Au pairs are always entitled to a room of their own in the host family's home. The family provides the room free of charge as part of the basic arrangement. This room should meet certain requirements.
Au pair room: What's required & how to make it nice
Beyond the basics, there are also simple ways to make the space more practical and welcoming. Here’s an overview of what’s required — and what you can add to help your au pair feel at home from the very beginning.
1. Minimum requirements
Host families must provide their au pair with a private room and this room should:
- Be at least 9 square metres
- Have a window
- Be furnished and equipped with heating
- Have a lock and key to ensure the au pair’s privacy
- Be located within the family home, so the au pair can be integrated into family life
Some families also provide a private bathroom. This is not compulsory — the au pair can share the family bathroom with other household members.
Note: The au pair is responsible for cleaning and maintaining their own private room.
In exceptional cases where the au pair cannot be accommodated inside the family home, see our FAQ below.
2. Comfort basics
A comfortable room isn’t only about furniture — it’s also about atmosphere. Be sure to provide:
- Fresh bedding and towels before your au pair arrives
- A clean and tidy space that feels ready to move into
Tip: Having an extra set of linen and towels available makes it easier for your au pair to keep their space fresh without needing to ask.
3. Practical setup (nice-to-haves)
Beyond the minimum, it’s a good idea to make the room as functional as possible. Think about adding:
- A desk or table with a chair for studying or personal time
- Adequate lighting for reading or working
- Extra storage options, if space allows (including practical touches like clothes hangers)
- A mirror – useful if the bathroom is shared, as it allows your au pair to get ready more easily in their own room
- A waste bin – a simple but useful addition for keeping the room tidy
These small details aren’t required, but they make day-to-day life easier and show your au pair that you’ve thought about their comfort.
4. Welcoming gestures
Little touches can make a big difference when your au pair sees their room for the first time:
- A welcome card or a drawing from your children
- A small plant to brighten the space
- A simple welcome pack with local snacks and a short guide to your city (things to do, how to get around, favourite family tips)
These aren’t required, but they show your au pair that you’ve thought about their arrival and are happy to have them join your family.
Beyond the room
The room is only the starting point. Helping your au pair settle in also means sharing house rules, schedules, and family routines.
See our article on Preparing for your au pairs arrival for more ideas on how to make the first days together smooth and positive.
FAQs on au pair accommodation
Can we host an au pair if our home is too small and there isn't any extra room for the au pair?
If you don't have enough space at your home, you may think of accommodating the au pair outside the family's home. This option is not really conventional, but it is acceptable when it is the only possibility due to space limitations. It is important that you mention it in your profile or tell the au pairs during the interviews so that they get an idea of what to expect.
The personal connection to the host family is a very important point. If your au pair is not living in your home, you need to make sure that you and your au pair spend as much time together as possible. The au pair must be integrated into family life and learn more about the culture of the host country. This is all part of the basic concept of au pairing.
Under no circumstances should the au pair sleep in the same room as the host children on a daily basis. Only in exceptional cases, such as in a vacation or holiday flat could this option be acceptable.
As an au pair can I decorate my room?
Yes — many au pairs like to add personal touches to make their room feel more like home. It’s best to speak with your host family first to see what’s allowed, especially if you’d like to hang things on the walls or make other changes. Small items like photos, cushions, or posters are usually easy ways to personalise the space without causing any damage.
How to upgrade your au pair room | AuPairWorld