Whether you are heading to university and going to live close to the campus, moving to the UK for the first time, or need somewhere to live as a working professional, it’s getting more and more expensive today for young, single people to live on their own. Living with a housemate is becoming a common experience for many, and it can also be quite positive. Somebody else can split the bills along with becoming a friend and somebody to spend time with. If you’re lucky, your housemates can become some of the most important people in your life. However, living with a housemate for the first time can be daunting, so here are some tips to keep in mind.
Find the Right One
Unless you have somebody in your life such as a friend or family member who is also looking for somewhere to live in the same area as you, then chances are you’ll need to move in with somebody you don’t know at first. You can find a room for rent in a home where somebody already lives, or you might want to find somebody else who is also looking for accommodation and search together with them. Either way, this person is going to be somebody that you will share your space with, so it’s important to take your time, and make sure that you have a good feeling about them.
Talk Bills
There are several different arrangements for paying rent and bills that you might face when living with a housemate. If you are moving into somebody else’s house, then they may have already worked out an amount for the housemate to cover, which will be paid directly to them. On the other hand, if you are living in an HMO, or house of multiple occupation, then each room will have its own tenancy agreement which is paid to the landlord. Or, if you are moving in together with one housemate that you trust, then you may want to consider taking on a joint tenancy and working out paying the rent between you. Bills may or may not be included. If they are not, you will need to arrange them yourself, and determine how you are going to pay for them.
Designating Space
When you live with a housemate, you will usually have your own private room. In some cases, this might also include a private bathroom. However, many housemates share common areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living and dining areas of the house. To avoid issues, it’s a good idea to designate space in these areas to each housemate. For example, you could each have your own cupboard and drawer in the kitchen, and a drawer in the bathroom for your toiletries. Respect each other’s space and stuff, and you’ll lay the foundation for a good housemate relationship.
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Moving in with a housemate can be a lot to adjust to, especially if it is somebody you don’t know, or don’t know well. Keep these tips in mind as you set your household up.
