The main causes of problems in shared houses

Differences in values ​​and lifestyles

• What one person may consider to be a "normal everyday sound" may be perceived as "noisy" by another.
• Due to differences in lifestyles between those who are nocturnal and those who are morning people, noises late at night or early in the morning can be stressful.

• If some residents think that a little dirt is okay, it can make other residents feel uncomfortable.
• If there is a lack of consensus about how often to take out the trash or clean, it becomes difficult to manage shared spaces.

• For example, strong spicy food or certain religious dietary restrictions can make a difference in how people use smells and shared spaces.
• Friction can sometimes arise between people from cultures that do not drink alcohol and those who do.

Lacking the rules

• Even if someone is told "you must not make noise," it can become a problem if the acceptable level of noise is unclear.
• If cleaning duties are not decided, the burden will be unevenly distributed among some people.

• Not sticking to the designated garbage collection days.
• Ignoring the usage hours of shared spaces and taking long showers.

• If there is a slow response when a problem occurs, it will lead to resentment among residents.
• If rules are broken and not pointed out, the problem escalates.

Lack of communication

• Problems tend to accumulate, such as "I'm bothered by the noise but find it difficult to say anything" or "I'm unhappy with the way the shared space is being used but find it difficult to point out the problem."
• By the time you realize it, the problem will be bigger.

• When residents don't interact much with each other and don't even know each other's faces, it becomes difficult for them to express their dissatisfaction.
• Conversely, being too close and causing too much interference can also be a problem.

• In shared houses with many foreign residents, language barriers make it difficult to communicate, and rules are easily violated.

Ambiguous rules for using shared spaces

• Leaving dishes in the sink after cooking instead of cleaning up.
• Use whatever food is in the fridge.

• Taking a long shower during busy morning hours means other residents can't use it.
• No one cleans the toilets, so they become unsanitary.

• It is left unused for a long time and the next person cannot use it.
• The frequency of use of the washing machine is uneven, and certain people cannot use it freely.

Examples of problems that can occur in a shared house and how to deal with them

Noise problems (everyday sounds/loud noises)

• Everyday sounds: Sounds that occur unconsciously in everyday life, such as footsteps, doors opening and closing, talking, and alarms.
• Artificial sounds: Sounds that are intentionally produced, such as loud televisions or music, online meetings, or playing musical instruments.

• The TV or music is too loud: Some residents have a habit of watching TV or listening to music at a loud volume.
• Noise can easily echo, especially at night or early in the morning, and can disturb other residents' sleep.
• Noisy footsteps and door openings: Some share house buildings have poor soundproofing, and everyday sounds may echo downstairs or in the next room.
• The sound of footsteps late at night or early in the morning, or the sound of doors slamming shut, can be stressful.
• Online meetings and phone calls echo: With the recent spread of working from home, an increasing number of residents are holding online meetings during the day. However, in shared houses with thin walls, conversations can be easily heard, which can lead to problems.
• Repeated alarm sounds: Repeated alarm sounds in the early morning or late at night can be stressful for other residents.

• Choose a property with good soundproofing (thick walls, carpeting, etc.).
• Make sure the management company of the share house has measures in place to deal with noise.

• Set rules such as keeping the volume of the television and music down at night (e.g. after 10 p.m.).
• We recommend using earphones and avoid listening through speakers.

• If the noise bothers you, let them know directly (but in a calm tone).
• If it's difficult to say something, consult with the management company and ask them to indirectly warn them.

• Use earmuffs or earplugs.
• At night, take measures to reduce noise, such as wearing slippers and closing the door quietly.

Violation of etiquette in shared spaces

• Long-term use of the bath or toilet: Taking a long shower means other residents have to wait. It is especially likely to be crowded in the mornings and evenings, and people may become dissatisfied if multiple people are using the toilet at the same time.
• Bad kitchen etiquette: If some residents leave their dishes and cooking utensils unwashed, others cannot use them. They take up space in the fridge, leaving other residents with no place to store their food.
• Not following the rules for using the washing machine: The washing machines are crowded on weekends and people have to wait in line. If residents leave their laundry unattended, others cannot use them.

• Set a time limit for shower time, such as 15 minutes per person.
• Manage the food in your refrigerator by writing its name on it.
• Washing machines will be available on a reservation basis, and usage times will be managed.

• Cleaning rules will be established for shared spaces and regular inspections will be conducted.
• Make kitchen and bathroom rules visible and raise awareness.

• If violations of the rules continue, a forum will be set up for residents to discuss the matter.
• If it's difficult to say anything, consult with the management company and indirectly encourage them to make improvements.

Problems with borrowing and lending money

• Small loans and borrowings lead to trouble: Cases where a small loan, such as "I don't have any coins, so can you lend me some?", goes unrepaid and the relationship deteriorates.
• Unclear responsibility for shared purchasing costs: In a shared house, you need to purchase shared items such as detergent and toilet paper, but it can often be unclear who is responsible for the cost.
• Theft of valuables: In some cases, residents may leave their wallets or cash in common areas, resulting in theft.

• Make the rule clear: "No lending or borrowing money."
• Avoiding monetary transactions between residents helps prevent trouble.

