Etiquette to a Harmonious Co-Living

It is true that renting a co-living space may at times be difficult. This especially occurs to a larger number of occupancy (ex. 6-bed shared room). Property Management teams may also get bunch of complains from tenants due to conflicts of culture differences of the tenants. Of course not all will not click with each other!

With this very common challenge to our team, City Space Management has developed a list of helpful guidelines for that harmonious co-living status.

Below are is the list we call "Co-Living Etiquette"

1. Establish some basic rules. The first thing you should do with your new roommate is to sit down and establish a short list of rules. This is a give-and-take conversation, so first list the most important things that each of you expects. Include cleaning schedule, aircon use, bathroom use and anything else you can think of.

2. Familiarize each other’s likes and don’t like. This way you will act with respect and courtesy towards your roommate.

3. Don’t mock other people’s preferences—if they wan

t to wear their jacket and have the window open, then let them. But at the same time, you should both compromise on the window thing—make sure that your roommate or roommates are okay with the window being open before you decide to have it open all the time. Don’t try and control what your roommate can say, do, watch, read, listen to, etc.

4. Follow the Golden Rule. Before you take any questionable action regarding your roommate, stop and think about how you would feel if the tables were turned. Following the Golden Rule can save your relationship.

5. Respect each other’s space. Everyone is paying for the bed and cabinet.

6. Respect each other’s right for utilities. Everyone is paying for the aircon, the lights, the heater and water. Ask before turning on/off an ac or lights etc.

7. Keep the bathroom area clean. No one likes waking up or

coming home to a messy and dirty bathroom space. Keep your personal belongings neat and in order. It is also courtesy to clean the hairs on the drainage after shower.

8. Keep your room clean. If you keep your stuff on your side of the room and it’s organized, for the most part, you shouldn’t be causing any extra stress on your roommates. You may decide to share on the cleaning materials and schedule a cleaning routine.

9. Take out the trash. Clean up your own messes an

d be sure to take out your trashes.

10. Don't borrow without asking. Ask permission firs

t, and always honor their wishes.

11. Keep your hands off the other person's food. The refrigerator is for common use. Each has the right to keep food in there.

12. Respect the need for quiet time. If you see your roommate reading a book, don't constantly interrupt them with conversation. If you know that they have to be at work early the next morning, keep the noise level low.

13. Don't gossip about your roommate. Living in close quarters, you're bound to discover something that would make excellent fodder for gossip. Don't do it.

14. Don't be overly sensitive. Being roommates doesn't mean you have to be best friends.

15. Deal with problems quickly. As soon as you notice a problem, let your roommate know that it's time to have a talk.

With this guidelines, there is hope to better understanding the people we meet. We always have to prioritize respect among other things, whether you are a tenant, a client, a staff or an owner. We believe that happy and stress-free living roots from a reflective and respectful self.

-City Space PM

8/30/2022