What is room sharing?
Room sharing is a style of living where multiple people share a single residence. Usually, people live with friends, colleagues, or people they met online, and each person has their own room, but they share common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
A major attraction is that the financial burden can be reduced compared to living alone, as rent and utility bills can be shared. Another benefit is that living with a roommate can help you develop social skills and give you the opportunity to be exposed to new values.
The difference between room sharing and share house
"Room sharing" and "share house" are often confused, but in reality there are several differences between them.
| item | Room Share | Share House |
| Contract type | Residents sign individual contracts | The property is managed by a management company or owner |
| Resident Relationships | Many friends and acquaintances | Often living with strangers |
| Management and Facilities | Furniture and appliances provided by yourself | Furniture, appliances, and shared facilities are often fully equipped. |
| Rule Settings | Residents decide the rules | The management company decides the rules |
| privacy | Depends on the layout, but private rooms are the norm | Private rooms and dormitory-style rooms available |
The appeal of room sharing is that the people living there can freely decide the rules, but it is important to make arrangements in advance to avoid any problems. On the other hand, a share house has the advantage that it is managed by a management company, so even first-timers can start living together with peace of mind.
Why room sharing is popular
In recent years, room sharing has become increasingly popular, especially among young people. The reasons for this include the following benefits:
- Saving on rent and living expenses: In urban areas, rent for single people is rising, so by sharing a room you can share the costs of rent, utilities, internet fees, etc., easing the financial burden.
- Living in a spacious property: By sharing a spacious apartment (such as a 2LDK or 3LDK) that would be difficult to rent if you were living alone, you may be able to live in a comfortable space with a living room and balcony.
- Security in terms of crime: Living with someone reduces the risk of crime compared to living alone. Room sharing is especially popular among women, as it allows them to live safely.
- Gain new encounters and experiences: Living together with roommates increases the opportunities to come into contact with new values and cultures. This is especially beneficial for international students and those interested in intercultural exchange, as it allows them to develop an international perspective.
- Reduce the burden of housework: Another advantage of room sharing is that you can live more efficiently than living alone by sharing household chores such as cleaning and cooking. This can reduce the burden and create a comfortable living environment, especially for busy working people.
As such, room sharing has been gaining attention in recent years due to its many benefits, such as cost reduction, comfortable living environment, safety, and connections with other people. However, if you start sharing without deciding on any rules, problems are likely to arise, so it is important to have discussions and check the contract in advance.
Benefits of room sharing
Room sharing has many advantages that living alone does not have. It is a very attractive option for people who want to obtain a comfortable living environment while keeping rent and living expenses down. Here, we will explain in detail the main advantages of room sharing.
Save on rent and living expenses
The biggest benefit of room sharing is cost savings. In urban areas, rent for single people is rising, so living with a roommate can help reduce the financial burden.
- Sharing rent: For example, renting a 2DK property by yourself would cost 100,000 yen per month, but if you share a room it could be as low as 50,000 yen per person.
- Save on utility bills: You can share electricity, water, and internet bills, which helps reduce your monthly fixed costs.
- Sharing daily necessities: You can also jointly purchase consumables such as toilet paper and detergent, reducing unnecessary expenses.
As you can see, room sharing is a lifestyle that is easy on the budget, and offers great benefits especially for students and young working people.
Share the burden of housework
When you live alone, you have to do all the housework yourself, but when you share a room, you can share the burden of cleaning, cooking, taking out the trash, etc.
for example,
- Take turns cleaning every week
- Take turns cooking
- Share the trash with your roommate
By assigning roles in this way, the burden on each person is reduced and housework can be done more efficiently. This is especially beneficial for people who are busy with work or school, as they can "live comfortably while reducing their burden."
Crime prevention will be strengthened
Compared to living alone, room sharing is also a better option in terms of safety.
- Peace of mind when you're away: Having someone at home reduces the risk of burglary or intrusion by suspicious people.
- Peace of mind when returning home late at night: Especially for women, this can be a more reassuring environment than living alone.
- Help each other in emergencies: If you suddenly become unwell or experience some kind of trouble, you can ask for help immediately.
