Thursday, 29th January 2009

Finding the perfect flatmate can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time at it, so we’ve compiled a 5-step guide to finding the right flatmate for you.

Step 1 - Think About Your Potential Flatmate

This is the first question you’ll need to consider - are you actually ready to share your space with someone? There is no doubt that flat sharing can be very economical, but it also involves commitment and responsibility; emotionally, socially and financially. Think it through. Be comfortable with your decision of sharing the flat or house.

Then you’re ready to think about what type of flatmate you’re looking for; what qualities they will have to complement your own. You will probably get a better idea once you actually meet the right person, but it’s always good to have a little think about it beforehand.

Step 2 – Advertising

Once you’ve decided that you’re getting a flatmate, get the word out. A good way to start is by circulate it among your friends and family, at work, advertising on online portals dedicated to flat sharing, advertisements on notice-boards, and running ads in local papers. Include relevant information that will attract potential flatmates. Keep it simple and uncluttered. Highlight points that you consider to be of interest to potential sharers. Also, make your ad stand out!

Information to include in your Ad:

        1.    Location: Give details. If possible, include the neighbourhood that the flat is located at as well.

                E.g. Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London

         2.    The proposed rent:  Mention whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly along with the amount.

         3.    Facilities offered: Phone, garage, washer/dryer, TV, fridge, garden, number of rooms, etc.

        4.    Type of flatmate you’re looking for: Student/Professional, Smoker/Non-smoker, Vegetarian/Non-vegetarian,

                gender, age, with/without pets, etc.

        5.    Don’t forget to mention your contact information. You may choose not to give out your name on ads but with

                 online portals they may require you to display your name.

Include any other information you feel is relevant and important to you.

Resources for advertising:

        1.    Local cafes, coffee shops and restaurants

        2.    Music and book shops

        3.    University buildings, libraries, and centres

        4.    Office noticeboard

        5.    Local Clubs and pubs

        6.    Newspaper ads, classified ads, posters, and flyers

        7.    Local gyms and swimming pools

        8.    Online portals - Some of the most popular websites dedicated to flat sharing can be found on our homepage.

Step 3 – The Interview Process

Once enquiries start pouring in about your ad, you’d need to shortlist potential flatmates and schedule interviews with them. Get to know more about the person during the interview process. Ask relevant questions that would help you decide whether that person would be an ideal flatmate for you or not. Read our article on “What to ask your potential flatmate?” for more details on the interview process. Communicate clearly your expectations and also the status of their interview.

Step 4 – Confirmation and Agreement

After much deliberation and consulting, you’ve found the ONE. Now what?

Invite the person over to your flat to discuss details. Cover all aspects you can think of. With flat sharing, the normal tenancy laws may not be applicable. Even then ensure that you have some sort of binding agreement over the terms and conditions of flat sharing that both of you agree upon.

Over the first few days, you’d get to observe each other at close quarters. Keep incorporating suggestions like building a roster for sharing chores, deciding on bill payments, etc.

Keep in mind that both of you or all of you should be aware of what you’ve agreed upon and what responsibilities and accountabilities are binding on each flatmate.

Step 5 – The Alternative

If you prefer not to have total strangers as flatmates, you might want to consider inviting someone from your circle of friends to move in with you. Since you already know each other and are aware of their habits and quirks, it may make it a simpler and easier arrangement.

However, you constantly need to make efforts to ensure that you live together in harmony. Sharing space can be a lot of fun but it is ultimately your shared understanding with each other and the efforts you put in that will make sharing a flat/house an enjoyable experience.