5 sins of living in a share house as told by renters

When it comes to living in a share house, there is certain etiquette to abide by – but according to a recent survey, not all of you are so inclined.

Living in a share house can be some of the best years of your life, but on the other hand, it’s not always communal dinners and movie marathons.

Sometimes, shared living comes with quirks, including overly comfortable housemates who assume your makeup bag is fair game.

Here are the results of a recent survey where we asked what your biggest deal breakers are when it comes to cohabitating.

1. Borrowing things without asking

Whether it’s your iPad, your new Charlotte Tilbury liquid highlighter, or even the last couple of eggs in the fridge, it seems some housemates think shared living means shared everything.

This was a big deal breaker for 80% of surveyed renters who said borrowing items without asking is a major reg flag.

To address the problem, chat to the housemate in question and tell them, honestly, that you’re not really a fan of having a communal wardrobe.

Alternatively, suggest splitting the cost of any items you both use – like toiletries or food.

2. A partner staying over too much without paying rent

In a share house situation, it’s highly likely at least one housemate will have a significant other.

It’s also likely that significant other will stay over from time to time or even regularly.

While this might not be an issue for some - 41% of surveyed renters say it becomes a problem when the significant other stays more than three nights a week and doesn’t pay their way – be it by contributing to food or running costs or rent.

This could be a flat weekly rate or a payment for certain things they use, like the heating or internet.

Interestingly, 21% of surveyed renters say two nights a week is their max for a partner to stay over, and 39% say when it gets to four nights or more, it’s an issue.

And hey, if you’re the housemate in question who regularly has their partner stay over, maybe it’s time to move in together?

This is where Holloway Removals & Storage comes into play, with professionals who can guide you the entire way of the moving journey.

No matter if you’re staying in your home city of either Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, or if you both decide to move interstate, Holloway Removals & Storage has you covered no matter where you live.

Perhaps you need some storage for surplus belongings? Yep, they do that too.

3. Not paying bills on time

It’s generally expected that every housemate pulls their weight equally, especially when it comes to financial matters like paying rent or bills.

70% of surveyed renters say their housemates are always on time with bills (phew), but there are still 30% out there who don’t pay their share on time.

If the delays are down to forgetfulness, suggest that everyone set up reminders for when rent and bill payments are due.

Or, consider a direct debit system so that rent is paid from each housemate’s account automatically.

4. Eating other people’s food

It turns out that housemates who take other people’s food are committing a massive sin, according to 89% of surveyed renters.

To put a stop to it, some renters suggested labelling your food with your name, grabbing a bar fridge for your room to keep your food away from the rest of the house, or, if all else fails, put your food in a lockbox.

5. Throwing a party without notice

Hosting a gathering as a house is one thing, but it’s not quite the same if a housemate is throwing an impromptu party solo.

Out of the renters surveyed, 74% say holding a party without giving fellow housemates a heads-up is a real deal breaker.

If it’s a one-off, perhaps consider just letting the issue go. But if it happens regularly, chat to your housemate about your frustrations.

If communication doesn’t work, Holloway Removals and Storage is always here to help get you to your next home.