Room sharing can be a safe option, especially for people who are worried about living alone in urban areas.
Enjoy a lively life
One of the attractions of sharing a room is the liveliness that you can't experience alone.
- The peace of mind of knowing someone is there when you come home from work or school
- Enjoy cooking and watching movies together on your days off
- Feel free to ask for advice or discuss your concerns
As such, it is an environment where you are unlikely to feel lonely, and is the perfect style for people who want to live while communicating with others. Having a roommate can be especially reassuring for people who have moved to Tokyo from the countryside or who want to build new relationships.
Possibility to live in a spacious property
When living alone, a small one-room apartment or 1K apartment is typical, but when sharing a room, it is possible to live in a larger property such as a 2LDK or 3LDK.
- Enjoy a comfortable life in a property with a living room
- The storage space is large, so you don't have to worry about having too much luggage
- Enjoy a balcony, a kitchenette and other amenities.
Living in a spacious room is a major benefit, especially for people who work remotely or want space for hobbies.
Disadvantages of room sharing
While room sharing has the benefits of saving on rent and enjoying a lively lifestyle, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. In order to avoid the troubles that come with communal living, it is important to understand the issues in advance and take measures to deal with them. Here we will explain in detail the common disadvantages of room sharing and how to solve them.
It is difficult to secure privacy
A major issue with room sharing is that it is difficult to secure personal time and space.
- Lack of private rooms or poor soundproofing means less time to relax alone
- Not being able to freely use the common spaces can be stressful
- You may be concerned about noises from daily life or visitors.
<Solution>
- Choose a property with completely private rooms (it is easier to maintain privacy in a 2LDK or 3LDK apartment than in a 1LDK)
- Set rules that respect each other's lifestyles (such as late-night TV viewing and phone calls)
- Go out regularly (to a cafe or gym) to secure some personal time
Setting rules for privacy up front can help reduce stress.
Financial troubles are likely to occur
When sharing a room, financial troubles tend to arise over the division of rent and utility bills.
- My roommate is late with payments
- Disagreement about how to split the rent
- The burden of purchasing daily necessities is unevenly distributed
<Solution>
- Rent and utility bills are paid together and split later (the representative pays and the other members transfer the money)
- Use a payment management app (such as Splitwise or LINE's split payment feature)
- First, decide on the payment rules for "shared expenses (toilet paper, detergent, etc.)"
Money issues affect friendships and trust, so it's essential to have clear rules.
Stress due to differences in lifestyle
Having different wake-up and bedtimes and lifestyles than your roommate can cause stress.
- Having a night owl and a morning owl roommate can easily cause noise problems.
- I feel stressed when meal or shower times overlap
- Living environment will change dramatically depending on whether or not you telework.
<Solution>
- Choose a roommate who has a similar lifestyle to you (we recommend someone with the same occupation or lifestyle)
- Create rules that respect each other's rhythms (keep the volume down at night, get ready quietly in the morning, etc.)
- Take measures against noise, such as using earphones or separating workspaces.
Especially if you do a lot of work from home, you should also consider whether you can secure a workspace.
If you don't set rules, problems will increase.
When sharing a room, if you do not clearly define the rules for communal living, there is a risk of an increase in trouble.
- If you don't decide who will be responsible for cleaning and taking out the trash, the burden will be unevenly distributed among one person.
- The rules for using the refrigerator and shared spaces are unclear, leading to problems with unauthorized use.
- Opinions differ on whether guests or lovers can stay overnight.
<Solution>
- Make "minimum rules" with all roommates (cleaning duties, food management, rules for visitors, etc.)
- Use LINE groups and whiteboards to facilitate communication
- First, decide how much sharing is acceptable (e.g., sharing condiments and cleaning supplies, but not personal food).
Setting rules in advance will not only prevent any problems from arising but will also help you build a comfortable relationship.
Limited property selection options
The disadvantage of properties that allow room sharing is that there are fewer options available compared to properties designed for single people.
- Many properties have rental contracts that prohibit room sharing
- Some owners don't approve of friends making contracts
- If you live with two or more people, the initial costs can be higher.
