No matter what your relationship was like before you moved in together, living with someone else can be trying. Even if they didn’t exhibit any red flags before you moved in together, you’ll start to see a whole new side of someone once you’re sharing space. No one is perfect – but how do you know when enough is enough? Don’t let these stressful situations rule your life. If it’s time to part ways and find a different living situation, it’s best to know before it’s time to sign another lease. Here are some signs to watch out for.
They’re always late with the rent
If your roommate isn’t financially stable, it can have a big impact on your home life. Some landlords might be flexible, but ultimately they expect rent on time, and they will charge fees for late payments. If you’re roommate is struggling for cash, it may also be tempting to help them out with food and small loans. But lending money out to roommates (even if they’re close friends) can stress your finances and your relationship beyond repair.
With traditional renting situations, it may eventually come down to you paying up for your roommate, or everyone getting the boot. Besides the hassle of having to move out mid-lease, having that black mark on your record will make it much more difficult to find a new place to live.
Being home stresses you out
It takes a lot more than prompt payments to make a good living situation. If your roommate is short-tempered, always taking up your shared spaces, it can be hard to feel comfortable at home. The best practice is to talk about these problems as soon as they crop up. If your roommate seems upset, or if they’re doing something that bothers you, you might be able to fix it with an open and honest conversation. But what if talking doesn’t help?
If you’re staying out late every night just to avoid your roommate, not only can it lead to bad spending habits, it can be detrimental to your overall sense of well being. You need a break, and your house should feel like a place where you can come home, relax, and truly feel comfortable.
You’re doing all the chores
It might start out as a kind gesture, but regularly cleaning up after your roommate to keep the place nice will burn you out. You might start to resent them and get grumpy every time you spot a dirty dish (or the person eating off it). Once again, take the time to talk to them about the issue. Be sensitive, don’t nag, but speak your mind clearly, so they understand. If they react poorly or say they’ll start cleaning up without actually changing their habits, you’re going to get fed up before too long, and things may turn ugly.
Establish chores and routines early on. If you agree to do each other’s dishes for more efficiency, that’s fine—but take turns or have them do an equivalent task, so you don’t start to feel like an unpaid housekeeper. If it isn’t working out, it’s time to find a new housemate.
Sharing is one-sided
If you agreed to share snacks, soap, toilet paper, or laundry, but your roommate always skips their turn, you’re letting your roommate take advantage of you. Especially if they seem to have their own private stockpile of the stuff when everything runs out. If you’re the only one sharing, it’s not really sharing – so nip it in the bud before it turns into an even bigger problem. Talk to your roommate about what’s expected of them. If they don’t want to contribute, it’s perfectly reasonable – but that should go both ways. If they ignore your requests, make it clear you’re not okay with it, and start looking for a roommate who wants an equal and mutual relationship.
Surprise guests keep you on your toes
If your house is starting to feel like a bed and breakfast thanks to unexpected overnight guests, you might not be comfortable in your home. Living with someone means you’ve elected to share certain personal details about yourself that you don’t necessarily care to air to the general public (whether it’s your choice in loungewear, your guilty pleasures, or your bathroom schedule). So make an agreement that feels fair to everyone. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask your roommate for a heads-up when strangers are coming over. If you feel like your privacy isn’t being respected, no matter what you say, you need to find a roommate better suited for you.
Is coliving right for you?
Living with a roommate can save you a lot of money, but it isn’t worth it if you keep getting burned. Fortunately, Common can help ease the stress of living with someone while still giving you the financial pluses. Individual leases mean you don’t have to stress about everyone’s rent payments, and basic essentials like laundry detergent and toilet paper are provided for you weekly, so you don’t have to argue over who bought it last. If your roomie is more social than you, they are free to use any of our shared spaces to host gatherings, and you can join them if you want or retreat to your room without having your space invaded. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, look no further. Discover how why Common may be right for you.