Shared bathroom in a rental house - proper protocols?

[The_Resourcer]

In one's house there are rules and regulations agreed upon within the family dynamic.

But, what does one do in a rental house where you have to share a bathroom with another tenant?

My senior neighbor finally found a second-level room in a three-story house in Germantown to rent. She will be there only until she is approved for senior housing.

There are TWO bedrooms on the second-level. She rented the larger of the two bedrooms, which has its own closet space. (She's not sure if the smaller bedroom has been rented.)

So, there is a shared bathroom AND shared kitchen on the second-level.

My friend is concerned about any future tenants sharing the bathroom with her on the second level. (She's already stated she wants a more secure lock on her bedroom door.)

Cleanliness, bathroom time, use of personal hygienic items in such a shared space will no doubt be the top issues. My friend has already outfitted the bathroom with a new shower curtain, and cleaning supplies from WalMart, DollarTree.

What is your advice so as to keep the peace? What if the other tenant who will share the bathroom is of the opposite sex?

What are the best, legal, safety measures that must be implemented? Thanks!

[GolfingCat]

Always do a courtesy flush.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by The_Resourcer

But, what does one do in a rental house where you have to share a bathroom with another tenant?
... Cleanliness, bathroom time, use of personal hygienic items...
What is your advice so as to keep the peace?

EXPECT to do/spend more than your share.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by The_Resourcer

In one's house there are rules and regulations agreed upon within the family dynamic.

As there should be with any shared bathroom. They need to have a discussion and set the ground rules from the very beginning.


1) Will they each take turn buying supplies or will one person do it and the other reimburse?
2) What is the agreed upon cleaning schedule and who does it?
3) What is the agreed upon time limit for use?


there are many more; and a similar set of questions need to be applied to the kitchen.