<Solution>
- Make use of real estate companies that handle properties that allow room sharing
- Prove to the landlord that you have the ability to pay rent (prepare income certificate, etc.)
- Consider a shared house from the start (many properties come with furniture and appliances, so you can keep initial costs down)
Another option is to choose a property that makes it easy to share a room, such as a corporate contract property or a monthly apartment.
Important points when choosing a room share property and signing a contract
To make a room share a success, it is important to choose a layout that is easy to live in and to pay close attention to the important points of the contract. If you choose the wrong property, it may be difficult to maintain privacy or you may be more likely to have trouble with your roommate.
Here, we will explain in detail how to choose the best floor plan for room sharing and the points you should pay attention to when signing a contract.
What kind of floor plan is suitable for room sharing?
To continue sharing a room comfortably, it's important to choose a layout that takes into consideration your lifestyle and privacy.
1. Fully private room type | This is the one for you if you value privacy!
When sharing a room, the most popular layout is a completely private room.
- Privacy is ensured → You can have your own space to study, work, or relax
- Less stress even if people have different lifestyles → Prevent noise issues caused by differences in lifestyles between night owls and morning owls
- Ideal for working from home → You can concentrate on your work in your own room
<Recommended floor plan examples>
- 2LDK and 3LDK properties (2-3 private rooms, each independent)
- 1LDK + loft (the loft can be used as a private room)
② Type with shared space | Comfortable living while keeping costs down
Floor plans with shared spaces are ideal for people who want to keep costs down or enjoy interacting with their roommates.
- Private rooms are provided, but the living room and kitchen are shared.
- It is easy to keep rent low (even a large property is less of a burden than living alone)
- There is a place where you can eat and relax together.
However, having a shared space makes it important to divide up cleaning responsibilities and set rules.
<Recommended floor plan examples>
- 3DK/4LDK properties (private room + dining/kitchen)
- Rent a detached house (with spacious living room and balcony)
③ Utilizing the living room and dining room | For those who want to live an open lifestyle
If you want to prioritize interaction with your roommates, it is recommended that you choose a property with a spacious living room and dining area.
- Relax in an open space
- Enjoy dinner and a movie together after work
- Easy to hold a home party
However, if you share a living room, it is important to decide who will use it when and what the cleaning rules will be.
<Recommended floor plan examples>
- 2LDK and 3LDK properties with spacious living rooms
- Design property with open kitchen
Room sharing contract types | Basic knowledge to prevent problems
When sharing a room, it is important to fully understand the type of contract, as the scope of responsibility will change depending on the type of contract.
① Everyone becomes a contract holder | Fair contract structure
All roommates sign the lease and are responsible for the rental agreement.
<Advantages>
- Equal responsibility → Less trouble when moving out
- Less risk of non-payment of rent (because everyone has equal responsibility)
<Disadvantages>
- You need to renew your contract when you bring in a new roommate
- If someone moves out, the contract needs to be reviewed.
This type of arrangement is ideal if you want to avoid the risk of non-payment of rent.
② Contract only with the representative | Flexible roommate change
The representative signs the contract, and the roommate lives there as a subtenant (roommate).
<Advantages>
- Easy to switch roommates
- The contract procedure is simple
<Disadvantages>
- The roommate is responsible for paying the rent (if the other roommates don't pay, the roommate will have to pay)
- The representative may be forced to pay the costs when moving out.
This type of contract is suitable if your roommate is flexible or if you are planning to share a room for a short period of time.
3) Check the landlord's rules and conditions | Essential to avoid any problems!
Some properties prohibit room sharing, so it is important to check with the landlord or real estate company in advance.
- Check if the property allows room sharing ("accommodates two people" and "allows room sharing" are different).
- Check whether the contract has a clause regarding "adding or changing roommates"
- Clarify the share of security deposit and key money
- Check in advance how to handle problems (noise, rules when moving out, etc.)
When sharing a room, making sure the terms of the contract are clear can help prevent future problems.
Who is suitable for room sharing and who isn't?
