What is a share house for single mothers?
A share house for single mothers is a shared residence designed to provide financial and emotional security to single-parent families. Unlike regular share houses, they are characterized by the fact that they offer support for child-rearing and reduced rent costs.
Reasons why single mothers choose share houses
1. Reduce your rent burden
The rent is cheaper than regular rental housing, and utility fees and common area charges are also kept low, reducing the financial burden. Properties operated by local governments or NPOs may also be eligible for rent subsidies and grants.
2. A supportive environment for raising children
Share houses for single mothers have residents and staff who are understanding of childcare, so you can raise your children with peace of mind. Some properties also offer after-school care and meal services, helping you balance work and childcare.
3. There is a community, so you won't feel lonely
By living under the same roof, single mothers can easily discuss their concerns about childcare and daily life. Because they can support each other, many say they can "live without feeling lonely and with peace of mind."
4. Good security
Some properties are equipped with auto-locks and security cameras so that women and children can live safely together. Safety is taken into consideration so that women and children can live comfortably.
The advantages and disadvantages of single mothers choosing a share house
For single mothers, choosing a place to live is an important point that directly affects the stability of their lives. Recently, "shared houses for single mothers" that provide an environment that makes it easy to raise children while reducing the burden of rent have been attracting attention. While there are economic benefits and childcare support, there are also challenges unique to communal living. Here, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a shared house for single mothers.
Benefits of a share house for single mothers
1. Reduce the burden of rent and living expenses
Share houses tend to have lower rent than regular rental properties, and utilities and internet fees may be included. In addition, properties supported by non-profit organizations or local governments may offer rent subsidies, greatly reducing the financial burden.
2. You can receive support for raising children
Shared houses tend to bring together single mothers in similar situations, so a cooperative system for childcare naturally emerges. Some properties also offer after-school care and meal services, making it easier to balance work and childcare. Another major benefit is that there is an environment where people can help each other out when something unexpected comes up.
3. You are less likely to feel lonely
Single mothers tend to feel lonely because they are busy with work and childcare. However, in a share house, residents can consult with each other and support each other, which gives them a sense of mental security. Another attraction is being able to exchange information with other mothers in the same situation.
4. Safety measures in place
Share houses for single mothers are often designed to provide a safe place for women and children to live, and some properties come equipped with security cameras, auto-locks, etc. Many share houses are women-only, so they offer a safer living environment than regular rental properties.
5. Easier to move into than a regular rental property
When renting a home, a guarantor and a stable income are often required, which can be a big hurdle for single mothers. However, in some cases, a guarantor is not required for a share house, making it relatively easy to move in. Another attractive feature is that some properties can be used for short periods of time, making them easy to accommodate flexible lifestyles.
Disadvantages of Shared Houses for Single Mothers
1. Privacy is difficult to ensure
In a share house, it is common to share common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom with other residents. Therefore, there are times when you cannot use them freely like you would if living alone, so it may not be suitable for people who value privacy. Some properties have private rooms, but the walls are thin and noise can be a concern.
2. There is a possibility of interpersonal problems occurring
In communal living, problems can arise due to differences in lifestyles and values. In particular, differences in child-rearing philosophies and problems between children can cause relationships to deteriorate between residents. It is important to check the rules in advance and understand the environment and atmosphere of the share house before deciding to move in.
3. Limited property options
There are still not many share houses for single mothers nationwide, so it can be difficult to find a property in the area you want. In rural areas, the options are particularly limited, so you need to actively take advantage of support programs offered by local governments and information provided by nonprofit organizations to find a property.
4. There are restrictions on how to use shared spaces
In a share house, there are often rules about how to use the shared facilities and spaces, and you may not be able to use them freely. There are also rules about cleaning duties and taking out the trash, so you are expected to follow these rules.
5. High turnover of residents
Since many people use share houses as temporary housing, there is a high turnover of residents. People with whom you have built good relationships may suddenly move out, and there is a possibility that a certain community will not continue. This can be a disadvantage for people who feel stressed about building relationships with new tenants.
What kind of single mother is a shared house suitable for?
For single mothers, the choice of housing has a big impact on the quality of life and ease of raising children. Recently, "shared houses for single mothers" have been attracting attention, where you can raise your children with peace of mind while keeping the rent low. However, they are not ideal for all single mothers, and there are some who are suited and some who are not. Here, we will explain what type of single mothers a shared house is suitable for.
