Embarking on the journey of renting your first bedroom in your house is similar to stepping into a world that is filled with both excitement and apprehension.
Much like residing in an apartment building, the rented bedroom becomes your sanctuary, your private unit, while the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas evolve into communal areas for all to enjoy.
Week 1: The Adjustment Phase
The first week is largely about adapting and getting used to the new reality. Transitioning from a space that once was all yours where you could walk around naked, to sharing common areas can be a steep learning curve that needs to happen quickly.
Because walking out of your bedroom with your ass exposed can make for an awkward conversation on your way to the bathroom.
This period is characterized by cautious exploration and hesitant interactions with fellow housemates, as everyone begins to learn each other’s routines and habits.
During this time, a wide variety of emotions—excitement, apprehension, and curiosity—becomes your constant companion.
Want to know how to make a new tenant feel welcomed?
Do what I do and start a tradition. I usually buy pizza for the whole house. It’s a nice ice breaker and it doesn’t cost much.
People over and over tell me it was the free pizza days that I include in my listing description that caught their eye.
Once people actually experience bonding over pizza, you might have just turned a short term stay, into a long term tenant, and maybe even a lifelong friend.
Week 2: Building Rapport
The second week is pivotal in fostering relationships. Simple gestures like a friendly ‘hello’ or sharing a meal can go a long way in creating a harmonious living environment.
Interpersonal dynamics play a crucial role in shared housing, and this week is usually about learning the art of small talk, negotiating common space usage, as well as establishing and reinforcing house rules.
Week 3: Striking a Balance
By the third week, sharing a house starts feeling more like a rhythm and less like a hurdle.
The exploration of shared interests, discussion about cleanliness and shared responsibilities, and adherence to established norms lead to a relatively balanced lifestyle.
Mutual respect for privacy and communal living standards are fundamental, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and heard.
Week 4: Settling In
The fourth week is about settling in and developing a sense of belonging.
You begin to recognize the house not merely as a dwelling but as a community, a collection of individuals bound by shared spaces and experiences.
Your bedroom remains your retreat, your private enclave, but the common areas become spaces of interaction and camaraderie.
Shared Spaces as Community Amenities
When renting a bedroom in a shared house, viewing common areas as community amenities can make the transition smoother.
Just as residents in an apartment building do not have individual ownership of the gym or the pool, individuals in a shared house have collective responsibility for and rights to the kitchen, bathrooms, and living area.
If you make people feel welcomed, they will stay longer. It’s simple.
I see so many listings that exclude use of the kitchen or the laundry room and even charge for the wifi.
Now I know why their rooms are priced $100 less per month and they’re still vacant long after I’ve found a new tenant and started making money again.
Financial Stability over Privacy
Renting a bedroom can significantly reduce living expenses, allowing for savings and financial security.
However, this comes with the implicit understanding of sacrificing some level of privacy.
It’s essential to recognize and appreciate the trade-off between the financial benefits and the privacy relinquished in shared living spaces.
What do you want more?
Be able to walk around with your love handles out…
Or
Sacrifice some privacy to change your life forever.
The decision is yours.
Navigating the Challenges
Building a sense of community and sharing responsibilities are often the most significant challenges of shared living.
Open communication, mutual respect, and cooperation are critical in resolving disputes and maintaining a peaceful coexistence.
Creating cleaning expectations, discussing visitors, and setting quiet hours are practical steps to ensure a harmonious living environment.
Discuss the important stuff up front and you give yourself the best shot at enjoying this new adventure.
Building Lasting Relationships
Beyond financial advantages, shared living also presents opportunities to forge lasting friendships.
The shared experiences, community activities like pizza days, and everyday interactions can lead to meaningful connections, enriching your life beyond the tangible benefits of shared housing.
Because I’ve lived with over 30 people in the last few years, I’ve met people and formed lasting friendships I wouldn’t have otherwise.
From Brazil to China and everywhere in between, the connections I’ve made have left a lasting mark for the better.
It’s not just the bank account that’s grown, my heart has grown just as much.
The Learning Curve
The first month of renting your first bedroom is undeniably a learning experience, filled with adjustments, discoveries, and relationship-building.
It teaches you the value of compromise, the importance of open dialogue, and the beauty of shared experiences. It might feel daunting initially, but with time, patience, and effort, it can lead to a rewarding and enriching living experience.
In essence, navigating the waters of shared living is about balance, respect, and understanding.
It’s about learning to coexist harmoniously in shared spaces while relishing the privacy of your bedroom, all while paving the way for financial freedom and even lifelong friendships.
Onward 🫡
Want to learn how to get started?
Email me at edgar@edgarescoto.com or text me 310.774.7992 and I will show you step by step how to turn your empty rooms into monthly rent for life. I’ll answer any one question for free. Onward!
