Share House Manners Guide | Rules for Comfortable Shared Living
Share House Manners Guide | Rules for Comfortable Shared Living
📖 Table of Contents
- Basic Rules to Know Before Moving Into a Share House
- Rules for Enjoying Shared Spaces Together
- Manners for Private Spaces and Personal Behavior
- Set Clear Rules for Daily Chores and Duty Rosters
- Establish Guest and Overnight Stay Rules in Advance
- Rules to Prevent Interpersonal Conflicts
- Understand That Rules Vary by Share House
- What to Do When Someone Breaks the Rules
- Sharing Rules and Manners Is the Key to Comfortable Shared Living
You might be drawn to the idea of living in a share house, but wonder: "Are the rules and manners really strict?" Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help you start your shared living experience with confidence — even if it's your first time.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything from basic manners in shared spaces to privacy considerations, guest policies, and chore schedules — all the rules and tips you need to prevent trouble and enjoy a smooth communal life.
If you want to "have fun living together" and "create a comfortable environment," read on to learn the essentials of share house etiquette.
🏠 Basic Rules to Know Before Moving Into a Share House
Living in a share house is more than just sharing a space — it's about enjoying communal life with others. However, because you're sharing space with other people, it's essential to understand the basic rules from the start.
For example, basic manners like "clean up after yourself in the kitchen" and "keep noise down at night" are established rules in most share houses.
Since rules differ from property to property, checking them carefully before moving in and finding the right fit for your lifestyle is the first step to comfortable living.
✨ Rules for Enjoying Shared Spaces Together
Shared spaces belong to everyone — and that's exactly why a little consideration and clear rules go a long way. Let's look at some common manners and guidelines.
Set Rules for Kitchen and Dining Area Usage
The kitchen and dining area are used by everyone every day. That's why it's a good idea to establish rules like "clean up after yourself," "separate your trash properly," and "don't monopolize the space for long periods."
If you share dishes or seasonings, it's especially helpful to discuss in advance what's fair game. A little consideration goes a long way in making the space pleasant for everyone.
Use the Bathroom and Toilet with the Next Person in Mind
Cleanliness is especially important in the bathroom and toilet. After using these spaces, remember to give them a quick wipe-down, clear any hair from the drain, and ventilate the room — always thinking of the next person.
If you tend to take longer baths, it's polite to give others a heads-up beforehand. Using these spaces with mutual consideration makes them comfortable for everyone.
Keep the Washroom and Laundry Area Clean
Since the washroom and laundry area are used daily by everyone, leaving a mess is a no-go. Wipe up stray hairs and water splashes right away, and don't leave your laundry sitting in the machine — small acts of consideration make a big difference.
Checking the rules for detergent use and drying areas in advance can also help prevent misunderstandings.
Don't Leave Personal Belongings in the Living Room or Entrance
The living room and entrance are shared spaces that everyone passes through. Leaving personal items around can get in the way and make the space look cluttered.
Make it a habit to bring bags, shoes, laundry, and other personal items back to your room to keep shared areas neat and tidy.
Keep Quiet at Night and Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
At night, some housemates may go to bed early while others have early mornings. Since everyone has different schedules, it's important to be mindful — keep noise levels low and avoid loud conversations.
Also, remember to turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used — being energy-conscious is part of good share house etiquette.
🚪 Manners for Private Spaces and Personal Behavior
Even though you have your own room, your actions in a share house can still affect others. To ensure everyone lives comfortably, being considerate of privacy and personal space is just as important.
Be Mindful of Room Access and Privacy
In a share house, it's important to remember that "private rooms are personal spaces" — even if you're on close terms with your housemates.
Entering someone's room without knocking or peeking inside is unacceptable. This kind of basic respect is what builds trust between housemates.
Keep Your Valuables and Personal Items Secure
With so many shared spaces in a share house, managing your personal belongings is extremely important.
Keep valuables like your wallet, phone, and accessories stored safely in your room. To avoid potential issues, make it a rule to never leave them lying around in shared areas.
Be Considerate When Making Calls or Attending Remote Meetings
Voices from phone calls and remote meetings carry more than you might think. Avoid calling during early morning or late night hours, close your door when speaking, and try not to take calls in shared spaces. These small considerations help create a comfortable environment for everyone.
🧹 Set Clear Rules for Daily Chores and Duty Rosters
In a share house, establishing rules for dividing household chores is essential for keeping shared spaces clean. When it's clear "who does what, and when" — whether it's cleaning, trash duty, or restocking supplies — everyone can live more comfortably.
Discuss Cleaning and Trash Duties in Advance
Cleaning and taking out the trash are key to maintaining a comfortable share house. Without assigned responsibilities, tasks tend to get neglected with everyone thinking "someone else will do it."
Try creating a weekly or daily rotation schedule, or using a checklist. Find a system that works for everyone and is easy to stick with.
Share Rules for Purchasing Household Supplies
Shared items like toilet paper and detergent can quickly run out if no one takes responsibility for restocking. Decide in advance whether costs will be split evenly, whether there will be a rotation for purchasing, or another system — having a plan avoids frustration.
