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Frequently asked questions

Are you still unsure about sharing? Pas de panique, nous vous proposons une liste des 20 questions les plus couramment posées dans ce domaine.

Table des matières

What is shared accommodation?

Coloc-Action ASBL

Shared accommodation is a housing option where several people share the same home.

Each flatmate has a private room and shares the common areas with the other residents of the residence, such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc.

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How do I find a flat-share?

Each flatmate has a private room and shares the common areas with the other residents of the residence, such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc.

There are several ways to find a flat-share, including online ads, social networks, estate agents, forums, word-of-mouth, newspapers, etc.

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What are the advantages of sharing?

Shared accommodation allows you to share accommodation costs, pool certain expenses (maintenance, Internet, etc.), live in a community, make friends from a wide range of backgrounds, share household chores, enjoy more space and even certain areas that you wouldn't be able to have on your own (garden, terrace, workshop, office, depot, swimming pool, etc.).

The disadvantages of sharing can include a lack of privacy, conflicts with other housemates, differences in lifestyle and culture, and noise problems if the rules of communal living are not properly respected.

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How are charges shared out?

Coloc-Action ASBL

How charges are shared depends on the rules agreed between the tenants.
Charges can be divided equally or according to the use of the space allocated to each flatmate.

Charges may be divided equally or according to the use of the space allocated to each flatmate.

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What is it like living with people you don't know?

Living with people you don't know can be difficult at first, but it will be easier if you respect each other from the outset; it's also important to communicate clearly and simply and to respect the rules of community life to avoid conflict.

But getting to know and appreciate each other is a learning process that can take time.

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What responsibilities do flatmates have towards the property?

Housemates are responsible for the regular upkeep of their rooms and the communal areas they use.

They are also responsible for regularly paying their share of rent and service charges on time.

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How do I terminate a shared tenancy early?

How to end a shared tenancy early depends on the rules established between the tenants and the landlord, and on the type of tenancy agreement signed.

It is generally necessary to give notice and find a replacement to ensure payment of the rent.

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How do you choose your flatmates?

It's important to take the time to get to know your future flatmates well, taking an interest in their lifestyle, their interests and their timetables.

It's also a good idea to meet potential flatmates before you decide to sign the lease for that particular flat.

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How do you deal with guests in a shared flat?

It's important to discuss this with your flatmates to establish clear rules for welcoming guests to the flat.

Housemates can also draw up a list of authorised guests and define the rules governing their presence and behaviour. This is often specified in the rules of the shared apartment, in which case they must be complied with.

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How do you manage your private life in a shared flat?

It is important to respect the privacy of your flatmates by not entering their rooms without permission and by respecting the rules on noise and the hours of use of communal areas.

Housemates can also agree on quiet hours to respect each other's privacy.

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How do you secure your shared accommodation?

It is important to put security measures in place to protect the shared accommodation, such as individual locks for each room and an alarm system.

Housemates can also set up rules for access to the property from outside to prevent intruders.

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How do you manage expenses when sharing?

It's a good idea to draw up a joint budget for shared expenses, such as rent, utilities, shopping, etc. Housemates may also wish to open a joint bank account to make it easier to manage expenses.

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How do you deal with pets in a shared flat?

If pets are allowed under your tenancy agreement, it's important to discuss this with your flatmates so that clear rules can be drawn up for pets in shared accommodation, taking into account any allergies, phobias or preferences each person may have.

The housemates can also define the rules concerning the animals' food, hygiene and behaviour.

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How do I terminate a shared-tenancy contract?

Termination of a shared-tenancy contract depends on the terms and conditions set out in the rental agreement and the legal rules in force in each region of our country.

In general, it is necessary to give notice in accordance with the prescribed procedure and to comply with the rules for returning the security deposit. This notice period varies from region to region. It is advisable to seek advice from a legal advisor about the procedures for terminating a shared tenancy.

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How can I avoid disputes when sharing?

Coloc-Action ASBL

To avoid disputes in shared accommodation, we recommend that you comply with the Shared Tenancy Agreement and/or the House Rules signed at the same time as the lease.

It's also a good idea to establish clear rules for living together from the outset, and to respect each other's rules.

Housemates can also set up a communication and mediation system to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

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How do I find flatmates?

There are a number of ways to find flatmates, including online flat-sharing sites, social networks, student forums, notice-board advertisements, recommendations from friends and word of mouth.

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How do you establish household rules for shared flats?

The rules for housework in a shared flat can be established by negotiating with the other housemates to divide the household chores as evenly as possible.

It can be useful to define specific times and tasks for each housemate, as well as rules on expected cleanliness and the upkeep of communal areas.

It's also essential to review together what's not working, so that you can make the best possible adjustments to the way your shared property operates.

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How can I avoid rent arrears when sharing?

To avoid rent arrears when sharing, it is advisable to set up a joint payment system for rent and service charges, with regular reminders of when payments are due.

It's also important to choose reliable flatmates and set clear rules on payment arrangements.

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How do you manage subletting?

Subletting in a shared tenancy can be managed by discussing the terms of the sublet with the other tenants.

It is important to comply with the legal rules in force in each region, as well as the rules set out in the rental contract. We recommend that you consult a legal advisor to find out about the procedures for subletting.

For all these questions, or any others you may still have, we probably have the answers.

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What are the limits to sharing?

The disadvantages of sharing can include a lack of privacy, conflicts with other housemates, differences in lifestyle and culture, and noise problems if the rules of communal living are not properly respected.

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