So, you’re new to the world of sharing and not quite sure where you stand on certain issues. Are you required to clean the space under the fridge? Is it OK to help your housemate out with their leftovers?
Every share house is different and comes with its own set of idiosyncrasies, but these basic house rules are a good place to start.
DO:
1. Maintain a level of cleanliness
If you’re coming from a house where your parents did the cleaning up – forget about it – it’s in the past.
This is the real world and you’ve got a responsibility to clean up after yourself in the kitchen, bathroom, living space and bedroom.
In fact, it’s kind of the opposite of the parental home in that no one really cares if you “tidy your room” – but leave the communal spaces a mess and your housemates will be livid.
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2. Be diligent with your payments
Some of the most common arguments between housemates revolve around money.
In many cases, bills and even rent are automatically deducted from one housemate’s account. So it’s really important that the remaining housemates are diligent with their payments to the nominated payee.
If you’re constantly forgetting rent day or not paying bills on time, then you’re forcing your housemates to bug you about it. Take the onus off them by setting your own reminders.
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3. Treat the property with respect
You all want to get your bond money back, so you collectively have a responsibly to maintain the house in the best possible condition.
Treat the items in the house with respect too, even if they do belong to a housemate.
As well as the actual bricks and mortar, you need to pay extra respect to all the furniture and appliances in it, because they don’t necessarily belong to you.
You might be used to putting your feet on the couch, but is it still your couch? If the answer’s no, then you need to check with the owner first.
It may seem petty, but when it comes to other people’s property, you can’t afford to be lax.
DON’T:
1. Help yourself to what’s not yours
Many cooks love sharing their food – seeing other people enjoy their creations is part of the joy. But not everyone feels this way, especially those on a budget.
If there’s a big batch of Bolognese cooling on the stove, don’t assume it’s up for grabs. Your housemate may be planning to get at least five or six freezer portions out of it.
If they do intend on sharing their food with you, your housemates will let you know. If they haven’t mentioned anything, don’t help yourself to their food.
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2. Adopt honorary housemates
If you’ve got a boyfriend/girlfriend that is constantly staying over – taking long showers and helping themselves to the milk – you may want to set out some ground rules.
If they’re not paying any rent your fellow housemates may end up resenting both you and your other half. Living with a couple may not be something they want to do.
If you’re not sure whether your guests are overstepping the line, just ask. If it is bothering them, your housemates will breathe a sigh of relief that they didn’t have to be the ones to awkwardly bring it up, and if it isn’t at least you’ve covered your bases and shown some initiative.
3. Take the Mickey
Constant partying is not OK and your housemates have a right to a bit of peace and quiet.
You need to understand that things aren’t going to go your way all the time. You’re part of a group of people who happen to have come together under the one roof. Expecting complete silence at 10pm on a Saturday night may be asking too much.
Yet a share house doesn’t have to be a party house. Finding the right fit goes back to the interview process. Whether you’re looking for a housemate or looking for a house, some important things to keep in mind are:
- Schedule
- Lifestyle
- Smoking status.
If you have openly discussed these issues, you’ll minimise the chance of tension later on. There are bound to be some exceptions, but you’ve got to take these in your stride. Using the “but it’s a share house” card to get away with week-long benders is just taking the Mickey.