Living with roommates can feel like a constant balancing act, especially when it comes to bringing friends or family over. You might wonder, are you allowed guests in a shared house? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no - it depends on leases, local laws, and the unwritten norms that keep the house running smoothly.
Guest policy is a set of rules that dictate how, when, and for how long occupants can host visitors in a shared dwelling. Understanding this policy helps you avoid conflict, stay on the right side of the law, and keep good relationships with both housemates and the landlord.
Why Guest Rules Matter in a Shared House
When multiple people share a rental, the property isn’t just a place to sleep - it’s a shared resource. Every extra person adds wear and tear, increases utility usage, and can affect safety. That’s why most tenancy agreements include a clause about visitors.
In New Zealand, the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 gives landlords the right to set reasonable limits on occupancy. It also protects tenants from arbitrary bans, as long as the rules are clearly written and applied fairly.
Key Elements of a Typical Guest Clause
Look for these common components in your lease:
- Definition of a guest: Usually anyone who isn’t listed on the tenancy agreement.
- Duration limits: Many leases allow overnight stays up to a certain number of nights per month (often 3‑4 nights).
- Notice requirements: Some landlords ask tenants to give written notice before a guest stays more than 24 hours.
- Occupancy caps: The total number of people living or staying in the house at any one time must not exceed the legal limit set by the local council (usually two adults per bedroom).
- Fees or additional rent: A landlord may charge extra if a guest becomes a long‑term occupant.
If any of these points are missing, ask your landlord for clarification before inviting anyone over.
How to Interpret the Guest Clause - Practical Scenarios
Below is a quick reference to help you decide what’s allowed under typical lease language.
| Scenario | Typical Lease Allowance | Action You Should Take |
|---|---|---|
| Friend stays for one night | Allowed up to 3‑4 nights per month | Give a quick heads‑up to housemates; no formal notice needed |
| Relative visits for a weekend | Allowed if total occupants stay below council occupancy limit | Notify landlord if stay exceeds 24 hours per the lease |
| Partner moves in permanently | Considered a new tenant - requires landlord approval and possibly a new tenancy agreement | Submit a written request with supporting details (employment, rent payment ability) |
| Airbnb guest for a week | Usually prohibited unless expressly allowed in the lease | Seek written consent from landlord; expect additional fees |
Talking to Housemates: Setting Mutual Guest Expectations
Even if the lease is clear, daily life can get messy if housemates have different comfort levels. Here’s a simple process to keep everyone on the same page:
- Start a house meeting: Bring up guest rules early on, ideally before the first guest arrives.
- Draft a house guest charter: Write down agreed limits (e.g., maximum nights per month, quiet‑hour rules).
- Use a shared calendar: Mark dates when guests will be staying, so no one feels blindsided.
- Revisit the charter yearly: Life changes - new jobs, relationships - so adjust the rules as needed.
When everyone signs off on the charter, you have a stronger case if a dispute reaches the landlord or the Tenancy Tribunal.
What to Do If a Dispute Arises
Despite best intentions, disagreements happen. Follow these steps to resolve the issue without escalating to legal action:
- Document the problem: Note dates, times, and any communications about the guest.
- Talk it out: Approach the roommate or landlord calmly, focusing on the lease clause rather than emotions.
- Use mediation: Many local councils offer free mediation for tenancy conflicts.
- File a complaint: If the dispute remains unresolved, you can submit a claim to the Tenancy Tribunal, which will consider the lease terms, evidence, and fairness.
Remember, the Tribunal aims to mediate, not punish, so presenting a clear record of the agreed‑upon guest policy will help your case.
Special Considerations for Specific Situations
Some scenarios need extra attention:
- Students: Universities often have short‑term visitor allowances, but you still need landlord consent for stays longer than a week.
- International visitors: If a guest plans to stay over 90 days, they may need a visitor visa; the landlord might request proof of the guest’s status.
- Pets as guests: Many leases treat pets as guests; check the pet clause separately.
Each case can affect insurance policies, so clarify with the landlord to avoid coverage gaps.
Bottom Line: Know Your Rights, Respect the Rules
In short, you can have guests in a shared house as long as you follow the lease, stay within legal occupancy limits, and keep communication open with housemates and the landlord. Understanding the guest policy gives you confidence to host without fear of eviction or fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights per month can I have a guest stay?
Most leases allow 3‑4 overnight stays per month, provided the total number of occupants never exceeds the council’s occupancy limit.
Do I need written permission from my landlord for a weekend visitor?
If the lease specifies a 24‑hour notice for stays longer than one night, then yes - a quick email or text to the landlord satisfies that requirement.
Can my partner move in without a new tenancy agreement?
No. A partner who stays long‑term is considered a new tenant. The landlord will need to add them to the tenancy or create a new agreement.
What happens if I exceed the occupancy limit?
Exceeding the legal occupancy limit can lead to a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, which may result in a notice to remedy or even eviction.
Are short‑term rentals like Airbnb allowed in a shared house?
Typically not, unless the lease expressly permits sub‑letting or short‑term rentals. You’ll need written consent and may face additional fees.