Can I invite friends to stay at the share house?

Since a share house is a place where multiple residents live together, the rules and conditions regarding visitors are different from those of a typical rental property. Whether or not you can invite friends over depends on the rules of the property and the management company's policies. Many share houses in popular areas of Tokyo or near train stations have strict rules, so it's important to check carefully in advance. Here we will explain in detail "Rules that vary by property," "Characteristics of share houses that allow visitors," and "General rules for visitors in share houses."

Rules vary by property

The rules regarding visitors to share houses are set by the management company or owner. Basically, they can be categorized into three types: "Properties where you can invite friends over freely," "Properties where you can invite friends over as long as certain rules are followed," and "Properties where visitors are completely prohibited."

1. A share house where you can invite friends over as you please

• Residents can invite friends at their discretion
• You are free to stay overnight (however, additional fees may apply if you exceed a certain number of times)
• Many of them are located near stations and in easily accessible areas, making them very popular.

2. You can call a share house if you follow certain rules

• Time restrictions (e.g. no visitors after 10pm)
• Advance application required (must contact resident or management company in advance)
• Lodging restrictions (no overnight stays or only a certain number of times)
• Only specific spaces are available (only private rooms are OK, shared spaces are not allowed)

3. A share house with no visitors allowed

• No visitors allowed for privacy and security reasons
• Common in women-only share houses and corporate-run high-security properties
• As such, each property has different rules, so it is important to check carefully before moving in.

Characteristics of share houses that allow visitors

Share houses that are easy to invite friends over to have fun in have common characteristics. If you keep the following points in mind, you can choose an environment where your guests can freely enjoy themselves.

1. The rules are clearly set

• The contract and tenancy guide clearly state that "visitors are welcome" or "overnight stays are allowed"
• On the other hand, the prohibitions are not strictly stated.

2. Large shared space

• The living room and kitchen are spacious and can be used freely by residents.
• An environment that makes it easy to invite friends over (some properties even have party rooms)

3. The management company and owners are friendly

• A flexible management system
• Rest assured that you can check the rules for visitors when making inquiries.

4. Reviews from past residents say it's easy to invite friends over

• Check reviews and word of mouth for information such as "welcoming atmosphere for visitors."

5. Lively interaction between residents

• Community-based share houses tend to have looser rules about visitors.
• If you regularly host events and parties

By choosing a share house with these characteristics, you can ensure an environment where it is easy to invite friends over.

General rules for visitors in a share house

Share house rules vary depending on the property, but generally, the following rules are in place:

1. Time limits for visitors

• You can call them freely during the day, but not at night (after 10 p.m.).
• If you are staying for a long time, you must be considerate so as not to disturb the residents.

2. Advance notice required

• Inform your roommates and the management company in advance
• Visitors without prior notice are often prohibited
• The rules can be strict, especially when inviting friends of the opposite sex.

3. Restrictions on use of shared spaces

• Residents have priority in the kitchen and living room
• The premise is that inviting friends over will not "disturb the comfortable life of the residents"

4. Availability of accommodation

• Even in properties where lodging is permitted, you may be required to make an application in advance and pay a lodging fee.
• If you allow someone to stay in a property that does not allow guests to stay overnight, you may be asked to leave.

5. Maintain security and privacy

• Controlling access for non-residents
• Lending or borrowing keys is strictly prohibited
• Please discuss with other residents when using the shared spaces.

By following these rules, you can avoid conflict between residents and invite friends over.

Specific rules and precautions when inviting friends

Since a share house is an environment where multiple residents live together, there are certain rules that must be followed when inviting friends over. By following these rules, you can avoid trouble between residents and live a comfortable life.

Here we will explain in detail four points: "Time restrictions for visitors," "Rules for using shared spaces," "Whether overnight stays are permitted and prior application required," and "Consideration for other residents."

Time restrictions for visitors (until what time is it OK?)

Many shared houses have restrictions on the times that visitors can visit, so you cannot come and go as you please.

