Living in a shared Apartment: Tips for organization

A shared flat is a form of cohabitation in which several people who do not belong to a family share an apartment or house. In a shared flat, each resident usually has their own bedroom, while the kitchen, bathroom and possibly other rooms such as the living room are shared. This form of housing is often chosen by students or young professionals in order to save costs and maintain social contacts. Shared flats can be based on different forms of organization, from rather loose communities to very structured and rule-based forms of cohabitation in which tasks, costs and responsibilities are clearly distributed.

The concept of the shared home as we know it today emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in the wake of social and cultural movements that sought alternative forms and models of living to the traditional family image. These movements strove for more freedom, equality and community. Shared flats offered a platform for experimental cohabitation based on shared values and mutual support. They became a symbol of independence, social commitment and the desire to question and reshape outdated social norms and structures.

To make living together in a shared apartment as pleasant and smooth as possible, the following tips and tricks for living in a shared apartment can be helpful:

1. Make clear agreements: Make clear agreements about cleanliness, rest periods, visits and finances right from the start.
2. Create a cleaning schedule: A rotating cleaning schedule helps to maintain cleanliness in shared areas without anyone feeling disadvantaged.
3. Set up a common cash register: Have a common cash register for purchases of common items such as toilet paper, spices or cleaning supplies.
4. Regular shared flat meetings: Organize regular meetings to discuss upcoming issues, resolve conflicts and strengthen the sense of community.
5. Flexibility and openness: Be open to new people and experiences, but also flexible when it comes to rules and agreements.
6. Take responsibility: Take responsibility for your own actions and actively contribute to the well-being of the shared flat.
7. Value time together: Occasional shared activities such as cooking evenings, movie nights or simply a chat between the door and the door promote cohesion.
8. Organize digitally: Use apps or online tools to manage shopping, bills and cleaning schedules.
9. Maintain patience and a sense of humor: Patience and a sense of humor can make many everyday situations easier to deal with.

By taking these tips to heart, living in a shared apartment can be an enriching and positive experience. However, not every tip is suitable for all shared flats. Don't try to force something through that doesn't suit you.

Unwritten shared Apartment Rules

The unwritten rules of living in a shared apartment are often based on mutual respect and common sense to ensure harmonious coexistence. These rules for harmonious living in a shared apartment serve as a guide for respectful and considerate coexistence in everyday shared apartment life. Here are some of the most important unwritten rules for living in a shared apartment:

• Maintain cleanliness: Keep communal areas clean and tidy up after yourself, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
• Respect noise levels: Be aware of noise levels, especially in the evening and at night, so as not to disturb roommates.
• Respect privacy: Respect your roommates' privacy and knock before entering their room.
• Use shared resources fairly: Be fair when using shared resources such as food, washing machine or bathroom and don't overdo it.
• Communication: Open and honest communication about expectations, problems and changes is essential.
• Announce visitors: Inform your flatmates about planned visits or parties in advance and ask for permission first if necessary.
• Share common costs: Organize a fair system for sharing the cost of common purchases or utilities.
• Resolve conflicts constructively: Approach conflicts directly but respectfully and look for solutions together.
• Promote community: Participating in joint activities and creating opportunities to get together strengthens the sense of community.
• Handle rules flexibly: Be willing to discuss and adapt rules to meet the needs of all residents.

There are several important aspects to consider when living in a shared apartment and the associated costs. The following aspects should be considered and discussed:

Type of tenancy agreement: There are different types of tenancy agreements in shared flats. Individual contracts mean that each resident has their own contract with the landlord and is only responsible for their own rent. In a collective contract, all members of the shared flat sign a contract together, which means that they are jointly liable for the rent and any damage.

Splitting the rent: The rent should be split fairly and take into account factors such as the size and location of the rooms. A larger room, for example, may or may not be associated with a higher share of the total rent. Ultimately, all flatmates must be in agreement.

Service charges: In addition to the basic rent, there are usually also service charges that have to be paid for electricity, water, heating, internet and possibly other services such as garbage collection. These should also be divided between the tenants. Clarify in advance whether these costs are included in the rent or will be charged additionally. It is important to come to an agreement early on before one person accuses the other of using more hot water, etc.

Deposit: A deposit is often required as security for the landlord. In the case of a joint contract, the tenants share the deposit, whereas in the case of individual contracts, each tenant pays their own deposit. The repayment conditions should be clearly understood and documented.

Household budget: A household budget can be useful for common expenses such as cleaning products or toilet paper. This ensures that the same person does not always pay for common goods. Or everyone simply buys their own things and only uses them.

Rules for moving out: What happens when someone moves out? Clarify how the new rent will be divided up and under what conditions a new roommate will be accepted.

Contractual obligations: All flat share members should be clear about their rights and obligations. This includes regulations on notice periods, subletting and dealing with damage.

It is important to discuss all these aspects openly and ideally to make written agreements in order to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts later on.

Finding a shared apartment (WG) in Germany and starting living in a shared apartment can be done in different ways. Here are some effective methods:

1. Online platforms: Websites such as WG-gesucht.de, Studenten-WG.de or eBay Kleinanzeigen are popular places in Germany to go where new shared rooms and apartments are advertised every day. Users can filter by city, room size and rental price.
2. Social media: Many cities have Facebook groups or forums for apartment seekers and shared apartment start-ups. You can also find search ads or post them yourself on platforms such as Instagram or Twitter.
3. Universities and colleges: Many educational institutions offer bulletin boards (physical or online) where room offers and requests are posted. Some also have housing agencies that specifically help students.
4. Use your network: Inform friends, family and acquaintances about your search. Personal contacts often result in offers that are not publicly advertised.
5. Local newspapers and advertising journals: You can also find shared apartment offers in the classified ads of local daily newspapers or weekly newspapers. Although this method is more traditional, it can be very effective in some regions.
6. Posters in the city: Cafés, libraries, supermarkets or universities often have posters of shared apartments looking for flatmates.
7. Estate agents or housing associations: Although less common, estate agents or housing associations can sometimes help you find a suitable shared apartment, especially if you are interested in a long-term solution.

When searching, it is important to react quickly, as the demand for shared apartments is particularly high in large cities. Prepare your application documents (cover letter, CV, Schufa information and proof of income if applicable) in advance and be flexible when it comes to viewing appointments so that you can start living in a shared apartment quickly.