Be Mindful of Utility Costs and Energy Saving
Leaving the air conditioner on or forgetting to turn off lights can really add up on the utility bill. When everyone makes a small effort to be mindful, it can make a noticeable difference in monthly costs.
Simple habits like "turn things off when not in use" and "double-check before leaving the house" can benefit everyone's wallet and comfort.
👥 Establish Guest and Overnight Stay Rules in Advance
When you invite friends or a partner over, it can be a source of discomfort for other residents. To prevent issues, it's best to agree on rules ahead of time — "when," "how often," and "what's acceptable." By sharing guest policies clearly, everyone can feel at ease.
Set Rules for How Often and When Friends or Partners Can Visit
When having guests at a share house, pay attention to "how often" and "what time." If guests come over every week, it can make other residents feel uneasy.
Setting rules like "visitors are welcome until X o'clock" or "up to X times per week" helps prevent awkwardness and conflicts. A little consideration goes a long way toward comfortable living.
Discuss Whether Overnight Guests Are Allowed
When you want to have a friend or partner stay the night, the rules vary from share house to share house. Having someone stay over without telling anyone can cause significant stress for other residents.
Agreeing on guidelines like "give notice X days in advance" or "overnight stays are allowed X times per month" provides peace of mind for everyone.
Set Rules for Visits from the Opposite Gender
Attitudes toward having friends or partners of the opposite gender visit can vary widely between share houses.
Some residents may feel uncomfortable about it, so it's important to set clear boundaries — such as "common areas only" or "private rooms are off-limits." Discussing this openly from the start is key to preventing conflicts and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
⚠️ Rules to Prevent Interpersonal Conflicts
In shared living, small misunderstandings can escalate into unexpected problems. To live with peace of mind, it's important to establish rules related to interpersonal relationships as well. Use the following tips to help create a space where everyone feels comfortable.
Ban Solicitation and Religious Activities for Peace of Mind
Solicitation for religious or business purposes — even when well-intentioned — can easily lead to trouble. It's wise to establish a rule in the share house that prohibits such activities.
Since residents come from diverse backgrounds and hold different values, setting clear boundaries is essential for mutual respect. Making this an explicit rule helps prevent unnecessary awkwardness and conflict.
Set Clear Rules for Smoking and Musical Instruments
Cigarette smoke and the sound of musical instruments bother people to varying degrees. That's why it's important to set rules in advance — such as "smoking only on the balcony" or "instruments only until X o'clock."
This is especially true in buildings with poor soundproofing, where even small noises can become a source of friction. To continue enjoying your hobbies and habits without conflict, agree on rules that work for everyone.
Establish Rules for Receiving and Managing Mail
Not knowing whose mail is whose — it's a surprisingly common issue in share houses. Since mail contains personal information, it's important to set rules like "sort deliveries right away" and "don't leave mail sitting in shared areas."
It's also helpful to discuss in advance whether housemates will accept packages on each other's behalf — having a clear agreement prevents misunderstandings.
📏 Understand That Rules Vary by Share House
The content and strictness of rules can vary significantly from one share house to another.
For example, some houses have a "guests welcome anytime" policy, while others strictly prohibit visits from the opposite gender or enforce a curfew.
It's important to check during property viewings or pre-move-in briefings whether the rules match your lifestyle and values. Finding a share house whose rules you can comfortably follow is a major factor in enjoying your communal living experience.
🤝 What to Do When Someone Breaks the Rules
No matter how well-defined the rules are, there may be times when someone doesn't follow them. When that happens, staying calm is the most important first step. Let's look at some practical solutions.
Start with a Discussion and Review the Rules Together
Even when a rule has been broken, jumping straight to blame is counterproductive. Start by having a calm, one-on-one conversation. In some cases, the person may simply not have been aware of the rule.
If certain rules weren't communicated clearly, it's a good idea to review and clarify them together as a group. Improving the situation through open dialogue is the best path to comfortable living for everyone.
If That Doesn't Work, Contact the Management Company
If the issue persists despite your discussions, don't try to resolve it on your own — reach out to the share house management company or property owner for support.
Management teams are experienced in handling disputes and can provide fair, level-headed solutions. It's also a good idea to confirm what level of support is available when you first move in, so you know exactly where to turn if issues arise.
🎯 Sharing Rules and Manners Is the Key to Comfortable Shared Living
To make share house life enjoyable and comfortable, it's essential that all residents share common rules and manners, and live with mutual consideration. Small everyday courtesies and proactive rule-setting help prevent conflicts and build positive relationships.
With the mindset of "living together," let's create a space where everyone can feel safe and at home.
If you're looking for a share house in Tokyo, be sure to check out the portal site run by Tokyo Sharehouse LLC. Featuring a wide range of properties in and around Tokyo that you can browse by lifestyle and atmosphere, the site showcases the appeal of shared living — "gathering, connecting, and expanding." Take a look for inspiration on your next home.
*Tokyosharehouse (LLC) does not carry out the administration of specific services that may be deemed as unfair toward other users or serve as an intermediary for moving into housing. For any questions regarding specific services or moving, please directly contact the owner or manager of the share house you wish to inquire about through our website. Also, please be aware that we cannot provide the contact information of the share house managers or owners.