The general rules are as follows:

1. Recommended time to invite friends over

• General visitor hours: 10am to 10pm
• Many properties do not allow visitors at night (after 10 p.m.)
• There are share houses with no time limits, but they are in the minority

2. Why is there a time limit?

• To prevent noise problems
• If residents go to bed early due to work or school, late visitors can be a nuisance.
• Security measures
• If there is a lot of traffic at night, the risk of intrusion by suspicious people increases.
• Manners for communal living
• To maintain a relaxing environment for other residents

3. Exceptionally late hours are OK

• When there is an agreement between the management company and the resident
• If you have permission for an event or party
• When overnight stays are permitted (see below)

The hours when visitors are allowed vary depending on the share house, so it is important to check before moving in.

Rules for using shared spaces

In a share house, there are rules for how to use the shared spaces such as the living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc. We will explain how to use the shared spaces when inviting friends over and what points you should be aware of.

1. Basic rules for using shared spaces

• You can use the space just like residents, but long periods of occupancy are prohibited.
• Eating and talking is OK, but shouting and noise is not
• Please refrain from entering when it is crowded as your roommates have priority.
• Encourage your friends to clean up after themselves

2. Use of shared spaces that is prohibited

• Occupying the living room with friends: Avoid using it for long periods of time as it will prevent other residents from relaxing.
• Using the kitchen with a large group of people: Refrain from cooking in large groups as this will disturb other residents who are cooking.
• Let your friends use the bathroom and toilet freely: Residents have priority, so you need to ask beforehand if your friends want to use them.
• Letting friends into your private space: Keeping your friends within the necessary areas to protect the privacy of other residents

3. Tell your friends the rules of the shared space

Before inviting your friends over, explain the rules to them, such as "don't shout," "don't occupy the space for long periods of time," and "clean up after using the space," to prevent any problems with residents.

Availability of accommodation and prior application required

In a shared house, you may or may not be allowed to have friends stay over, and the rules vary from property to property.

1. General Accommodation Rules

• A share house that completely prohibits overnight stays: It prohibits overnight stays by non-residents (for security reasons, etc.)
• Sharehouses where you can stay if you apply in advance: You need to get permission from the management company or owner in advance. Accommodation fees may apply.
• A share house where you can stay as you like: Friends and loved ones can stay as you like (but they are in the minority)

2. Procedures when advance application is required

Even in share houses that allow overnight stays, the following rules are often in place.

• Contact the management company in advance and get approval.
• Inform other residents in advance
• There is a limit to the number of nights you can stay (e.g. up to 3 times a month)
• Accommodation costs (utilities, etc.) may be incurred

3. Penalties when unauthorized accommodation is discovered

If you let someone stay overnight without permission, you may be subject to the following penalties:

• Warning from the management company
• Trouble with residents
• In the worst case scenario, the contract will be terminated (forced eviction).

If you wish to stay overnight, it is important to check the rules in advance and act appropriately.

Consideration for other residents

Since a share house is a place for communal living, it is important to be considerate of the other residents when inviting friends over.

1. Inform residents in advance

• Say something like, "I'm planning to invite a friend over on XX day. Is that okay?"
• By informing residents in advance, they can prepare mentally.
• Some residents may want to spend some quiet time before work or an exam.

2. Protect residents' privacy

• Keep friends out of Residents' rooms and personal spaces
• Avoid excessive noise in shared spaces
• Do not listen to residents' conversations or take photos without permission.

3. Be mindful of your home time and manners

• Not noisy late at night
• Don't leave trash behind
• Make your friends follow the share house rules
• Don't forget to say hello

4. What to do if a problem occurs

• If a resident complains, apologize sincerely.
• If you have a problem, contact the management company.
• Review the rules for future visitors

Problems that can occur when inviting friends

In a share house, multiple residents live together, so there is a possibility that problems may arise if you invite friends over. In order to maintain good relationships with your sharemates and continue living comfortably, it is important to know in advance what types of problems are likely to occur.

Here we will explain in detail the three main types of trouble: trouble with residents (noise and privacy), trouble with management companies (penalties for breaking the rules), and theft and security issues.

Problems with residents (noise, privacy)

In a shared house, inviting friends over can sometimes cause trouble with other residents. The most common of these is noise issues. Shared houses have thin walls, and the sounds of conversation and music can easily echo into the next room, so if you talk with friends late into the night or make loud noises, you can be a nuisance to other residents. If the residents have to go to work or school the next day, this can easily lead to frustration and can cause relationships to deteriorate.

