Shared accommodation houses people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, and living close to strangers can be a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to have some general social etiquette when living with others. Here are some tips to help you become a good housemate:
1. Chip In
Each person needs to chip in for their share of the household expenses and chores. Be fair and respectful, and don’t take advantage of your housemates.
2. Respect Other People’s Boundaries
Respect each other’s privacy, personal space, and belongings. This can help avoid conflicts such as noisy neighbors or a messy roommate.
3. Communicate
Shared accommodation is the perfect environment to foster a good relationship with your housemates and form a network of people to hang out with outside of the house. Take the time to get to know one another and keep communications open.
4. Be Considerate
Your housemates are there to live with you, not for you to entertain them. Try to be respectful of one another’s time, belongings, and privacy.
5. Be Polite and Mind Your Manners
The golden rule is to treat others how you would like to be treated. Try to be polite and considerate, and treat others with respect. Try not to leave a mess and keep your room tidy as much as possible.
6. Clean Up After Yourself
You are responsible for your own mess, so keep the house clean and tidy. If you cook, wash up and make sure your kitchen is clean. If you have a dog, make sure to clean up after it.
7. Keep an Open Dialogue
Keep an open dialogue with your housemates about issues bothering you. This can include anything from a messy roommate to someone playing music too loud.
8. Be a Good Neighbor
Remember that your housemates aren’t the only ones living on the property. Try to be a good neighbor and respect the other tenants by cleaning up after yourself and keeping noise minimal.
9. Be Flexible
Shared accommodation often means living with people of a wide range of ages, lifestyles, and living habits. Be open to different ways of living and try your best to be flexible and adaptable.
10. Get to Know Your Sharing Agreement
Before signing a shared accommodation contract, make sure you understand your agreement with the landlord. This can include anything from house rules to cleaning responsibilities.
How to Find a Good Shared Accommodation
Finding a good shared accommodation can be time-consuming, but the benefits of living in one often outweigh the challenges. It’s important to do your research and follow all the necessary steps. Here’s how to find a good shared accommodation:
Get Your Budget Ready
Before looking for a place to live, you’ll want to know how much you can afford to pay in rent and bills each month. Having a firm budget in mind is important, so you can avoid overspending once you find a place to live.
Start Looking for Available Properties
Once you have your budget ready, you’re ready to start looking for shared accommodation properties in your area. Use classified ads, online ads, and local newspapers to help you find a property.
Pay a Visit and Have a Look Around
After you’ve found a property you’re interested in, make an appointment to check out the property and meet the landlord. Ask the landlord any questions you have about the property, and try to get a feel of the place before deciding if this is where you want to live.
Take the Time to Get to Know the Landlord
The landlord will have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to managing the shared accommodation, so it’s important to find a landlord who can take care of the property and be an effective landlord. Take the time to see if you’re a good match.
In a Nutshell
Shared accommodation is a great way to live in an affordable, convenient location. It’s important to be comfortable in your place, so it helps to keep a good relationship with your housemates so you won’t have to deal with any stressful situations during your stay.
Are you looking for shared housing in Stanislaus? Stayhaven Homes offers rooms and beds in shared housing. Contact us!