Living Home Regulations

Article 1 – Description of the shared accommodation

1.1. Shared accommodation is a form of housing in which residents each have their own private space and share common areas.

1.2. The management and co-management of both private and shared areas are the responsibility of the residents, in accordance with the rules set out in these House Rules.

1.3. Shared accommodation is based on a common living project that promotes interaction between residents while respecting their individual autonomy. It embraces diversity and is founded on a philosophy of communal living expressed through solidarity, participation, citizenship, conviviality, ecological awareness, cooperation, the sharing of equipment and services, and the pursuit of a better quality of life.

Article 2 – Rules of conduct

2.1. Residents undertake to maintain relationships based on solidarity, mutual assistance and respect within the shared accommodation.

2.2. With due regard for environmental considerations, residents undertake to adopt reasonable measures aimed at saving energy and preserving natural resources, while fully respecting each other’s privacy and level of involvement.

2.3. Residents undertake to occupy the premises with due care and to behave respectfully at all times towards other residents, their guests, the property and the neighbours.

2.4. In particular, residents agree to comply with the following rules:

• Not to enter another resident’s private space without permission;
• To respect the privacy of others and refrain from any form of harassment or imposition of personal views;
• To respect the peace and quiet of other residents and neighbours and to avoid noise disturbances. In any event, no noise shall be made between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
• To keep all common areas clean and tidy after use (kitchen, living rooms, shared bathrooms, terrace, etc.). Common areas must remain accessible to all and may not be privatised by the accumulation of personal belongings;
• Not to leave rubbish, empty bottles or dirty dishes behind;
• Not to monopolise the kitchen;
• To clean sinks, worktops and tables after use.
• The stay of third parties in a resident’s room is limited to a maximum of seven days per month, whether consecutive or not. Such persons must comply with these House Rules. Under no circumstances may they prevent residents from feeling at home. It is strictly forbidden to provide them with duplicate keys or access codes.
• Any event organised in common areas involving external persons must be communicated to the other residents several days in advance and approved in writing by a majority of the residents. All applicable regulations must be complied with, including, in the Brussels-Capital Region, the noise limits laid down in the Decree of 21 November 2002 on neighbourhood noise.
• Household chores shall be shared amicably, including but not limited to:
  • Sorting and taking out the rubbish weekly;
  • Loading or unloading the dishwasher;
  • Putting away clean dishes;
  • Taking glass waste to recycling facilities.

A task schedule may be established to ensure fair rotation.

• Storage areas and refrigerator space shall be shared fairly. Certain common expenses may be paid from a shared fund (cleaning products, bin bags, toilet paper, light bulbs, etc.).
• Residents shall ensure the proper use and maintenance of household appliances.
• Any resident who causes damage to the property of another resident shall be required to repair or compensate for such damage. If damage in common areas cannot be attributed to a specific person, the cost shall be shared among all residents.
• Smoking and the possession or use of illegal substances are strictly prohibited in the property, including in private rooms. Smoking is permitted only in the garden or courtyard, provided that an ashtray is used and emptied regularly.
• Pets are not permitted unless the Owner and all residents have given their prior written consent.
• Residents shall not disturb or impose their presence on others while in a state caused by excessive alcohol consumption or illegal substances.
• Residents undertake to use energy resources responsibly.
• New residents shall be welcomed in a respectful and friendly manner.

Article 3 – Condition of the room and the building

3.1. Residents accept the room and the property in their current condition. Any additions or modifications may only be carried out with the prior authorisation of the Landlord.

3.2. Residents undertake to occupy the premises with due care and to maintain the property in good condition.