You should also be aware of privacy issues. For example, if your friends talk too much in front of a resident's room or stay in the shared space for a long time without permission, it could make the resident uncomfortable. A share house is meant to be a comfortable place for the residents, so when you invite friends over, it's important to keep the volume down and be considerate of the residents' daily routines.

Troubles with management companies (penalties for breaking the rules)

In a share house, you are expected to follow the rules set by the management company, but if you ignore the rules when inviting a friend over, you may be warned or penalized by the management company. In particular, having a friend stay over without permission can be problematic. Depending on the share house, having friends stay over may be completely prohibited, and even if you are allowed to stay if you apply in advance, failing to go through the procedure is considered a violation of the rules. This can result in a warning or, in some cases, a fine.

Also, if you repeatedly violate the rules, in the worst case scenario, you may be asked to move out. Furthermore, if other residents complain to the management company, it may no longer be a personal matter. To avoid such trouble, it is important to check the rules in advance and take appropriate action, such as consulting the management company if necessary.

Theft and security issues

In a share house, theft and security issues can occur when non-residents come and go. When inviting friends over, if they accidentally touch a resident's personal belongings or use something in the shared space without permission, they may be suspected of theft. Even if there is no malicious intent, if something important to a resident is lost, it could destroy the trust within the share house.

Also, if key management becomes careless and friends are able to enter and leave without permission, not only will it undermine the sense of security of the residents, but you may also receive a stern warning from the management company. Especially in share houses with strong security, there are often strict rules regarding the entry of outsiders, so when inviting friends over, it is important to be conscious of managing keys thoroughly and protecting the privacy of residents.

How to find a share house where it's easy to invite friends

Each share house has different rules about who can invite friends over, and some have strict restrictions. If you want to invite friends over easily, it's important to understand the characteristics of share houses that allow visitors and choose a property carefully. If you're already living in a share house, check the official website of the real estate company that rented your property or check the details in your contract.

First, check the official website, contract, and terms of use. Properties that state "visitors welcome" or "overnight stays allowed" have a relatively high degree of freedom. On the other hand, if it says "visitors not allowed" or "overnight stays not allowed," you should be careful because violating the rules could lead to trouble.

Next, check the size and facilities of the shared spaces. Share houses with spacious living rooms and dining rooms and where residents have active interactions with each other are often tolerant of visitors. Also, properties that hold events regularly tend to have a lot of people coming and going, making it an easy environment to invite friends over.

Another point to check is the management company's operating policy. Large share house management companies often have strict rules, but small and medium-sized properties may be more flexible. When inquiring, it's a good idea to ask, "Is it possible to invite a friend over?"

Additionally, the location of the share house also plays a role. Share houses in city centers or student areas tend to have more relaxed rules regarding visitors.

The difference between Cross House's shared houses and fully furnished apartments

Cross House offers two types of properties: shared houses and fully furnished apartments, each with different rules for visitors.

1. Cross House Share House

Cross House share houses prohibit anyone other than the residents and those affiliated with the management company from entering the property. This is a measure to ensure the safety of the residents, and even friends and family cannot enter the property. Therefore, it is not suitable for people who want to invite friends over frequently.

2. Furnished apartments

On the other hand, in Cross House's fully furnished apartments , you are free to invite friends and family over to your room. However, to avoid noise issues, you should refrain from shouting or making noise late at night.

Furnished apartments are designed for single people and come fully equipped with furniture and appliances such as a bed, microwave, refrigerator, etc., so you can start living there right away. Another appealing point is that the initial costs are cheaper than regular rentals at a flat rate of 50,000 yen, and the rent is reasonable, starting from around 60,000 yen.

summary

Whether or not you can invite friends over to a share house depends on the rules of each property. Generally, there are time restrictions, prior application, and stay limits, and following the rules will help you avoid trouble with other residents. In particular, you should be careful about noise, privacy, and use of shared spaces.

If you want to invite friends over freely, we recommend choosing a shared house or an apartment with furniture and appliances that allows visitors. Cross House's fully furnished apartments allow you to invite friends and family, allowing you to start living alone with less initial costs. On the other hand, Cross House's shared houses do not allow visitors for safety reasons, so it is important to choose one that suits your lifestyle.

Please follow the share house rules and enjoy a comfortable communal life.