Flatmate Etiquette 101 – How to Make Shared Living Work

Sharing a flat with someone new can be fun—or frustrating. Even in premium localities like Indiranagar or Powai, shared living requires mutual respect, clarity, and communication. Many flatmate fallouts happen not due to major disagreements, but over unspoken expectations.

Here are essential etiquette rules to help you maintain harmony in your shared home.

Golden Rules of Shared Living

1. Respect Quiet Hours: Everyone has different work and rest cycles. Agree on silence hours, especially during late nights or early mornings.
2. Create a Chore Calendar: Weekly cleaning duties, garbage days, bathroom rotations—schedule everything to avoid passive-aggressive fights.
3. Split Bills Transparently: Use apps like Splitwise to record shared expenses—no surprises, no confusion.
4. Inform About Guests: A heads-up before hosting friends or overnight guests keeps everyone comfortable.
5. Don’t Take Food Without Asking: Especially not labeled or last items. Basic courtesy goes a long way.
6. Discuss Shared Expenses: Water cans, gas refills, Wi-Fi charges—communicate about who pays what.
7. Give Space & Privacy: Knock before entering. Don’t use others’ rooms or stuff without permission.
8. Celebrate Milestones: Birthdays, job promotions—small gestures build positive energy in the home.
9. Handle Conflicts Maturely: No ghosting or passive-aggression. Talk things out when needed.
10. Clean Up Common Areas: A clean kitchen, bathroom, and hall benefits everyone.

Good flatmate relationships don’t just happen—they’re built. Following these simple rules creates an atmosphere of trust and friendship. Flatscanner not only helps you find compatible roommates—it helps you start co-living on the right foot.