There are many elements to think about when you decide to live in a share house. Things tend to be a little complicated because you’ll be under the same roof as someone else. Having several housemate rules in place can make the experience simpler and more wholesome.
But before we get into that, we need to know what is a share house. A share house is a co-living model with two or more people living in a rental unit and splitting the costs. Though this might not sound ideal to some people, it has its perks with some good roommate rules. Here are 12 house share rules and regulations you need to consider.
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Everyone is equal
An excellent place to start would be recognising this fundamental right, especially if everyone has their name signed on the lease. No matter the circumstances, treating people with consideration and respect goes a long way in avoiding conflict.
Including this in your house sharing rules also makes people more responsible for treating the shared space, and it creates a more cohesive environment.
How to split rent in a shared house
Splitting rent should be included in the house share rules and regulations. Each roommate needs to pay their fair share to avoid feelings of resentment.
It would help if you also found a means of paying the rent that works for everyone. For efficiency, the tenants can deposit rent to a third-party bank account. Your property manager can help you coordinate this.
Keeping the house clean
Cleaning the house is one of the vital share house rules to get right. This is probably one of the issues that most housemates clash on. Let’s face it; no one likes cleaning up after someone else.
The best way to approach this is by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. How would you feel if you constantly had to clean the dishes? Or having to tidy up the living room after a long day at work? It would be best to put away your shoes, tidy up a shared space when you leave, and clear the dishes after a meal.
The other side of the coin is being patient with your roommate. Maybe they didn’t clean up after themselves because something urgent came up and they had to leave. It takes minor consideration and planning of some of the roles.
Utility bills
The ideal situation would be splitting the house utility bills equally. Even though this might be the fairest approach, housemates might not always see it this way.
It would help if you considered your specific circumstances. For example, if one of the housemates uses a lot more electricity than the others, then an equal split might not be fair. In such a case, that person should pay a higher proportion than the rest.
Internet bills
Like the utility bills, splitting the internet bill depends on your specific circumstances. If all the housemates use the internet typically, then an equal split would be reasonable. But if one of the housemates drives up the bill through activities like e-sports or regularly streaming live football games, they should pay a more significant proportion.
Respecting each other’s property
Living with other people generally means having to be considerate of their property. Some of the items you might come across might be convenient, but your housemates might not be too happy if you don’t ask them first.
Laying back on their couch might not be a big deal, but wearing their new jacket or eating their ice cream would be crossing the line. It’s always best to ask first rather than assume they’ll be ok with it.
Inviting guests over
You might want to run it by your roommate before inviting a guest over. Whether it’s your significant other, a few friends, or if you plan on hosting a party, it’s essential to let them know so you don’t catch them off-guard.
It’s also important to inform them if your guest will be staying over. While some housemates won’t mind this, they would appreciate the gesture.
Cooking and sharing meals
One of the unwritten share house rules is having a cooking plan. Sharing meals is a great way to bond with your roommates, and you can make the most of it by planning a few home-cooked meals each week.
Letting your roommates know you plan on making a home-cooked meal would also ensure they don’t accidentally use your ingredients. Having a roster for household shopping would also help to get everyone involved.
Be mindful of the noise
Being considerate of other people’s noise tolerance could help make your house sharing experience much smoother. Like most other share house rules, all it takes is a little consideration.
You might not be aware of this, but sound can travel a long distance, especially in high-rise buildings. Making too much noise when your roommates are studying or trying to rest for work would make you unpopular.
Taking care of your pets
Pets can make the house livelier and create a better-shared living experience. However, before bringing a pet to the house, you might first want to check if it’s allowed in the lease. This way, you won’t get yourself and your housemates in trouble with the landlord.
Any pets in a shared house would be the owner’s responsibility. So if you plan on getting a pet, you should remember to clean up after it.
Maintaining communication
It’s always essential to stay in touch with your roommates if you need to pass on some crucial information. Having a group chat with all your housemates is the best way to do this. However, avoid channeling negative energy in the conversations. It’s better to address misunderstandings in person.
Create some house traditions
Whether it’s game night, movie night, or trivia night at a local pub, house traditions are essential for socializing. You might get to know your roommates better and make some lasting friendships.
Having a shared space might mean a few compromises and sometimes getting out of your comfort zone, but it could also be a fantastic experience.
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