by January, if we haven't killed each other first we'll both be happy for me to move


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