Standards for Safe Missionary Housing

August 23, 2019

Missionary housing “should be safe, clean, and economical” (Missionary Handbook [2006], 45).
“Housing represents a major part of missionary support costs,” and mission presidents “should
make every effort to reduce these costs” (Mission President’s Handbook [2006], 69). However,
missionary safety should never be compromised to reduce housing costs.

Missionary housing should meet the following standards. Any exception should be approved by
the Area Presidency.
• Housing is clean, in good repair, and located in an area that is safe day and night. Verify this
by observing the housing during a variety of times and days.
• When selecting housing for sister missionaries, special consideration is given to general
security, local attitudes, and cultural norms regarding women.
• Entrances and windows are secure and can be locked; entrances are well lit, and windows
have opaque coverings (such as non-sheer drapes or blinds).
• Housing is adequately heated and cooled.
• Housing has adequate ventilation and a functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
• Housing has electricity and protected electrical wires.
• Consumable water is filtered (where necessary).
• Kitchen and bathrooms have access to hot water.
• Kitchen has enough enclosed cupboard space and counter space to prepare food.
• Housing has a separate bathroom that is not shared with other tenants.
• Bathroom has a flushable toilet.
• Where fuel is supplied in a gas drum, it is stored outside.
• Housing is located away from bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments.
• Housing is located on upper floors where windows are difficult to access (preferred).