Living with a roommate can be great, but it can also get messy fast if you don't have some basic rules in place. Below are the most useful tips that keep the peace, save money and make everyday life smoother.
Before you even move in, sit down together and write down the big do‑and‑don’t items. Talk about things like quiet hours, guest limits, and shared spaces. When both people agree on where the kitchen, bathroom and lounge belong, you avoid a lot of guessing later.
For example, decide if you’ll each have a dedicated shelf in the fridge or rotate who cleans the stove each week. Small agreements like “no shoes inside” or “no loud music after 10 pm” go a long way.
Misunderstandings happen, but they don’t have to turn into fights. If something bugs you – a mess left out, a loud habit, or a bill that’s overdue – bring it up right away. Use a friendly tone: “Hey, I noticed the dishes were left in the sink again. Can we set a time to do them?”
Agree on a simple way to share expenses. Apps like Splitwise or a shared spreadsheet keep track of rent, utilities and groceries. When the numbers are clear, there’s no room for arguments about who owes what.
Schedule a quick monthly check‑in. It can be a 10‑minute chat over coffee where you review what’s working and what needs tweaking. This habit catches small annoyances before they become big problems.
Cleaning isn’t fun, but it’s easier when it’s split. Create a chore chart that rotates tasks like vacuuming, taking out trash, and cleaning the bathroom. Assign each person a day or week, and stick to the schedule.
If one of you works late, be flexible – maybe swap a cleaning slot for something else. The key is to keep the load balanced so nobody feels taken advantage of.
Even in a shared house, everyone needs room to breathe. Knock before entering a bedroom, and don’t go through personal drawers or phone messages. If you need to borrow something, ask first. A quick “Can I use your charger?” avoids any awkwardness.
Set aside a quiet zone for studying or working. When one person needs focus, let the other know to keep noise down. Simple signals like a closed door or a “do not disturb” sign help a lot.
Visitors are fine, but they should be discussed ahead of time. Give your housemate at least a day’s notice for a sleep‑over or a small gathering. If you’re throwing a bigger party, make sure both of you are comfortable with the noise level and clean‑up plan.
Agree on a limit for how often guests can stay over. This prevents one person from feeling like they’re always sharing the space.
Sometimes things just don’t work out. If you’ve tried talking, adjusting chores and setting new rules but the tension stays, it might be time to move on. Give proper notice as written in your lease, and try to leave on good terms. A clean handover helps both of you get your deposit back and keep a positive reference for future rentals.
Following these simple housemate rules can turn a potentially stressful situation into a friendly, low‑maintenance living experience. Keep the conversation open, be fair, and respect each other's space – and you’ll both enjoy a smoother home life.
A practical and expert guide on making shared house living stress-free, with tips for harmony, cleaning hacks, communication, and privacy solutions.