Living with an au pair is a wonderful chance for cultural exchange and building lifelong connections. But sharing your home also means sharing your space, routines, and expectations. That’s why having a clear, written **house rule template** is a game-changer for both families and au pairs. At **Auost**, we believe that open communication and clear boundaries lay the foundation for a happy, respectful, and smooth co-living experience.

Why Are House Rules So Important?

House rules aren’t about control—they’re about creating comfort and clarity for everyone. A well-crafted house rule template helps avoid misunderstandings, sets clear boundaries around working hours and shared spaces, and defines responsibilities. It encourages respectful communication and promotes a peaceful home environment where everyone feels valued.

What Should Your House Rule Template Include?

Here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

- **General Expectations:** Respect for the home, cleanliness, and participation in family routines.
- **Working Hours & Duties:** Clear weekly schedules (usually max 30 hours in most EU countries), childcare tasks, and light household support.
- **Use of Shared Spaces:** Guidelines for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry use, plus clean-up expectations.
- **Visitors and Privacy:** Rules about hosting friends or overnight guests, and curfews on weekdays and weekends.
- **Phone, Internet & Screen Time:** Limits during working hours and family internet policies.
- **Cultural Exchange & Language:** Encouraging au pairs to speak the host family’s language with children and share their own culture during family time.

Respect Local Quiet Hours

Many European countries have official quiet times to respect neighbors and local customs. For example:

- **Germany:** 1–3 PM (Mittagsruhe) and after 10 PM  
- **Austria:** 12–3 PM and after 10 PM  
- **Switzerland:** 12–1 PM and 10 PM–6 AM  
- **France & Italy:** Quiet hours usually start after 10 PM, even if not legally enforced

Including these in your house rules helps everyone stay in harmony with the community.

Ready to Get Started?

Download Auost’s **free au pair house rule template** to set clear expectations and create a peaceful home environment. It’s designed to help families and au pairs communicate openly and live together happily.

Explore more free resources and personalized au pair matching at [auost.de](https://auost.de) — where great au pair journeys begin! 💛