Co-Living Bliss: Living with Roommates as a Couple
Feeling a bit unsure about the whole “couples with roommates” idea? Well, you’re in good company! According to Trulia, a whopping 280,000 couples have already taken the plunge into the world of shared living. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Sure, the quest for couple-friendly roommates might feel like navigating a maze, but fear not — it’s absolutely doable!
House sharing as a couple involves some thoughtful considerations. From divvying up rent between three roommates in a two-bedroom space to defining those all-important boundaries and, of course, the intricate dance of finding roommates as a duo.
How to Find Roommates as a Couple
Alright, let’s break it down. Finding roommates as a couple can be a bit of a challenge, as some folks are not keen on the idea of sharing living space with a couple. They may be worried about the classic “three’s a crowd” deal, or think couples hog more space and make rent-splitting a puzzle.
Many roommate ads explicitly state a preference for a single occupant, making the quest for compatible living arrangements a bit trickier. However, it’s not an impossible mission. Your potential roommates just need an encouraging nudge. Here are a few ways to make the process a tad bit easier:
Connect on Roommate Searching Platforms
To find roommates willing to share an apartment with a couple, you will need to broaden your horizons. At Diggz, we’ve got a vibrant community where over 23% of our users seeking roommates are either dating or married — a significant number! If you’re on the lookout for a solo roommate, you’re in luck because a whopping 77% of them are actively using our site.
Plus, it allows you to lay your cards on the table upfront. Transparency is key, allowing potential roommates to decide from the get-go whether they’re open to living with a couple. No surprises, just a straightforward approach.
But don’t stop there — expand your search. Check out local subreddits, tap into your Facebook network, and ask around mutual friends. Like we said — broaden that reach!
Anticipate Higher Costs
We get it — the whole point of having a roommate is to cut down on expenses. And yes, that will still be the case. However, the dream of splitting the rent right down the middle? Well, it’s a bit of a stretch. You might reason that since you’re a couple sharing one bedroom in a spacious 2-bedroom apartment, a 50/50 split makes sense. But hold on to your budgeting dreams.
To sweeten the deal for a potential roommate willing to live with a couple, you’ll need to let go of the equal share fantasy and lean towards a more realistic 60/40 split, or maybe even consider a three-way division. Let’s face it — couples tend to dominate shared spaces like the kitchen or living room. It’s a compromise worth making to secure a roommate who’s cool with your relationship dynamic.
Taking on More Chores
Two of you and one of them? There’s a potential for an uneven distribution of household tasks since you might generate a bit more mess or have additional guests over. To keep things fair, take the initiative to handle more chores. This can include everything from cooking and cleaning to doing dishes and taking out the trash. It’s a simple but effective way to balance the responsibilities and foster a harmonious living arrangement.
Tips For Couples Living With Roommates
When you’re recently hitched or still dating and planning to move in together, the usual expectation is to create that comfy love nest or aim for homeownership. You might think it’s a breeze for a couple to snag an apartment with dual incomes. Well, think again.
Moreover, living with roommates in this stage of life can be surprisingly beneficial — from cost savings to shared mortgage payments and a built-in community. Forget the stereotypes; it’s not just for college kids.
Whether you’re considering renting out a room in your own place or opting for a shared rental, we have everything you need to know before diving into this journey. To help you along the way, here are key tips for managing your living situation:
Finding the Right Place
Alright, so you’re diving into the whole roommate life as a couple, and let me tell you, the place you pick is like the secret sauce — it can either make everything awesome or a bit meh.
Think about it: you and your partner, maybe another couple or a solo roomie, all sharing the same space. And well, three can be a crowd. Now, here’s the cool trick couples often go for — finding a spot with a den and a living room. That way, everyone gets their chill zone while sharing the kitchen.
A well-divvied place means you each have your comfy spot to relax. And if you can’t find a place that is divided into two domiciles, consider renting a larger-sized apartment to not feel like sardines in a can!