While room sharing has its benefits, such as saving on rent and enjoying a lively lifestyle, it also comes with the risk of stress and trouble that comes with living together.
So, what kind of people are suited to room sharing? Conversely, what kind of people are not suited? By understanding this difference, you can choose a lifestyle that suits you.
Characteristics of people who are suitable for room sharing
Room sharing is suitable for people who have good communication skills, are cooperative, and can enjoy communal living. People who fit the following characteristics are likely to be suitable for room sharing.
① People who want to save on rent and living expenses
- I feel the rent for living alone is a burden
- I want to save money by sharing the costs of utilities and daily necessities
- I want to live in a spacious room at a low cost.
Rent in urban areas is rising, and living alone can often limit your living environment. With room sharing, you can live in a spacious property for the same budget, making it possible to keep costs down and live comfortably.
2. People who like living with others
- I like spending time with friends
- I want to enjoy meals and conversation with someone
- I often feel lonely when I live alone
The appeal of room sharing is that you can enjoy living with someone. You can enjoy things you can't experience if you live alone, such as spending time together in the living room and watching movies or cooking together.
3) People who can follow the rules of communal living
- Keep your room tidy and clean
- Able to follow rules for using shared spaces and cleaning
- Manage rent and utility payments properly
When sharing a room, it is important to be considerate of others and follow the rules. If you can decide and follow the rules, such as cleaning duties, paying utility bills, and being considerate of noises, you can live comfortably and stress-free.
④ People who can accept differences in values
- Respect different values and lifestyles
- Don't worry too much about slight differences
- A flexible personality
Roommates may have different ways of thinking due to their different upbringings and lifestyles. If you can respect each other and find compromises, you will be able to live a smooth room-sharing life.
⑤ People with a flexible lifestyle
- Flexible to accommodate relocations and lifestyle changes
- I am considering room sharing for a limited period of time.
- Suitable for short-term stays such as changing jobs, studying abroad, and working holiday.
Room sharing is also suitable for short-term living, so it is recommended for people who are looking for temporary housing for a few months to a few years due to changing jobs or studying abroad.
Characteristics of people who are not suited to room sharing
Room sharing is not suitable for people who want freedom or who prioritize privacy. If any of the following apply to you, you may find living alone more comfortable:
① People who want to cherish their time alone
- I feel stressed if I don't have my own space
- I want to spend my time quietly after returning home.
- I want to live freely without anyone interfering with me.
Room sharing is not suitable for people who want to spend their time quietly, as it is difficult to secure time completely alone. Especially in a layout with many shared spaces, the noise of daily life in the living room or kitchen can be bothersome.
2. People who are sensitive to differences in lifestyles and values
- I am easily bothered by everyday noises and small manners
- Easily irritated by other people's behavior
- I want to prioritize my own rules.
If your roommate's lifestyle doesn't match yours, it can cause stress, such as different bedtimes, noises in the middle of the night, etc. If you are sensitive to small details, you may find living alone more comfortable.
3. People who are not good at cleaning up or following rules
- I don't mind if my room is messy
- Cleaning shared spaces is a hassle
- Being lax on paying living expenses and rent
Room sharing requires cleanliness and good manners, so people who cannot tidy up or follow the rules are likely to cause trouble. In particular, leaving the shared spaces dirty can worsen your relationship with your roommate.
4. People who are not good at managing money
- I often forget to pay my rent or utility bills
- I tend to lend and borrow money
- Unable to control living expenses
Room sharing can often lead to trouble if you are unable to properly manage your rent and shared expenses. Late payments or unfair burdens can lead to a deterioration in your relationship with your roommate, so this is not suitable for people who are not able to manage things responsibly.
summary
Room sharing has many benefits, such as saving on rent and living expenses, living in a spacious property, and peace of mind in terms of crime prevention. On the other hand, there are also disadvantages, such as difficulty in securing privacy, the risk of financial troubles, and stress due to differences in lifestyle.
In order to have a comfortable room share, it is important to choose the right property, set rules, and check the contract details. Keep in mind the characteristics of people who are and are not suited to room sharing, and choose a living arrangement that suits you.
