Can jinn live in a house?

Practitioners report that jinn may inhabit places, particularly those that are long empty, isolated, in poor repair, or contain drains, bathrooms and dark corners.

Reported signs include a persistent heaviness on entering, unexplained sounds, doors and objects moving, children afraid of specific rooms, arguments that start immediately on entering and stop on leaving, and a sense of being watched.

What the Sunnah prescribes

• Recite Surah Al-Baqarah in the home. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that shaytan flees the house in which it is recited
• Say bismillah when entering, when eating, and when closing up at night
• Pray some voluntary prayers at home rather than only at the masjid
• Remove images of animate beings, and do not keep dogs without need, as angels do not enter such houses
• Recite over water and sprinkle it through the rooms

Before any of this, check the ordinary explanations. Damp, poor ventilation, settling timber, plumbing noise, faulty wiring and carbon monoxide all produce exactly these experiences. Carbon monoxide in particular causes headaches, confusion, dread and even hallucinations, and it kills people. Fit a detector.