How to be a Good Roommate

Having a roommate can be a great experience for many renters! Not only can it be an exciting time to move in with a friend or a partner, but having a roommate can help with the expenses of living on your own and add the security of having another person live in the space with you. But to keep that relationship positive, there are a few things to keep in mind. In today’s blog, we’re covering some tips on how you can be a good roommate and have a great co-living experience.  

Establish ground rules. Before you even move in, it’s best to establish a basic guidebook to how you both (or all) plan on living together, whether that be no pets, no guests after 10PM, rent is due by a certain date, etc. These discussions are best to have prior to moving in together so you aren’t caught by surprise or discover that some of these ground rules are actually dealbreakers.  

Discuss each other’s preferences. While these are slightly different from ground rules, it’s important to discuss each other’s preferences in a shared living space. These are things that won’t discourage you from living with this person, but you’d prefer if they did certain things at certain times. For example: if you hate the smell of cooked eggs, you should let your roommate know that you’d prefer if they made this meal when you’re out or light some candles to mask the scent. While you think you might know someone, this more in-depth discussion can help limit any tension or animosity between roommates. 

Respect their space and belongings. Just as you wouldn’t want someone disrupting your own space or belongings, make sure to respect your roommates’ space and belongings at all times. As a rule of thumb, it’s best not to assume that because something is in a shared space, it’s intended for shared use. If you approach these items with respect and consideration and ask before using something that doesn’t belong to you, you’ll likely avoid any unnecessary tension in the future. 

Clean up after yourself. Nothing makes for a more hostile environment than irritations with a messy roommate – especially in shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, or bathroom. A way to combat this is not only to clean up after yourself, but to establish a regular cleaning schedule with your roommate. This holds everyone accountable and will divide the responsibilities so no one roommate feels the entire weight of household tasks.  

Deal with conflict head on. If a conflict ever arises between you and your roommate(s), it’s best to deal with it head on. Since you’re living in the same space, there’s not much room to avoid each other, so addressing the issue will help you to come to a faster resolution and continue to thrive in a healthy environment.  

Be on time financially. Since one of the biggest perks of having a roommate is helping with expenses, make sure to be on time on whatever schedule you and your roommate agree on. If there is a concern on payment, just be open with your roommate and come up with a solution that works for both of you.  

If all else fails, remember the Golden Rule: treat others how you’d like to be treated. It’s the basis of all great relationships, roommate or otherwise, and will help you be respectful, considerate, and a great roommate.