Tips for Housemates to Enjoy a Great Living Environment!

Renting a room in a homeowner’s house is a smart strategy for newcomers to Canada. These simple, common-sense tips for housemates can create a great experience both for newcomers and international students.

Rent can be hundreds of dollars cheaper as a shared housemate than as a single roommate. And, you’re not tied into a long-term lease.

Renters can share a home with other renters. Find affordable rooms in great neighbourhoods. This is an excellent option for international students and newcomers who are looking for housemates for a two- or twelve-month period.

6 Tips for Housemates

Living with a homeowner in their home as a housemate offers many advantages, from saving money to making friends. Simple rules can help housemates and hosts form a lifelong bond.

Here are six tips that will make your housemate’s experience a positive one:

1. From the start, create a clear and open communication

Be sure to understand the rules of the house from the start. Openly discuss the house rules with the homeowner, and any other housemates if you have them. It’s important to understand the homeowner’s expectations and decide what is fair. To keep housemates in the loop, schedule regular meetings to discuss schedules, expectations, and concerns. This will keep the lines of communication open and prevent problems from escalating. If chores form part of your agreement, regular meetings are a great way to get feedback and receive updates.

2. Take action as soon as issues arise

This is a great tip for housemates to avoid small problems becoming bigger ones. If you are having a problem as a housemate and want to discuss it with the host/owner, do so as soon as possible. Don’t let things fester. This will help to prevent resentment, which can damage your relationship. Be willing to compromise, and be open to finding solutions that work for everyone. In a shared home environment, being proactive is the best approach.

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3. Respect property and people

Most items in the homeshare environment are owned by the homeowner/host. You should respect any boundaries you may have set regarding the use of certain items or spaces. Ask first if they can be used or moved. The host should also show the same respect when you have personal items inside the house. Respect each other’s personal space by, for example, knocking before entering a closed room. By establishing clear boundaries from the start, you can ensure maximum privacy. Use headphones to reduce noise. Learn the host’s schedule and share yours. Again, it’s all about communication.

4. Respect diversity and be open to new ideas and change

You and your host may have different cultures, and therefore different values and beliefs. You can use the housemate experience to learn, grow, and share. 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 your experiences.

5. Conserve energy and reduce waste

Respect and communication are key. Do your best to reduce energy costs. Turn off the lights, wash your clothing during off-peak times, turn off the taps and recycle. These are just a few things you can do to show respect and earn the host’s trust and friendship. This will help to avoid any potential conflicts.

6. Understand the rules for visitors and overnight guests

This is a great tip to help housemates respect each other and maintain their privacy. Be sure you understand the guidelines for inviting friends over or having overnight guests. Discuss and understand the host’s expectations and comfort level regarding visitors and the acceptable length of stay. All it takes is common courtesy, communication and respect for privacy.

It is unlikely that housemates and hosts will become best friends. However, the goal should always be to be polite, respectful, and friendly residents of a co-living space. Take the time to get to know one another, share meals, watch television, and have fun 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.

Steve Tustin serves as the editor for Rentals for Newcomers. He is also a contributor to Prepare for Canada. He was also the former managing director of Storeys.com and former senior editor for the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.

*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.

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