How do you find a roommate, and which agreements are good to make?

How do you find a roommate?

Through BostadsZonen you can easily and safely rent a room, rent out a room, or search among home-seekers who are looking for someone to live with.

Rent out a room

Maybe you’re the one who has a home with one or more rooms that you’d like to rent out to a roommate.

Find your future roommate – quickly, easily, and for free

You can easily filter and search among the many home-seekers on BostadsZonen and contact anyone who meets your criteria directly.

Rules for roommates – 10 good tips for living together

Living with others is a wonderful concept. To ensure that it’s also a pleasant experience, it’s important to respect each other’s boundaries, align expectations, and be considerate of one another. These are social skills that will benefit you for life. You can’t always get your way – and you learn that when you share a home.

Align expectations for a good start

Whether you already know each other or not, it’s important to talk about expectations beforehand. Do you expect an always tidy kitchen, but your roommate doesn’t want to do dishes every day? Then problems can arise quickly. Or do you want to have guests over often while your roommate prefers quiet? That can cause friction – especially if it ends in parties when the other has to get up early.

This is why it’s important to discuss expectations thoroughly – even if you already know each other. Friendships have ended because people moved in together. If you realize your lifestyles are too different, it’s better not to live together and preserve the friendship.

Discuss what you expect regarding cleaning, cooking, visitors, parties, social activities, and whether you should inform each other of your whereabouts.

Cleaning schedule with clear agreements

It’s important to make fixed agreements about cleaning. This is one of the main reasons people stop living together. Create a cleaning schedule so everyone can stick to the agreed tasks. How often should the kitchen be cleaned? How often does the trash need to be taken out?

Finances must be in order

Make sure the financial arrangements are clear. Define how much deposit needs to be paid and which shared expenses there will be. There are useful apps to keep everything organized.

Also discuss whether you will share costs like cleaning supplies, insurance, subscriptions, etc. Trust is good, clear agreements are better.

Communication – speak up

Express your needs. Your roommate cannot read your mind, even if you think it’s obvious that you’re irritated. Say what’s bothering you or what you need – a closed door, a hug, or something else.

Do something nice for your roommate

Treat your roommate the way you want to be treated. Annoyed when someone leaves dishes behind? Then don’t do it yourself. Does it make you happy when your roommate asks if they should pick something up at the store? Do the same for them. And never forget birthdays or exams – it’s always appreciated!

Replace what you finish

If you use the last toilet paper, dish soap, or baking paper, it’s your job to replace it. Nothing is more frustrating than sitting on the toilet with no paper left.

Monthly roommate meeting

Plan a monthly check-in. Such an evening gives space to discuss what’s going well and what’s not, and perhaps just enjoy a nice meal together. It’s comforting to know there’s a set moment to talk about things.

Make it a home for everyone

If you share common areas, everyone should feel at home there. Maybe you lived there first, but once you rent out a room, you must be open to the other person also placing some of their belongings in the living room. Living together means creating a home together.

Show respect!

It might seem obvious, but it’s essential: respect each other. No loud music in the middle of the night or early in the morning. You’re not living alone – there are others in the home.

Spend time together

Not everyone wants a close bond with their roommate – it depends on personal preference. But it can be a lot of fun: game nights, cooking together, putting up Christmas decorations, or watching series. It’s a unique chance to really get to know someone.