The quick answer is yes have rules but make them simple and reasonable! Rules can be a great way to provide some structure in the beginning of the relationship. It gives the student and understanding of your expectations and helps to avoid any initial miscommunications.
Here is a sample of the "rules" we have in our home. I use parenthesis around the word rules because they are more like common sense guidelines most people already follow:
- Please keep your room clean.
- If you are eating outside of dinner time please wash your dishes.
- Please remember to lock the main house door when you leave and return back home.
- Please keep the volume down on your electronics and conversations after 9pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends.
- Help yourself to food in the fridge in the cupboards or fridge but if there is someones name on it please don't eat it.
- For minors (under 19) you must be home by 11pm at night, non minors please do not disrupt the household if you are going to be home late.
As a courtesy provide the rules in multiple languages this helps students who can't yet read English.
We have heard many horror stories about some crazy rules International Students have had to put up with. Check back soon and I'll post about them.
Thanks for reading and please comment is you have any questions or something to add.