Quarterly House Meeting
At HomeRoom, we want your living space to feel like more than just a place to stay—it should feel like home. That’s why we hold quarterly house meetings. These meetings are your chance to connect with your roommates, share ideas, and work together to create a better living environment for everyone. The main focus is to go over HomeRoom’s general guidelines and to talk about any specific needs or issues that are unique to your house. We believe that when everyone pitches in, it not only makes the house run smoother but also makes it a more enjoyable place to live.
Meeting Agenda
Food Storage and Cleanliness: Establish ground rules about who uses which sections of the fridge and cupboards and their corresponding cleaning periods. This way, everyone can keep their groceries organized. Everyone should have enough space.
General Upkeep: It's everyone's job to keep common areas clean. Consider setting up a chore schedule to make this easier, a simple list will suffice. Our HomeRoom Chore Wheel is a good tool for this.
Issue Resolution and Communication: Got an issue? Let’s talk about it. Minor problems can usually be resolved quickly when everyone is open and respectful. Any ongoing issues should be saved for the meeting.
Common Space, Laundry, and Parking: Make sure we're all fair about using shared spaces like the living room, laundry area, and parking spaces; this includes the times. And remember, if you break an appliance, it's on you to cover the repair or replacement costs. Report any violations promptly to avoid incurring charges for which you are not responsible.
Please note that the garage is off-limits to all tenants unless rented by a tenant with the corresponding monthly fee.Maintenance: If something in the house needs fixing, report the issue via the HomeRoom App. For minor maintenance tasks costing below $50.00, such as changing a light bulb or replacing a filter, the responsibility falls on the residents to handle these matters amongst themselves.
Shared Expenses: Discuss how to split the costs for common items like cleaning supplies, shared groceries, or even streaming service subscriptions.
Security: Ensure you all lock doors and windows and use the front door as your main access.
Community Activities: We highly encourage 'Taco Tuesday' or 'Roommate Nights' to foster community spirit within the residence.
FAQS
Are virtual meetings acceptable?
Yes, virtual meetings are valid as long as the basics and chores are assigned, and any issues are resolved. HomeRoom provides access to Slack or can help arrange a group chat to facilitate these discussions. The important thing is that everyone participates and contributes to the meeting, even if it’s online.
Does HomeRoom participate in the meetings?
No, we assist in coordinating the room and process the feedback based on the house meeting recap that the household submits.
Is the meeting mandatory?
Yes, the meeting is mandatory for all residents as it helps in making communal living more harmonious and problem-free.
What if my roommates aren't interested in participating?
We understand that some people may be less engaged. Try discussing the benefits of participation, like a cleaner, more organized home, and fewer misunderstandings. Even small contributions from everyone can make a big difference. If tenants continue to avoid participating, HomeRoom will step in to evaluate the situation, which could result in a lease termination for the non-compliant tenant.
What if I’m here temporarily or barely at home?
Whether you’re staying for a few months or a few years, or if you’re never home, participating in these meetings ensures that your stay is as pleasant and hassle-free as possible. Responsibilities are be assigned evenly among all roommates. Avoiding participation can lead to conflicts and additional charges. Good communication and participation help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone’s on the same page, avoiding unnecessary costs.
What is the expected duration for this meeting?
Free format. The time required to address the agenda.
What if I can't attend the meeting?
If you are unable to attend the meeting, we recommend that you communicate this to your roommates and read the meeting recap to stay informed. Residents will be held responsible for the ground rules and commitments discussed during the meeting.
Can I include a fun activity?
Absolutely! We highly encourage incorporating fun activities or meals into the meeting. The household should divide the costs for any activities or food mutually.
What if I feel disconnected from my roommates?
It’s common to feel a bit distant, especially in a shared living home with different personalities. However, building small connections can go a long way. Consider leaving a jar of cookies in the common area, starting a group chat, or organizing a small activity like a movie night. Even little efforts to connect can make living together more pleasant and help build a sense of community.
Is it necessary for all members to upload the feedback form?
We required one submission per house.
How and where can I submit my House Meeting Recap?
You can submit the recap through the HomeRoom App. Navigate to the "Member Resources" option to find the appropriate section for submission.
How can I report a maintenance issue?
You may find use the HomeRoom App for future requests. You may click here to submit one directly.
What happens if no one reports an issue because they fear being charged?
Ignoring or failing to report issues can lead to bigger problems and higher costs. We encourage you to report issues as soon as detected, as this often results in quicker resolutions. Open communication is key to preventing minor issues from becoming expenses for the household.
What if I’m the only one interested in following the rules?
If the situation doesn’t improve and rules are continually ignored, it could lead to lease termination for those not complying. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support in these situations.