If you would like to know more about the characteristics of people who live in shared houses, please read this article.
Characteristics of single mothers who are suitable for living in a shared house
1. People who want to live while keeping rent low
Share houses tend to have lower rent than regular rental housing, and utilities and internet fees may be included in the rent. Share houses supported by local governments or NPOs may also offer rent subsidies, helping to reduce the financial burden.
Being able to reduce fixed costs is a major benefit, especially for single mothers who are raising children and working while managing the household finances.
2. People looking for an environment where they can support each other in raising children
Shared houses for single mothers have many residents in the same situation, and the environment is such that they can support each other in raising their children.
For example, the benefits include:
- There are share houses that offer after-school care and meal services.
- In case of an emergency, other residents may look after your children.
- Single mothers with similar problems can help each other
When you are raising a child alone, even small things can feel like a burden, but having an environment where you can support each other can help reduce the stress of child-rearing.
3. People who want to balance work and child-rearing
Some share houses come with childcare support services, making it easy to balance work and childcare. In particular, share houses that offer the following types of support are a great help to single mothers who work full-time.
- Properties affiliated with nursery schools and after-school care facilities
- Properties that provide dinner and housekeeping services
- An environment that makes it easy to balance work and childcare
Shared houses that offer this kind of support are ideal for single mothers who are struggling to balance work and child-rearing.
4. People who value the community
Shared houses for single mothers are not just places to live, but also have a strong aspect of being a "community where people live and help each other."
There are many opportunities to interact with other residents, exchange information and discuss child-rearing concerns, so you will feel less lonely. This is especially suitable for people who are looking for the following types of environment:
- I want to share information with other single mothers.
- I want my child to make friends of the same age.
- I'm worried about living alone and want to live with others.
Having someone to talk to and share your everyday worries with can give you a sense of mental security.
5. People who want to live for a short period of time
Unlike regular rental properties, shared houses often allow short-term occupancy.
- I need temporary housing until I move.
- I am considering changing jobs or relocating, but I can't decide right away.
- I want to find my next home while saving on rent
In such cases, a shared house, which offers a high degree of flexibility in contract periods, is an ideal option as it provides flexible housing.
Characteristics of single mothers who are not suited to living in a shared house
1. People who value privacy
In a shared house, you share the living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc., so it can be difficult to have completely private space.
For people who think, "I don't like living with other people" or "I want to cherish my time alone," a regular rental property may be more suitable.
2. People who don't like interpersonal troubles
In a shared house, compatibility between residents is important. Differences in child-rearing philosophies and lifestyles can cause stress.
If you want to avoid friction in relationships, it's important to check the atmosphere and rules of the share house in advance and choose an environment that suits you.
3. People who don't want to be tied down by life rules
Share houses have rules to ensure that residents can live comfortably together. For example, there are often rules about who takes turns taking out the trash and cleaning the shared spaces.
For people who value a free lifestyle, the rules of a shared house can be stressful, so it's a good idea to check what the rules are in advance.
If you would like to know more about the characteristics of people who are not suited to living in a shared house, please read this article.
Introducing share houses for single mothers nationwide
When single mothers are searching for a place to live where they can feel safe, "share houses for single mothers" are gaining attention as they can receive childcare support while reducing the burden of rent. However, there are many different share houses available across the country, and many people may not know which property is right for them.
Here we will introduce share houses for single mothers by area across the country. Check out the features of the property and the support provided to find the home that's right for you.
