When you think about sharing apartments with roommates, it sounds super fun! However, it comes with a lot of ups and downs that you need to be prepared for. Whether you’re trying to save money or have a tendency to feel isolated, having a roommate is a viable option. If you decide to venture sharing apartments for rent with roommates, Roomi will help you understand the dynamics of what you are getting into.
Pros of sharing apartments with roommates
Here are some reasons why people decide on sharing an apartment or room. These reasons apply to everyone, including college students and young adults looking to share apartments for rent with roommates.
- You will split the cost of your living space and utilities and thus, save a lot of money.
- If you share an apartment with friends, you’ll always have someone to share your day with. Otherwise too, it’s a great way to form new connections and friends!
- There is an increased sense of security while sharing apartments for rent with roommates.
Related: Coliving 101: Help! My Roommate Talks Behind My Back
Cons of sharing apartments with roommates
The downside of living with someone can be hectic at times. You need to be careful before you get into a shared living system.
- You might not get along with your roommate’s lifestyle, character or habits.
- If one of you works the night shift while the other has a regular 9-to-5, it might be difficult to sleep when you need to.
- If your roommate(s) turn out to be a moocher, things might get difficult. You don’t want to wind up footing the bill for a freeloader.
Typical rules people set up in apartments for rent with roommates
Personal Property
Talk about your comfort with roommates on sharing food, borrowing personal items and appliances such as a hairdryer or curling iron, clothing, laptop and so on. Establish whether you have to ask before borrowing and using personal items when the other is not there. Determine use of community items in your apartment for rent with roommates (refrigerator, shared furniture or appliances, etc.)
Related: Healthy Living – House Rules For You And Your Roommate
Who takes care of trash in rental apartments for rent with roommates
Before you even sign a lease with a roommate, talk through things like trash removal, dust bunnies and policies on shoes (on or off?) in the apartment—and consider putting these agreements down on paper. This ensures a fair split of duties beforehand and avoids all awkward future confrontations.
But how do you put paper into practice?
Unless you’re like Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S, a wise approach to adopt is planning a weekly timetable with your roommates. Allot each day to a person and let the cycle repeat in the same order! This way you have an organized chores and cleaning schedule, and no one can slip out of their turn to clean.
Sometimes, in apartments for rent with roommates, if splitting chores isn’t working, then change your approach. The cleaner roommate can offer to take on more responsibility toward cleaning of the apartment while the other pays extra rent. Consider this as the messier roommate might be relieved when they don’t have to clean.
Related: How to Declutter When you Share an Apartment
Realize You Do Not Have to Be ‘Best Friends’
While it is nice to be friends with your roommate, one of the most vital roommate rules to remember is that you do not need to be close friends. You can do things separately and you do not have to constantly check in with each other. Friendly associations in apartments with roommates are a good thing, but co-dependency is not.
Now that you know the essential ground rules, you and your roommate can enjoy living together. Remember, do not be too strict, be patient and give your roommates space to grow and adapt to your lifestyle and vice versa.
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers with tips for living in apartments for rent with roommates? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!
