Q: Can I have overnight houseguests?

A: Yes, absolutely, but you may be asked to compensate the house for the extra resources used if your guest remains more than 7 days per month or 14 days per calendar quarter. A houseguest should never be left alone in the house, nor have independent access to the house, without the approval of ALL other members.

Q: I like to get naked and catch rays in the backyard and watch TV in the living room butt naked. Would that be violating the House Rule?

A: Hell no! You might even say its “encouraged”. This is YOUR house!  Get naked and Enjoy LIFE! Discretion, however, around occasional guests and neighbors might be advised.

Q: I came home and found Joanie and Chachi getting it on in the living room… Shouldn’t that be a violation of the house rules?

A: And this harms you… How? Personally, I’d spread a wide grin, give an excited thumbs up, and a hardy smack to the nearest bare ass! (All puns intended.) Sex is more fun outside the box, and it’s even more fun in the Sun!  Enjoy LIFE and get it on!

Q: I know Mary Jane is smoking pot in her bedroom even though she does it only when her door is closed… what should I do?

A: Thankfully, pot is now legal in California.  Besides, what goes on behind closed doors should not be a concern of others, unless it is endangering others.  If it isn’t an immediate threat to the house or members of the house, you should discuss it with the other members of the house. If you chose to act independently and “invite” the local authorities into the house to “deal” with Mary Jane (for whatever reason), you could find yourself in violation of the fourth tenet of the House Rule. Remember… This house is a “sanctuary” for ALL who live here.

Q: John (another member) is constantly leaving a mess in the bathroom and kitchen that I have to clean up before I can comfortably use the bathroom and kitchen. Is John violating the House Rule?

A: Yes, it could be considered a violation of the third tenet of the House Rule, but only after John has had an opportunity to accommodate the requests of the other members.

Q: Sue has had her membership revoked for severely violating the House Rule numerous times. Does she have options?

A: Yes, every member has options. She may re-negotiate her membership with the other members, provided the other members are willing to consider re-negotiation. If she feels she has been unfairly treated, she may also seek legal remedies through the courts. It’s even encouraged.

Q: Do I have kitchen privileges?

A: You have complete access to ALL common areas and use of ALL items placed in the common areas. Simply respect what belongs to other members and don’t make other members clean up after you.

Q: If I accidentally backed my car into the garage door but can’t afford to repair the damage right away, am I in violation of the House Rule’s second tenet?

A: Not if you agree to repair the damage in an appropriate and timely manner, then no harm is done.

Q: I can’t sleep at night because Jack is playing his music too loud. What should I do?

A: While this IS a 24/7 house and there are NO lights-out or quiet-time restrictions, Jack and his friends do need to be considerate of other’s sleep and work needs.  If you don’t feel comfortable asking him to turn it down, you could ask another member to ask him to turn it down. You could also request to convene a group meeting and ask the others to intervene, formally, to determine if he is in violation of one of the tenets of the House Rule. If Jack fails to comply and the other members agree, his membership could be revoked.

Q: What can I put in the common areas?

A: Just about anything provided the majority of members don’t find it disagreeable. On the other hand, anything placed in the common areas is for the enjoyment of ALL members. Every member is responsible for using items placed in the common areas properly and respectfully, giving due consideration that the item may belong to someone else.

Q: Can I have a pet or pets?

A: Sorry, this has become a serious NO-CAN-DO.  You’d have to offer a SERIOUS pet deposit and get the approval of ALL members, and the latter is not likely to happen. 

Q: I have three cars, four motorcycles, and a tank… would that be a problem?

A: It could distress the neighbors when added to the four cars, two motor homes, and the jet fighter already at the house. (Grin!) It is up to the other members.

Q: I want to paint my room dark-dark green. Any problem?

A: A deposit may be requested to cover the cost of restoring the room to its former color(s). It’s really difficult to cover up dark colors.

Q: Can I operate a business from the house or work on my car?

A: Yes, provided it doesn’t violate any of the tenets to the House Rule or any local ordinances, or disturb the other neighbors.

Q: Can I use a room air conditioner or a room heater?

A:  This is an older house, built in the 1950’s. Room air-conditioners and room heaters usually trip the circuit breakers, hence their use is discouraged.  In addition, room air-conditioners and room heaters are VERY expensive to operate and require compensation for the extra energy used.  

Q: Where do I keep my food?

A: There are currently two refrigerators and a pantry area. They are divided up equally among the members. You will have an equal section of each. You will also have a dedicated shelf section located in the laundry room to store laundry detergent and cleaning supplies, and a place to put your dirty laundry, along with space in the common bathroom, if you’ll be using it.

Q: Can I store stuff in the garage?

A: Yes, but it is frequently full. We try to give everyone an equal amount of space in the garage, but that doesn’t always work out.

Q: Who cleans the house?

A: As a member, you are expected to contribute in the cleaning and care of the house, or contribute funds to have the house cleaned by an outside service. (See next question.)

Q: What happens if I don’t share in keeping the house clean?

A: That would be up to the other members and to whether they would consider it a violation of the House Rule. If they have to continuously clean up after other members of the house, then that would be a violation of the third tenet of the house rules.

PLEASE NOTE: No one wants to sanction, revoke, or evict another member, but occasionally someone’s willful or negligent disregard for the House Rule leaves no other choice. Other than for non-payment of rent, most issues involving the House Rule are cordially resolved by consensus with the other members. In fact, only three people have been evicted over the last 15+ years.

Smoking inside the common areas of house is not permitted. Smoking in your rooms, though discouraged, is not. Smoking outside is fine.P