In my never ending battle of encouraging my teenager to keep her room clean or at the very least presentable and not dangerous, I decided to enlist some help and advice from friends.  When I say dangerous, I mean this literally.  My oldest stepped on a pair of scissors that were buried ankle deep in stuff, one year ago this month.  It was very serious.

A good friend introduced me to this Private Rental Room Agreement for Teenagers, and I just had to share!  In light of the “Facebook Parenting For The Troubled Teen” video that went viral this week, it seems timely.

Honestly, it has been one of the hardest things I have had to get my heart right on, this battle of the messy room.  I am learning to pick my battles wisely.  This room rental agreement can’t change my heart condition or my daughters.  Only God can.  But there are things this rental room agreement can do.

Signing this contract enables teens to put things in perspective and to realize what they do have by being home.  Just maybe they don’t have it so bad.   Changing perspective places a value on these things we all usually take for granted.  In doing this, it also, perhaps, produces a bit of gratefulness as well.

(The following is reprinted with permission.  It was originally written by Teresa and Tim Loza and was published in Understanding Your Teenager by Wayne Rice and David Veerman)

I modified it a bit….

Private Room in a lovely neighborhood.  Located near major entertainment and shopping areas.  The benefits of living in this beautiful area are many.

The private room includes…

Closet space,  furniture,  clothes to live and dress comfortably.  Storage space in the attic will be provided for small boxes, and space in the garage will be allotted for larger items. A bathroom next to the bedroom will be provided for your convenience.  There is a access to oak piano, TV, DVD, VCR, stereo system, computer with Internet access, game systems, etc. for entertainment and educational use.  Along with the conveniences of tools and crafts, paints, and other extras of all shapes and sizes, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, all kitchen appliances and utensils, washer and dryer and much more!

The in-house attendants will provide many items for your benefit such as: toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, laundry soap, hair spray, makeup, mega amounts of nutritious food cooked to order or ready for your consumption from the food storage units located strategically in the kitchen area.

The in-house attendants will also be responsible for payments of the following utilities: natural gas fireplace, electricity for heating the house, air conditioning, cooking, for running fans, TV, computer, lights and such; water for showers, drinking, toilets, washing, bathing, etc.

Individual style and decorations are allowed within reason at the approval of the attendants.  Consideration of the renter’s style will be taken into account when purchasing bedding, curtains, etc.  as a blessing to the renter.

The $250 weekly rental charge for the above accommodations will be waived in exchange for the renter’s agreement to perform the following  duties:

• Maintain your living area to the satisfaction of the attendants.
• Keep the bathroom clean to the satisfaction of the attendants.
• Make sure the kitchen is free of your mess to the satisfaction of the attendants.
• Attend school regularly and responsibly complete all assignments.
• Complete chores assigned to you to the satisfaction of the attendants.
• Comply completely with other house rules, such as curfews and meal schedules.

The in-house attendant will be at your service for many things, including nursing when you are sick and occasionally washing clothes but will not tolerate any disrespectful or argumentative attitudes, shouting or verbal abuse in any form.

Noncompliance with any of these requirements will result in a fine, confinement to room or result in conveniences taken away. (Fine is payable immediately or deducted from allowance.)

If the requirements listed above are acceptable to the renter, please sign and date below.

Signature of renter:___________________________________________________

Signature of in house attendant:________________________________________

Witness:____________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________________________