By Angela B. Roommates.com offers roommate boundary tips and suggestions for house rules when one roommate is away. 

Spring break is just around the corner, and whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or heading home for some well-deserved relaxation, it’s important to establish boundaries with your roommate before you leave. While one of you is off enjoying the sun, the other will be holding down the fort—which means a little preparation and mutual respect can go a long way. 

Before you pack your bags, here’s what you need to discuss and how to ensure your home remains a drama-free zone while you're away.

Roommates.com offers roommate boundary tips and suggestions for house rules when one roommate is away. What the Homebound Roommate Should NEVER Do

Just because one roommate is away doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all in the apartment or home. Here are some absolute no-nos to keep in mind:

1. Hosting a Rager or Overnight Guests – It might be tempting to invite all your friends over for a party, but unless you and your roommate have agreed to it in advance, keep the guest list reasonable. Nobody wants to come home to a wrecked apartment. Additionally, hosting overnight guests while your roommate is away is something to discuss up front. 

2. “Borrowing” Their Stuff Without Asking – Your roommate’s favorite sweater, gaming console, or specialty kitchen gadgets are still off-limits unless you have explicit permission. Treat their belongings the way you’d want yours to be treated.

3. Rearranging or Using Their Room – Even if they left their door unlocked, their space is theirs. No crashing in their bed, using their desk, or moving furniture around.

4. Ignoring Shared Responsibilities – If you usually split chores, don’t let dishes pile up or skip trash duty because they aren’t home. Keep up your part of the agreement.

5. Neglecting Security—Leaving doors unlocked, forgetting to take out the trash, or not picking up mail can make your home a target for break-ins. Be mindful of keeping the home safe.

6. Racking up Utility Bills—Just because your roommate is out of town, you may be tempted to turn up the heat or the AC, but if you split utilities 50/50–even while they are away—you are only setting yourself up for a major confrontation when those bills become due!Pre-Trip Checklist: What to Sort Out Before Leaving

To make sure things run smoothly while you’re away, here’s a quick checklist to go over with your roommate before your trip:

Household Responsibilities & Courtesy

✅ Discuss Expectations – Will they have guests over? Should they water your plants or feed your fish? Clear up any concerns before you leave.

✅ Pay Your Share of Bills – If rent, utilities, or WiFi are due while you're gone, handle your portion before you leave to avoid unnecessary stress.

✅ Keep the Fridge in Check – If you’re leaving for a week or more, toss out any perishable food that might expire while you're gone. No one wants to return to a fridge full of funky smells. If you share food, tell them what’s fair game to eat while you’re gone.

✅ Trash & Chores: If you have shared cleaning duties, make a plan so nothing piles up while one person is away.✅ Kennel Your Pet, unless you trust your roommate or a pet sitter with the important task.

✅ Plants & Fish: If you have houseplants or a pet, confirm whether you need help while away and leave instructions.✅ Cancel Your Mail, or ask your roommate to collect it while you’re away to avoid missed deliveries and theft.

Security & Safety

✅ Alarm Systems & Keys: If you have a security system, ensure they know how to use it properly. Leave keys if they will need to move your vehicle to access a garage while you are away.

✅ Double-check Doors and Windows – If the one leaving is usually in charge of locking doors/windows, remind the other to keep up with security. Before you head out, make sure everything is locked up and that your home is secure. If you have a security camera, is it charged up and in working order? Are your car doors locked?

✅ Secure Valuables – If you’re concerned about certain personal items, lock them in your room or store them safely.

✅ Leave Emergency Contacts – In case of an emergency, leave a number where they can reach you and provide any relevant landlord or maintenance contact info.

Respect and communication are key when one roommate leaves for a trip. Setting clear expectations ensures that both of you feel comfortable, whether staying home or heading out for a well-earned break. Planning goes a long way in maintaining harmony and avoiding awkward post-trip confrontations.

Happy travels and happy cohabiting! 🌸✈️🏡