How to Divide Expenses
So, diving into this roommate life with three people in a two-bedroom setup? It’s a bit of a juggle, got to admit, especially when it comes to sharing expenses. But, here’s the lowdown — to make it work, you must lay down some rules and keep open communication.
Now, here’s the drill before you pen down that lease — have the rent and bills talk. Are you thinking straight 50/50, maybe proportionate to income, or a three-way split? Room size, individual incomes, and home usage all come into play here.
Now, as much as couples might eye that spacious room, hold on a sec — it might mean less personal space. Plus, your roommate may feel it unfair to pay equal rent when they are occupying the smaller room.
And, you know the classics — who’s hogging the living room or claiming too much pantry space. Or who is doing more loads of laundry and adding to the energy bill.
Here’s the solution — before you kick off this living arrangement, put it in writing. Sort out the rent and bills split, and find that middle ground, because, let’s face it, expenses are never a perfect 50/50. It’s about striking a balance that suits everyone.
Appoint a Finance Guru in the House
It’s a bit chaotic if your roommate’s stuck in the middle, ping-ponging between you two for expenses. So, designate one person to take charge of the finances.
When you’ve got more than two folks under one roof, having a finance maestro makes life simpler. Now, if that’s you, congratulations, you’re the chosen one. It means making sure everyone chips in on time and having those receipts on hand for a quick check.
Being the finance go-to person isn’t just about managing the money, it’s about keeping the peace and ensuring everyone’s on the same page.
Keep the Landlord in the Loop
So, you and your significant other are teaming up with another couple to share an apartment? It’s a popular move — splits the bills, less drama, all that jazz. But, before you get too comfy, there’s a crucial step: give your landlord the 411 on the living situation.
Here’s the scoop — some landlords might not be cool with two families setting up camp under one roof. If that’s a deal-breaker for them, save yourself the lease paper heartache and find out upfront.
So, whether you’re cozying up with another couple or flying solo with a single roommate, a heads-up to the landlord is a must. There could be occupancy limits in play, and you definitely don’t want to pull a Jess from New Girl, crossing those lines without a green light. So, be a good tenant and keep it transparent.
Set Ground Rules
Living under one roof, whether it’s with family or housemates, calls for a set of ground rules. To foster a harmonious living space, kick things off with a house meeting. It’s your opportunity to lay down the law — well, the house rules. Here are some key considerations:
- Respect for Common Spaces: Lay the foundation by ensuring everyone understands that common spaces are to be shared equally by all housemates. Maintaining a shared space etiquette is crucial whether it’s the living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
- Financial Transparency: Yes, dividing rent and bills is a no-brainer, but take it a step further. Discuss and assess any additional shared expenses, such as maintenance, groceries, and cleaning supplies. This transparency ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to financial contributions.
- Cleaning Duties: Address the unspoken topic — who’s handling the cleaning duties? Create a cleaning schedule or establish guidelines on keeping shared spaces tidy.
- Guest Policy: Discuss how long guests can stay, whether overnight or for an extended period, and ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.
Remember, these rules aren’t about being strict but creating a framework for a comfortable and cooperative living environment.
Most Couples are Looking for Roommates — You Can Too!
Living with roommates as a couple doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just adds a few more spokes. And no, it’s hardly ever easy to find roommates willing to bunk with a couple but with the right chore and rent-sharing tactics, and a broadened search, you might just reel them in!
So, if you’re feeling a bit hesitant, remember, that you’re not alone. Countless couples have found joy, savings, and great friendships by embracing the roommate lifestyle. Whether you’re cozying up with another couple or just adding an extra member to the household, it’s a shared journey with room for everyone. So, go ahead, explore the possibilities, and make your shared living adventure a memorable one!
Are you a couple offering a room in your home, or looking to move into a new place with a new roommate? Head over to Diggz and get your free profile listed and find that perfect roommate today.