• We will create a system that allows for smooth payment by utilizing apps such as LINE Pay.
• Another effective method is for the management company to manage consumables together and include them in the rent.

• Do not leave valuables in shared spaces; store them in a locked box.
• If a theft occurs, report it to the operator immediately.

Crimes such as theft, harassment, and fraud

• You forget to lock your room and go out, and your wallet or electronic devices are stolen.
• Food and daily necessities left in the common space are used without permission.
• There are residents who use other people's luggage without permission.

• Other residents persistently talk to you and follow you around.
• There is someone among the residents who takes upskirt photos and eavesdrops.
• Inappropriate remarks or behavior towards members of the opposite sex.

• Taking advantage of the trust between residents, they are solicited into investment opportunities and network businesses.
• He is approached by a religious group and is forced to join because he cannot refuse.
• Residents approach them with the intention of defrauding them of their money.

• It is important that a trustworthy management company conducts "resident background checks."
• In cases where the identity of the residents is unknown, caution is required as the risk of crime increases.

• Always lock your room (using a locker with a lock is also recommended).
• Do not leave valuables in shared spaces.
• In principle, solicitation and lending or borrowing money are prohibited.

• Security cameras will be installed in common areas and at entrances and exits.
• If any trouble occurs, we will establish a system to immediately report it to the operating company.

Cultural issues

• Dining etiquette is different (eating noisily, eating with hands, etc.).
• Showers are used differently (when there is no culture of keeping bathrooms clean like in Japan).
• Not following the rules about sharing the refrigerator (using other people's food, exceeding the space you occupy).

• They don't speak Japanese and can't understand the rules.
• A small misunderstanding can develop into a big problem.

• Rules for using shared spaces will be posted in multiple languages.
• Provide clear instructions on how to use the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen.

• Hold regular social gatherings to create opportunities to learn about each other's cultures.
• To reduce the language barrier, we communicate using simple English and gestures.

• Choose a share house that aims for international exchange and live in an environment where cultural differences are a given.

Violation of visitor rules

• Visitors without prior notice: Bringing acquaintances to the residence without the residents' permission creates a sense of distrust.
• Monopolizing shared spaces: Your friend occupies the kitchen or living room for long periods of time, making it unavailable to other residents.
• Noise issues: Visitors making noise until late at night is a nuisance to other residents.

• A system of advance notification for visitors will be introduced.
• Prohibit overnight stays or clearly state the rules for guests.

• Management staff will be placed in the share house to prevent violations of the rules.
• If you would like to know more about the rules and how to avoid any issues when inviting friends to your share house, please read this article.

Problems caused by not following the rules

• Not following cleaning duties: "Some people don't do their cleaning duties even though they have an assigned cleaning shift," which causes the shared spaces to get dirty.
• Not taking turns bathing: Occupying the bath for long periods at night, making it impossible for other residents to use.

• A roster will be set up so that all residents can see who is on duty.

• If violations of the rules continue, the management company will issue a warning.

Cross House's efforts to deal with share house troubles

Measures to prevent theft, harassment and fraud

• Submission of identification is now mandatory, and identity verification is being carried out thoroughly.
• Check whether there are any ties to anti-social forces.
• Check to see if there is a history of problems in previous shared houses.

• Security cameras are installed in common areas and entrances to monitor suspicious activity.
• This can be used as evidence in the event of a problem, enabling a quick response.

• We have established a system to accept trouble reports from residents at any time.
• If theft, harassment, or fraud occurs, we will respond immediately and work with the police if necessary.

• At Cross House, house supporters and staff regularly patrol the property to ensure safety.
• We check the management status of shared spaces and relationships between residents, and respond promptly if there are any problems.
• If residents feel anxious, staff will provide direct support.

Measures to deal with problems caused by cultural differences

• House rules will be provided in Japanese, English, and Chinese upon move-in.
• Multilingual signs explain how to use the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.
• Clarify rules for separating garbage to prevent confusion due to cultural differences.

• Welcome parties and social events are held regularly to deepen friendships between residents.
• Provide opportunities for language exchange and intercultural understanding to maintain good relationships among residents.

Initiatives to prevent violations of visitor rules

• Overnight stays are prohibited (however, exceptions may be made with prior application).
• Residents will be required to be notified in advance of visitors in common areas.
• Late night visits are prohibited to prevent noise problems.

• Provide a "Guest Rules Guide" upon move-in to ensure everyone understands the rules.
• If any violation of the rules is discovered, the operating company will take strict action and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Measures to deal with problems caused by not following the rules

• Cleaning rosters and bath roster lists are posted in common spaces to create an environment where all residents can follow the rules.
• If violations of the rules continue, a warning will be issued, and if no improvement is seen, eviction will be considered.

• If any resident does not follow the rules, the management staff will directly instruct them to prevent any trouble.
• The management company will act as a mediator to resolve any disputes, thereby avoiding conflicts between residents.

• Professional cleaning staff are dispatched on a regular basis to maintain a hygienic environment in shared spaces.
• A system has been introduced to reduce the burden on residents and reduce trouble.

summary