Staying at someone’s home is a privilege, not a free pass to act however you want. If you want to be invited back, there are a few unspoken rules to follow. Nobody likes a houseguest who doesn’t know how to behave, so here are some things you should never do if you don’t want to be remembered as the guest from hell.
1. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
A weekend stay turning into a weeklong marathon? Not cool. Even if you’re getting along great, everyone needs their space, including your host. Stick to the plan and leave when you said you would. Overstaying your welcome doesn’t just make things awkward, it can strain the relationship, so don’t push your luck—no one likes a guest who just won’t leave.
2. Don’t Show Up Unannounced
Surprising someone by dropping by unannounced might seem spontaneous, but for your host, it’s a total nightmare. They might not be prepared for having people stay, or maybe they just want some alone time. Always give a heads-up, no matter how close you are. Showing up unannounced can quickly make things uncomfortable, so respect their space and let them know in advance.
3. Don’t Leave a Mess Behind
Your host isn’t your personal maid, so don’t treat their place like a hotel. Leaving dishes, dirty towels, or your belongings everywhere is just plain rude. Clean up after yourself. It’s one thing to be comfortable, but it’s another to leave a mess for your host to deal with. The more you tidy up after yourself, the better impression you’ll leave.
4. Don’t Raid the Fridge Without Asking
Even if your host says “help yourself,” don’t take that too literally. Sure, it’s fine to grab a snack or a drink, don’t clean out their fridge without checking first. It’s polite to let your host offer or ask before diving into their food stash. If you do this, you risk coming across as inconsiderate or entitled—and trust us, no one likes a guest like that.
5. Don’t Hog the Bathroom
Sharing a bathroom? Then make sure to be mindful of how long you’re in there. Don’t take hour-long showers or camp out in front of the mirror, especially if other people who actually live there need to use the space too. If you’re monopolizing the bathroom, you’re most likely annoying your host and anyone else staying there.
6. Don’t Invite Others Over Without Asking
Your host invited you, not your entire friend group. Don’t assume it’s okay to bring over extra people without clearing it first. Your host might not be in the mood to entertain more guests, or maybe they just don’t have the space. Always ask before inviting anyone else over—it’s their home, and their comfort comes first.
7. Don’t Ignore the House Rules
Every household has its own rules, whether that’s no shoes inside, no smoking, or keeping the noise down after a certain hour. Just because it’s not what you do in your home doesn’t mean you can blatantly ignore it. Ditching these rules isn’t just disrespectful, it can create tension between you and your host. If you’re hazy on the rules, don’t be afraid to ask, just be sure to respect their space.
8. Don’t Sit Around While Your Host Does All the Work
If your host is cooking dinner or cleaning up, don’t just sit there and watch. Offer to help out, even if it’s just setting the table or washing dishes. That doesn’t mean you need to become a sous chef, but it does mean you’re being considerate. A little help goes a long way, and your host will appreciate the effort, even if they say “no thanks.”
9. Don’t Spend the Whole Time Glued to Your Phone
Being a good houseguest means actually being present. If you’re constantly scrolling through your phone or zoning out on social media, your host might feel like you’re not really there. Put the phone down and engage. You’re there to spend time with them, not with your screen. After all, you are being graciously hosted.
10. Don’t Be Loud Late at Night
If your host is winding down for the night, don’t stay up making noise. Being loud when everyone else is trying to sleep is a surefire way to annoy them and to basically guarantee you won’t be invited around again. Keep it quiet if you’re the last one awake. You’re a guest in their home, and part of that means being respectful of their sleep schedule.
11. Don’t Leave Your Stuff Everywhere
Your host shouldn’t have to trip over your suitcase or push aside your clothes just to walk through their own house. Keep your things organized and out of the way, it’s the least you can do. It’s one thing to make yourself comfortable, but it’s another to take over their space with your stuff. Respect their home and keep your stuff in your designated area.
12. Don’t Complain About the Accommodations
Maybe the bed isn’t as comfy as your own or the Wi-Fi is slow, but guess what? It’s not a hotel. Your host is opening their home to you, so be grateful. Complaining about where you’re staying, no matter how politely you word it, is a big no-no. If something’s truly unbearable, speak up—but do it nicely. Otherwise, bite your tongue and be thankful.
13. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
A little gratitude goes a long way. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” in person, a follow-up text, or even a handwritten note, make sure your host knows just how much you appreciate their hospitality. It’s such an easy thing to do, but it can make a huge difference in how your host feels about having you over again in the future.
14. Don’t Disrespect Their Neighbors
Your host’s neighbors didn’t sign up for your visit, so don’t be the reason they’re complaining. Whether it’s being loud, parking in the wrong spot, or just generally being disruptive, be respectful. Your bad actions can reflect poorly on your host, so be mindful of how you behave when you’re outside or interacting with neighbors.
15. Don’t Leave Without Saying Goodbye
Ghosting your host without saying goodbye is just about the rudest thing you can do. No matter how rushed you are, take a minute to thank your host and properly say goodbye. It’s common courtesy, and it shows that you appreciated their hospitality. A proper farewell leaves things on a positive note and keeps the door open for future visits.
