A family member or a friend is staying with you for a few weeks. Before things become confusing, it is worth having a conversation about the shared use of the flat. The following suggestions concern everyday life. Whether and which tenancy law (mietrechtliche), registration law (melderechtliche) or other requirements are relevant in the concrete case must be clarified separately.
Set a time frame, even if not everything is fixed yet
“Only temporary” can mean different things to two people. Discuss what period is intended and when you will talk about it again. If the end is still open, state that explicitly. A practical check after an agreed period is more helpful than tacit expectations about an unspecified departure day.
Distinguish the visit from a permanently planned shared living arrangement. Everyday life can change; the original label does not automatically resolve all later questions. If the visit becomes a different arrangement, use that as an occasion for a new clarification instead of continuing to call the situation a “visit” in name only.
Discuss the tight spots in the flat
Don’t start with a long house rule, but with the points where your everyday lives actually touch: sleeping place, bathroom in the morning, work or study, storage and retreat. Ask the other person about their needs without immediately judging every habit.
Talk concretely about quiet times and shared rooms. If one person works from home during the day, “You can sit in the living room at any time” can be impractical. A sensible agreement might state when the table is needed for work and where the guest can spend that time undisturbed doing other things.
Example: The guest gets up earlier than the host
A friend is staying in the flat during a professional transition phase. He regularly leaves early; the host works later in the evening. They consider together which morning routines can be prepared so that things do not have to be searched for and discussed each time. Bag and clothing are placed in the right spot, and bathroom use is coordinated.
The agreement regulates their everyday life. It does not say whether the guest thereby becomes a contracting party or what legal obligations arise. Such questions are examined separately if necessary.
Don’t decide about money and access in passing
If you want to share expenses, name which ones are meant and how you will record them transparently. Do not let a spontaneous contribution to shopping be mixed unnoticed with a differently understood ongoing payment agreement. Unclear expectations are a good reason to ask in advance.
Access to the flat should also be agreed consciously. Who is allowed to bring others along, how are absences announced and who should be asked in case of doubt? Do not note any security information in publicly accessible messages.
At the agreed follow-up meeting, check what works and what needs changing. A small adjustment is often sufficient. However, a fundamental change in the living situation requires a new decision and, if necessary, professional clarification. This process does not guarantee legal permissibility for a particular visit duration; it helps you organise the actual shared use honestly and respectfully.