Can jinn live in my house?

Jinn share the earth with us

Jinn are a hidden creation that lives on the same earth as humans. Hadith mention them in ruins, deserted places, and sometimes in homes. Not all of them are harmful: some jinn are Muslim, and most simply go about their own lives without any interest in us. The ones to guard against are the devils (shayatin), who try to cause harm and mischief. See What are jinn in Islam?

Saying Bismillah keeps devils out

The Prophet ﷺ said that when a man enters his house and mentions Allah on entering and when eating, Shaytan says to his companions, "You have no place to stay and no dinner." But if he enters without mentioning Allah, Shaytan says, "You have found a place to stay," and if he eats without mentioning Allah, "You have found a place to stay and dinner" (Sahih Muslim 2018).

That's a very practical rule. Say "Bismillah" when you come in, greet your household with "As-salamu alaykum" (even an empty home), and say "Bismillah" before meals. See What dua do I say when leaving the house?

Recite Surah al-Baqarah at home

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Do not make your houses into graves. Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited" (Sahih Muslim 780). It's a long surah, so many families read it over a few days or play a recitation while they're at home and listening. Ayat al-Kursi, which is part of it, is also a strong protection. See Can I play the Quran in my house for protection?

The Quran's general rule for any whisper or disturbance is to turn to Allah:

What about strange noises?

Creaking floors, pipes, wind and pets explain almost every "haunted" sound. Don't jump to conclusions or hire people who charge large fees to "clean" a house. If something genuinely troubles your family, keep up the adhkar, pray in the home, and if you want, ask a trustworthy imam to recite ruqyah. If anyone in the home is struggling with fear or sleep, a doctor is the right first step too.