You finally leave the family cocoon and take your independence but, for lack of a sufficient budget or personal inclination, you will share an apartment with one or more roommates.

However, whether you are moving in with your best friend or a complete stranger, life together brings many challenges and tensions can arise. We give you our advice to make your roommate a success.

Choose roommates that match you

It may seem obvious, but the best way to get along with your roommates is to choose people who look like you or at least, who have fairly similar lifestyles and are on the same page as you. Indeed, if you are very studious, while your companion is an inveterate partygoer, things could quickly escalate.

Similarly, if you're the manic type, you'll hardly tolerate someone messy. It is therefore better to ensure your compatibility before signing your lease.

Establish rules for living together

To ensure that your cohabitation goes smoothly, set up some rules to respect from the start. These can relate to many points: organization of household chores, visiting friends, sharing or not food, common expenses, schedules for certain activities ... So many subjects that it is better to clarify as soon as possible. Whatever happens, know that you will have to make concessions and be tolerant.

Know how to communicate

As in a couple, communication is essential for everything to go well. Don't let the unspoken and frustrations build up until you reach a breaking point. Instead, talk about it openly to defuse conflicts before they escalate. If something is problematic or uncomfortable, take a moment to discuss it, with tact and kindness.

Divide household chores fairly

At the root of many disputes, household chores must be the responsibility of all equally. Out of the question that it is always the same person who vacuums, while the other remains the toes fanned in the sofa! Dishes, sanitary, windows, storage, dust... Clearly define who does what and how often, and possibly display this schedule prominently to avoid oversights.

Set a budget

In addition to the rent, divided equally between the roommates, some common expenses are to be expected, such as electricity, Internet subscription, rental charges, garbage tax but also, possibly, the purchase of certain equipment (coffee machine, drying rack, furniture, kitchen utensils), subscription to a streaming platform or the purchase of household products, laundry and toilet paper.

Whether you decide to take turns paying or splitting, it doesn't matter as long as no one is wronged, especially since students don't usually roll on gold. You can also keep accounts with the help of smartphone apps that simplify money management.

Respect each other's personal space

Of course, sharing is important, but don't be intrusive! Everyone has the right to their privacy and moments of tranquility alone. Don't go into your roommate's room all the time, don't turn on the music or television if they're reading, studying, or resting, and respect their needs to be alone.

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Similarly, avoid touching your roommate's food or using their beauty hygiene products if they have not openly allowed you to do so.

Find out about the legal framework

To avoid unpleasant surprises, find out about the regulations concerning leases (individual or collective), home insurance, the terms of the security deposit and the joint and several clause. Flatshares are indeed subject to certain legal specificities.

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