For many Nigerians and Africans abroad, especially students and new arrivals, house sharing is the most affordable way to live in expensive cities like London, Toronto, New York, Dublin or Dubai. A good house share can feel like family. A bad one can lead to stress, theft, conflict and even danger.
Here’s how to choose safe flatmates and set up a peaceful shared home.
Know the Types of House Shares
- Joint tenancy: All tenants sign one agreement and share responsibility for rent.
- Individual room lets: Each person has their own agreement with the landlord.
- Lodging: You rent a room in someone’s home where they also live.
Your rights and responsibilities differ depending on the arrangement. Understand which one applies before moving in.
Where to Find House Shares
Common options include room-sharing websites, university accommodation boards, workplace noticeboards, and diaspora community groups. Recommendations from people you trust are often the safest route.
Screening Potential Flatmates
Treat choosing flatmates like a job interview. Ask about:
- Work or study schedules
- Cleanliness expectations
- Guests and overnight visitors
- Noise, music and parties
- Smoking and alcohol
- Cooking habits and kitchen use
- How bills will be split
Look for honesty and compatibility rather than just friendliness. Someone who’s charming on a video call may be difficult to live with.
Check Identity and References
Ask for ID and references from previous landlords or housemates. Search their name online. Genuine people understand these checks, especially in expensive cities where scams are common.
Verify the Landlord
If you’re joining an existing house share, confirm that the landlord knows and approves. Some people sublet rooms illegally, leaving new flatmates at risk of eviction.
Agree on House Rules Early
Many conflicts come from unspoken expectations. Before or soon after moving in, agree on:
- A cleaning rota
- Shared items like toiletries and cleaning supplies
- Kitchen space and fridge shelves
- Quiet hours
- Guest rules
- How bills are paid and tracked
Write these down and share them in a group chat.
Protect Your Money
Use a bill-splitting app or shared spreadsheet so payments are transparent. Avoid putting all utility bills in your name unless you trust everyone involved. If one flatmate stops paying, you could be left with the debt.
Protect Your Belongings and Privacy
- Put a lock on your bedroom door where allowed
- Keep important documents like your passport and visa papers secure
- Don’t share bank details or passwords
- Consider contents insurance
Personal Safety
Trust your instincts. If a potential flatmate makes you uncomfortable, walk away. Women in particular should consider female-only house shares if preferred. Share your address with a friend and keep emergency numbers handy.
Handling Conflicts
Address issues early, calmly and privately. Focus on the behaviour, not the person: “The kitchen has been left dirty a lot this week. Can we stick to the rota?” If problems continue, involve the landlord or seek advice from housing organisations. In the UK, Citizens Advice offers free guidance on shared housing and tenancy issues.
Cultural Differences
You may share with people from very different backgrounds. Be open about food smells, religious practices, music and visitors. Mutual respect goes a long way.
Plan Your Exit
Know your notice period and how deposits are returned when someone leaves. Agree how replacement flatmates will be chosen so nobody is surprised by a stranger moving in.
Get Contents Insurance
Many landlords’ insurance policies don’t cover tenants’ belongings. Affordable contents insurance protects your laptop, phone and valuables against theft, fire and water damage in a shared home.
Final Thoughts
House sharing can save you money and help you build friendships abroad. Choose flatmates carefully, verify landlords, agree on rules early and protect your money and documents. A little planning makes shared living safe and comfortable.