Cleaning and bins in a shared house
A clean shared house is mostly about a few agreed habits, not big cleans.
Shared areas
- Agree who cleans the bathroom, hall, stairs and living areas, and how often. A simple rota on the fridge works.
- Clean up after yourself in the bathroom and leave it ready for the next person.
- Keep hallways and stairs clear for safety.
Bins and recycling
- Find out the collection days and which bin goes out each week.
- Sort recycling as your local council asks, and take out full bins promptly.
- Use bin bags and keep waste inside bins, so it does not attract pests.
Your own room
Sharing a bathroom? See sharing a bathroom.
Keep your room tidy and well ventilated; see damp and mould. For the kitchen, see sharing a kitchen.
When it is not working
Raise it kindly and early with an example, then agree a plan; see living with housemates. If it continues, tell the landlord.
Related: pests in a shared house.
This is general information, not legal advice. See how renting with us works.
Common questions
Do we need a cleaning rota?
It helps. A simple rota or clear who-does-what list avoids most arguments, especially for bathrooms and hallways.
Who puts the bins out?
Agree it between housemates, or take turns. Check which bin goes out each week and follow local recycling rules.
What if a housemate does not clean up?
Remind them kindly with a specific example, then agree a plan. If it continues, tell the landlord.