Shared House for Single Mothers in Tokyo
Pono House Ikebukuro Honcho (Toshima Ward)
- Close to the city center and great support for raising children
- Providing self-reliance support programs
MANAHOUSE Sakuragaoka (Setagaya Ward)
- Dogs and cats allowed
- A shared environment with children in mind
Share house for single mothers in Kanagawa Prefecture
Parenting Home Kanazawa Bunko (Yokohama City)
- An environment that makes it easy to balance work and childcare
- Women-only security measures available
Share houses for single mothers in Saitama and Chiba prefectures
U-STYLE Ageo (Saitama Prefecture)
- There is a rent subsidy system, so you can live at a low cost
MOM-HOUSE (Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Properties for single mothers
- Childcare support available
Share house for single mothers in Osaka Prefecture
ideau/mitsuku (Osaka City)
- A share house based on the concept of "a family beyond blood ties"
- Active childcare support and community activities
Share house for single mothers in Hyogo Prefecture
Yumisou (Kobe City)
- Housing for single mothers
- Consultation support service included
Share house for single mothers in Kyoto Prefecture
Share house attached to HOTEL ECCLESIA (Kyoto City)
- A new style of housing that contributes to society
Share house for single mothers in Hokkaido
Buds (Sapporo City)
- A new community-style share house for women only
- Life support available
Share house for single mothers in Miyagi Prefecture
LIBERTY2 (Sendai City)
- A property aimed at helping single mothers become independent
Share house for single mothers in Aichi Prefecture
Fontaine (Nagoya City)
- Supported housing for single mothers
Park Link (Nagoya City)
- Cooperation with self-reliance support programs
Share house for single mothers in Shizuoka Prefecture
Coco Shimooda (Yaizu City)
- Multi-generational group living
Share house for single mothers in Fukuoka Prefecture
Single Parent Support House Fukuoka (Fukuoka City)
- Low rent and childcare support available
Share house for single mothers in Okinawa Prefecture
Single Mother Support House Okinawa (Naha City)
- Collaborating with local communities
Points to consider when choosing a share house for single mothers
Shared houses for single mothers are an attractive option for many single-parent families because they reduce the burden of rent while providing an environment where people can support each other in raising children. However, each property has different characteristics and rules, so it is important to check in advance to avoid regretting your move-in by finding that it is not what you expected.
Here we will explain in detail the points that single mothers should check when choosing a shared house.
1. Check how much rent and living expenses you will need
When choosing a shared house, the first thing you should check is whether you can afford the rent and living expenses without difficulty.
Does the rent include utilities and internet charges?
How much will the initial costs (deposit, key money, security deposit, etc.) be?
Are rent subsidies from local governments or NPOs available?
In many cases, costs can be kept lower than with a regular rental property, but if you don't keep track of the small details, you may incur unexpected expenses.
2. Check whether childcare support services are available
One of the great attractions of shared houses for single mothers is the extensive child-rearing support available.
- Does the school cooperate with daycare centers and after-school programs?
- Is there a food service?
- Is there a space for children to play?
- Is there a childcare support system with other residents?
This type of support can be a great help if you are busy at work and find it difficult to prepare dinner, or if you don't have anyone nearby you can rely on.
3. Check the security measures in your share house
It is important to choose a property with strong crime prevention measures so that single mothers and their children can live in peace.
- Are there auto-locks and security cameras installed?
- Is this a property for women and children only?
- Is there a manager on-site?
In particular, if you are living in a shared house in an urban area, be sure to check that security is in place.
4. Check the usability of shared spaces
In a share house, it is common to share the living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc., so make sure the way you use the shared spaces suits your lifestyle.
- Are there cleaning rules for shared areas?
- What are the rules for using refrigerators and washing machines?
- Are there facilities for children?
In order to live comfortably, it is also important to have many residents with similar lifestyles and values.
5. Make sure you have privacy
When living together, it is also important to consider the extent to which individual privacy is respected.
- Do you have a private room or do you share a room?
- Is there soundproofing?
- Are there clear rules between residents?
A share house provides private rooms, allowing you to live together while still maintaining your privacy.
6. Check your compatibility with other tenants in advance
When living in a share house, it is very important to get along with the people you live with. To avoid any issues after moving in, please check the following points in advance.
- Is there an active community among residents?
- Do the children seem to get along well?
- Are there rules and procedures for dealing with problems that may occur?
Depending on the property, you may be able to meet the residents beforehand. If you are unsure, it may be a good idea to ask the manager "What kind of people live there?"
7. Check the contract details and moving-out rules in advance
Share houses differ from regular rental properties in that they may have their own unique contract rules.
- Are there any restrictions on the contract period (short-term/long-term)?
- Is there a penalty for early termination?
- What is the procedure for moving out?
If you plan to live in the property for a short period of time or think there is a possibility that you may move, it is important to carefully check the terms of the contract.
8. Check the location and surrounding environment
The location of the share house is also an important factor that determines how easy it will be to live there.
