Tips for Housemates for a Great Living Experience!

Renting a room in a homeowner’s house is a smart strategy for newcomers to Canada. Following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.

But perhaps the biggest tip about being a housemate is that the rent as a housemate can be several hundred dollars cheaper than you would pay as a roommate. And, you’re not tied into a long-term lease.

Homesharing provides a way for renters to find budget-friendly rooms in great neighbourhoods. This is a great option for newcomers and international students looking to become housemates in a home-sharing arrangement, whether for two or twelve months.

6 Tips for Housemates

Living with a homeowner in their home as a housemate offers many advantages, from saving money to making friends. Housemates and hosts can forge a lifelong relationship by following simple rules.

Here are six helpful tips for housemates that will contribute to a great living experience:

1. Create Clear and Open Communication from the Start

Make sure that you understand the house rules from the beginning. Have an open discussion with the homeowner and other housemates, if there are any. It’s important to understand the homeowner’s expectations and decide what is fair. A good tip for housemates is to schedule regular meetings (weekly or monthly) to address concerns, expectations, and schedules. This will maintain openness and prevent issues from escalating. If chores are part of your home-sharing agreement, regular meetings provide a forum for updates and feedback.

2. Tackle Issues as they Arise

This is an excellent tip for housemates that will prevent small problems from escalating into big problems. If something is troubling you as a housemate, talk to the homeowner/host and discuss it as soon as possible. Don’t let things fester. This will prevent resentment from building, which could poison your relationship. Be open to finding a solution that works for everyone and be willing to compromise. Being proactive is the best strategy in a homeshare environment.

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3. Be Respectful of Property and People

Most items in a homeshare environment belong to the homeowner/host. If you have agreed to boundaries regarding using items or certain spaces, be sure to respect that by asking first if you can use them or move them. Likewise, the host should show the same respect if you have personal items in the house. Respect each other’s personal space by, for example, knocking before entering a closed room. Creating clear boundaries around property and space from the beginning will ensure maximum privacy and respect. Use headphones and be mindful of noise. Learn the host’s schedule and share yours. Again, it’s all about communication.

4. Respect Diversity and Be Open to Change and New Ideas

You and your host may come from different cultures and thus have different values and beliefs. Approach the housemate experience as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow. It’s a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes and share your view of life. You won’t agree on everything, but if you stay open, the possibilities for learning, growth, and friendship are endless. Be open to sharing experiences,

5. Conserve Energy and Reduce Waste

Again, this is an issue of respect and communication. Energy costs concern homeowners, so do your best to keep them down. Turn off lights, wash your clothes during off-peak hours, turn off taps, and recycle. These are just a few things you can do to show respect and earn the host’s trust and friendship. It will go a long way in avoiding potential conflicts.

6. Understand Rules for Visitors and Overnight Guests

This is an important tip for housemates to ensure privacy and build respect. Be sure to understand the guidelines about having friends over and overnight guests. Discuss and understand the host’s expectations and comfort level regarding visitors and the acceptable length of stay. It all comes down to common courtesy, communication, and respect for privacy.

Housemates and hosts may never become best friends, but the goal should be to be respectful, polite, friendly occupants of a shared co-living space. Take the time to know and understand each other, share some meals, watch TV, and enjoy moments together. All of this – and following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.

WRITTEN BY

Steve Tustin

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

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