by Author Name Withheld 228

Created on: November 03, 2010   Last Updated: November 18, 2010

Staying over for a week is good.  Visiting for a few days- even better. A one day visit…priceless. A long term house guest? Not so glamorous, but before becoming absolutely resolute in not keeping long term house guests, get to know your guests a little bit and in turn you will learn more about yourself.

In the stressful economy we live in now, don’t be surprised if a friend or someone in your family drops by with suitcase in hand with a long face to match. Let’s face it: Many jobs are not long term, but it sure does produce long term house guests and you as the home owner, must figure out a few things so that this living situation won’t stress you out or hurt your guest's already trampled emotions.

First, do you know the person you will be allowing in your home? Visitors are only there for a brief moment, but a long term house guest may be bringing items in tow along with a personality so unlike yours. Do  they prefer to read at night? If so, be prepared to check for an increase in your light bill. Do they have their own small fridge? If not, be prepared to share your refrigerator space. Do they like the same movies, hobbies, people as you? If not, then no big deal. They’ll more than likely have their own television and other things to keep them occupied.

The next concern is children. If your house guest has kids this can put a strain on someone who is used to quiet evenings and mornings. Parents must deal with food preparation, getting up early, and dealing with their children's'  behavior constantly. This is something that you may not be used to. If you both have children, then be prepared for a crowded home with everyone running around like they are looney tunes. Some homes are not like this of course.

Third, schedule a payment plan. This is important. If you are helping this long term guest pro bono, then there may not need to be  a paper signed as to who pays for what. Otherwise if you need the guest to pay up, be up front about it. Write up receipts you both can keep. Sign contracts. Even sign a contract at the leasing office if the person will be living with you for longer than three months.

Fourth, schedule several heart to hearts. These sessions are important for the both of you to find out whats going on with one another's feelings and life in general. Sometimes the home owner may feel depressed and wants their space back and it may be communicated with silent treatments, huffs and puffs, and small arguments here and there. This is not the way to go. This causes further stress for the long term house guest and their family. Try to gauge what is going on with your house guest’s situation: financial, health, family, etc.

Here’s a cool tip to remember: No one wants to be stuck up under anyone for very long and you certainly want to eventually have your own space- understandable. Just try and be as humble as possible to your guest as it is not easy changing over into someone else’s stable home life just to get by.

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