What Do I Need to Know About House Sharing?
A house share is a great way to live cheaply by spreading the costs of living across multiple occupants. Though traditionally associated with students, it appeals to young people who are already working since it allows them to move out of their family home without having to take on all the costs at once. For more on your rights as a tenant, see our comprehensive handbook.
How Do House Shares Work?
House shares typically break down the costs of rent and bills so you are only paying for your share. The golden rules include: be considerate of housemates, pay fair rent and bills, and contribute to housework.
What To Consider with a House Share
- Know Your Budget — Understanding affordability helps narrow searches and account for deposit, waste, and broadband costs.
- What Kind of House Share You Want — Selecting compatible housemates reduces future stress significantly.
- Be Prepared for House Share Etiquette — Performing duties like cleaning, bill payment, and consideration prevents household tensions.
- Have a Moving Day in Mind — Advance preparation allows housemates to assist and helps ensure nothing is forgotten.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
Are House Shares a Good Idea?
Overall, a house share represents a great strategic move for most young people given high rents and unaffordable mortgage deposits.
What Are the Advantages of a House Share?
- Cheaper Rent and Bills — Everything is shared between you and the other occupants, the costs of living are split up and it gives you much more disposable income.
- Live in Nicer Places — Shared costs enable affording much nicer places with better furnishings and amenities than solo rentals.
- Housework Is Shared — Divided responsibilities free up your time considerably.
- Landlords Covered by Emergency Insurance — Protections exist against breakages and repairs and particularly in emergency situations.
- Improve Your Social Life — Living together helps expand your social circle and enables more social engagement.
What Are the Problems with a House Share?
- Inconsideration from Other Housemates — Different philosophies create friction; keep communication open to prevent animosity.
- Arguments — Disagreements can make the entire household's atmosphere tense and uncomfortable for everyone else.
- Financial Issues — Non-payment causes tensions; talk to your housemates so you can all decide on something together.
- Not Doing Housework — Laziness accusations arise; clean up after using the kitchen so someone else can use it immediately after you.
What Are the Different Types of House Share?
Sharing Between Two People
Sharing with one other person is probably the most common way you can do a house share. This arrangement suits friendships or couples but may limit property options and create risk if someone moves out.
Live-In Landlord
Living with the landlord at the property involves renting a room where the landlord resides. This arrangement can make your rent a lot cheaper, but you'll have to contend with being under the eye of your landlord the entire time.
Where Can I Find a House Share?
House shares appear almost anywhere on the internet or even advertised on the street.
What Rental Websites Can I Use for a House Share?
- Rent.ie — Enables searching by budget and location with personalised filters for students and professionals.
- Daft.ie — The standard place to go and look for properties posted online with customisable search filters.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
Questions to Ask When Viewing a House Share
When viewing, it is vital to probe a little bit to make sure that a certain place will be right for you.
10 Questions for House Share Viewings
- Did you all know each other before?
- How are chores divided up?
- How do you split the bills?
- Is there a schedule or a rota for housework?
- What is the rule about bringing friends round?
- How is the fridge arranged?
- Are there any pets allowed?
- Who pays for the cleaning stuff?
- Is there any tenants insurance?
- How often does the landlord visit?