- Distance to the nearest station or bus stop
- Ease of commuting to work, children's school or nursery
- Are there supermarkets or hospitals nearby?
Be sure to check the surrounding environment carefully to ensure that it does not affect your commute or child-rearing.
9. Check reviews and ratings
When it comes to information about shared houses, reviews from people who have actually lived there can be very helpful.
- Check the reviews on social media and review sites
- Make sure the manager is responsive
- Check out the residents' attitudes when viewing the property
If you choose a property that has many positive reviews, such as "comfortable to live in" or "well managed," you can move in with peace of mind.
Problems and solutions for single mothers living in shared houses
Shared houses for single mothers have the advantage of being able to receive support in raising children while reducing the financial burden. However, problems can arise that are unique to communal living, so it is important to understand in advance what types of problems are likely to occur and take appropriate measures. Here we will explain in detail the common problems that occur in shared houses for single mothers and how to solve them.
1. Difficult problems in ensuring privacy and solutions
In a shared house, there are many opportunities to use shared spaces such as the kitchen and living room, which can make it difficult to maintain privacy. For example, conversations in the living room can be heard in your room, and you may feel stressed by other residents interfering with your life. Also, having children can often cause trouble with other residents who want a quiet environment.
To prevent such problems, it is important to check in advance whether or not there are private rooms, and if possible, to choose a property with rooms that can be locked. Also, depending on the construction of the share house, some properties have thin walls, so it is a good idea to check whether soundproofing measures have been taken. Furthermore, the key to living comfortably together is to check the house rules before moving in and make sure that there are clear rules regarding respecting privacy.
2. Stress caused by differences in daily rhythms and solutions
Shared houses bring together people with different lifestyles, which can cause stress due to differences in daily rhythms. For example, if someone who works late into the night and someone who leaves early in the morning live in the same space, noise issues can arise. Also, in households with children, night crying or early morning activity can affect the lives of other residents.
To avoid these problems, it is important to check the living rhythms of the residents before moving in and choose a property that suits your lifestyle. Some share houses tend to cater to families, while others are designed for working single mothers, so understanding the atmosphere in advance can help prevent problems. You can also reduce friction between residents by deciding the time for using the common areas and discussing quiet times.
3. Troubles between children and how to deal with them peacefully
In a share house for single mothers, multiple families live together, so sometimes problems arise between children. It's common for children to fight over toys or get into arguments while playing, but depending on how the parents respond, relationships can deteriorate. Children can also be too noisy and cause trouble for other residents, which can lead to trouble between residents.
In order to prevent such problems, it is important for parents to clearly define the rules for children to play and discuss with each other what is acceptable. In addition, parents can proactively communicate with each other in advance to make it easier to resolve any problems that may arise amicably. Choosing a property with a play area for children is also an effective way to prevent problems.
4. Troubles and rule-making regarding the use of shared spaces
In a share house, residents share common facilities such as the kitchen, washing machine, and bathroom, so problems can arise over how to use them and the order in which to use them. For example, it is not uncommon for problems to occur, such as "food in the refrigerator is used without permission," "the washing machine is used at the same time," or "the kitchen is not cleaned."
To prevent such trouble, it is important to confirm the rules for using the shared spaces in advance and make sure that all tenants can abide by them. In particular, by setting specific rules such as separate refrigerator spaces, sharing washing machine usage times among residents, and deciding who will clean the shared spaces, you can create a stress-free living environment.
5. Interpersonal friction and the importance of good communication
In a share house, people with different values live together, which can cause friction in relationships. In particular, differences in child-rearing philosophies and differences of opinion about the division of roles within the share house can cause strained relationships between residents.
In order to prevent such problems, it is important to create an environment where residents can regularly discuss with each other and respect each other's opinions. Also, important points to consider when choosing a property include "Is there an environment where you can immediately consult with the manager if there is a problem?" and "Is there a system to smooth relationships between residents?"
summary
Shared houses for single mothers are a safe place to live where you can receive childcare support while keeping the rent burden low. While the economic benefits and community support are attractive, there are also issues with privacy and interpersonal relationships. Before moving in, it is important to check the rent, support system, rules for shared spaces, and security, and choose a property that suits your lifestyle. To avoid trouble, value communication with residents and ensure a comfortable life.
