Not everyone is born knowing how to share a flat. But flats that work well tend to have common patterns. Here are the 10 rules that make the difference.
1. Talk from the start, not when there's already conflict
Many conflicts arise from things that were never clearly discussed. Establish from day one: how expenses will be split, who is responsible for which tasks, which areas of the flat are shared and which are private.
2. Respect personal spaces
The flat belongs to everyone, but each person needs their own space. Don't enter a flatmate's bedroom without permission, respect things that aren't yours in the kitchen and leave room for privacy.
3. Be punctual with payments
Nothing generates more tension than having to chase money. Pay what you owe on time, and if one month you can't, give advance notice.
4. Don't assume, ask
"I thought they wouldn't mind." Many conflicts start here. If you don't know whether something bothers someone, ask.
5. Do your part without being asked
The worst role in a flat is the person who needs to be constantly reminded what to do. When you see the kitchen is dirty, clean it. When you see there's no toilet paper left, buy some.
6. Set rules for guests
How many nights can someone stay over? Do you need to warn flatmates if you're having someone to sleep? Decide together.
7. Manage noise with consideration
What time can noise be made until? Especially if there are people with very different schedules (workers and students, for example), noise schedules need to be agreed.
8. Use an app for finances and tasks
Memory fails. A shared, automatic system eliminates arguments about "who paid" or "whose turn it was." Apps like Calyu manage everything in one place, transparently for everyone.
9. Don't hold grudges
If something bothers you, say so in the moment (or shortly after) and calmly. Holding it in until it explodes always makes the situation worse.
10. Celebrate the good things
Sharing a flat can be one of the best experiences of your life. It's not just about managing problems: it's about creating a space where everyone feels at home.
Perfect cohabitation doesn't exist, but well-managed cohabitation does. With communication, the right tools and a bit of goodwill, any flat can work.