What is a shower room in a shared house?
The shower room in a share house is a shared space that all residents use. Here we will explain the rules for using it and privacy.
Basic rules for using shower rooms in a shared house
Although the rules differ depending on the share house, the common rule is that the room must be shared with other residents. Residents must also be mindful of their manners, such as not leaving personal belongings lying around and cleaning up after use for the next person.
To avoid overcrowding, some places have time limits for use or require reservations. Even if there are no rules, you can avoid trouble by being considerate of others during busy times and avoiding late-night use when noise levels tend to be high.
Balancing privacy and sharing
To ensure privacy, most shower rooms come with a lockable changing room. Make sure to check if other residents are using the shower by looking for a reservation list or a sign indicating that the shower is in use.
Because it is a private space, it is also a place where troubles can easily occur due to lack of consideration. If you leave personal items such as shampoo there, they may be mistaken for shared property and used by others. To avoid noise issues, some properties prohibit late-night use.
Make sure the available hours fit your lifestyle, and be considerate to others so that everyone can use the facility comfortably.
Things to check when choosing a shower room for a share house
Shower rooms are used by all residents every day. Here we will explain the number of shower rooms required for each resident and the points you should check.
Balance between the number of shower rooms and the number of residents
In typical apartment-style share houses, there are often one or two rooms per unit.
The registration standards under the Housing Safety Act stipulate that "toilets, washing facilities, and bathrooms or shower rooms sufficient for use by a number of people equivalent to 1/5 of the occupancy capacity at one time must be provided."
Some people may feel that this is not a large number, but since there is no bathtub, the time spent using the facility is short, and this can be made up for by the turnover rate.
[Source] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Share House Guidebook
https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001207549.pdf
Checking the facilities
Shower rooms are used every day in communal living, so to ensure a comfortable use, be sure to check the following points.- Is there a lock on the dressing room?
- Is the cleaning done properly?
- Is there no clogging or odor and is the drainage smooth?
- Is the soundproofing sufficient?
- Is there ventilation?
- Is there sufficient water pressure and hot water supply?
- Is there any water leakage to the outside?
Checking for clogged shower heads, mold, limescale, etc. is also a good indicator of whether the room has been properly cleaned. If you are concerned about unisex bathrooms, choose a property with separate shower rooms.
Cleaning frequency and management system
How often are the shower rooms cleaned?
It is common to do some simple cleaning after use so that the next person can use it comfortably. The person who used the facility will clean up their belongings and the drains.
The frequency of regular cleaning varies depending on the share house, but it may be done by a cleaning company or management company, or residents may take turns cleaning (such as once or twice a week).
Due to noise issues, many properties have set operating hours. Reservations and social media are used to manage queues and avoid overcrowding.
Shower room problems and solutions
Shared spaces are used by multiple people with different ideas, and sometimes problems can arise. Here we will explain the unique rules, how to ensure privacy, and how to resolve issues.
Rules and tips for use when crowded
During busy times in the morning and evening, it is important to have rules and make arrangements so that residents can use the facilities comfortably. The times can be particularly busy from 6am to 8am and from 9pm to 11pm. Set time limits for use and/or a reservation system to avoid overlapping use times.
To avoid crowds, you can also use facilities other than the share house. You can reduce waiting time by using the shower rooms at public baths or sports gyms.
Important points regarding cleaning and etiquette in shared spaces
Since all residents use the room every day, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding cleaning and etiquette. Below are some examples.
- Avoid using the facility for long periods of time when it is crowded.
- Do not leave personal belongings unattended
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water to prevent mold growth.
- Establish cleaning rules
- Avoid noisy times
It is important for residents to have regular discussions with each other to avoid any issues in the shared spaces. If you are unable to resolve the issue, consult the management company.
How to ensure privacy and peace of mind
To ensure privacy when using the shower room, follow the steps below to avoid problems such as accidentally entering the shower while another resident is using it.
- Installation of "occupied" or "vacant" signs on the outside of the door
- Use of private rooms with locks
- If there are windows, install screens
- Soundproofing measures such as filling gaps in doors
Residents can feel safe when using the facility if they respect each other's manners. It is important to follow the established rules and create an environment where everyone can use the facility with peace of mind.
Summary: Enjoy a comfortable life by choosing the right shower room!
Since the shower room is something you will use every day, there are a few things to consider before deciding to move in. It is also important to hear the opinions of users directly when viewing the property. We hope this article will be helpful when choosing a shower room.
