Top 10 Tips for House Sharing Harmony

FOR 

HOUSE SHARING HARMONY

Sharing a house with total strangers can be a great experience it might even be one of the best things you ever do. And if you're thinking about doing it, you certainly wouldn't be alone. Shared accommodation is becoming increasingly popular - with students and working professionals alike. Even people whose long-term goal is to ultimately become a home-owner are seeing the benefits of renting a room in the interim period. If you do decide to take the leap of faith and decide that house sharing is for you, here are our top 10 tips that should help get you the best possible experience.

1. RESPECT YOUR HOUSEMATES

When your sharing a house, you need to get along with the people you live with. Embrace your commonalities and accept your differences. Respect each other's privacy and belongings, and keep noise levels to an acceptable level.

2. PULL YOUR WEIGHT

Be prepared to do your share of the chores. Remember, if you were in your own house, you would need to do the dishes, empty the bins, clean the bathroom and generally keep everywhere tidy - in shared accommodation, the same applies.

3. SOCIALISE AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Moving into a house full of strangers can be quite daunting, but see it as a great opportunity. Find out your common interests - music, sport, and talk about them over lunch, if you don't happen to make friends, just keep it civil.

4. MAKE SURE YOU PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME

It's always best to set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order so that you don't have to worry about paying your rent. If you pay monthly however, remember that rent is a priority. The roof above your head is more important than your social calendar.

5. REMEMBER THAT PETS AREN'T ALLOWED

You love your furry or feathered friends and we get that. Alas, not everyone does. And worse than that, they have allergies towards them which makes being around them intolerable. Pets are usually welcome in single lets but not HMOs.

6. LOOK OUT FOR IMPORTANT MESSAGES ON THE NOTICE BOARD

Most shared houses will have a notice board in the communal area. This is where you will find a host of important stuff like electric certificates and emergency numbers, but it's also where landlords or agents usually leave crucial information that you need to know.

7. YOUR HOUSEMATES' FOOD ISN'T YOURS

Sharing a fridge will often mean that a deluge of temptation will await you everytime you open the door but, remember, food isn't communal - so you can't just help yourself to it. Also, the crockery and cutlery is for everyone, so don't 'collect' it in your room.

8. AGREE ON A BATHROOM SCHEDULE

Sharing a bathroom may be the part of shared living that you're most apprehensive about - but it needn't be. Agreeing on a bathroom schedule that works for everyone will reap it's rewards. Cleaning the bath after every use will also make the world a much better harmonious place to live.

9. REPORT ANY MAINTENANCE ISSUES

Maintenance work will need to be carried out in any house, let alone a shared one. Report any issues, promptly to your agent or landlord, and they'll send out an expert to deal with them. Light bulbs are usually your responsibility, though.

10. TELL YOUR AGENT OR LANDLORD ABOUT ANY DISAGREEMENTS

Although the majority of people living in shared accommodation get on well with each other, relationships can sometimes break down. Agents and landlords want you to be happy in your new home, so tell them about any concerns as soon as they arise.