How to maintain privacy while living with a roommate

Living with a roommate has many advantages, but privacy is often a common concern for homeowners. So, we've listed our top tips to help you keep your space feeling comfortable…

1. Set boundaries

• Private spaces: Let your roommate know which areas are off-limits, such as your bedroom or home office.
• Shared spaces: You could try chatting about kitchen times during the busy dinner hours so you both get a stress-free chance to cook. For example, if you usually make dinner around 6-7 p.m., just let your roommate know so they can plan around it. You could also pick a few laundry days each week so the washing machine's free when either of you needs it.
• Cleaning: Keep shared spaces tidy, and make sure any communal cookware and utensils are cleaned and put away for the next person to use. Read more advice on cleaning.

2. Separate amenities

• Bathrooms: This can help maintain privacy and make daily routines more convenient. If having separate bathrooms isn't an option, have a conversation about when each of you needs to be ready so your shower times don't clash.
• Allocate storage space: Give your roommate designated shelves or cupboards so they can fully unpack and feel at home (also helps to prevent clutter).
• Work from home space: If you both work from home and need to take calls, talk about it early on so you're not getting in each other's way. Setting clear work spots helps keep things private and comfortable. You could create a work-from-home set up in their room, for example by providing a desk and a comfortable chair. Read more about roommates and working from home.

3. Communication

• Communicate openly: If you want to cook a special meal or have guests over, give your roommate a heads-up so they can plan accordingly.
• Handle conflicts early: If you start to feel that the kitchen or washing machine is always occupied when you need it, speak to them about it. A polite conversation can prevent frustration from building up over time.

4. Respect your roommates privacy

• Privacy goes both ways: Just as you expect your roommate to respect your personal space, you should extend the same courtesy to them. Avoid entering their room or personal areas, and respect their boundaries.

5. Agree on rules for guests

• Have a chat about how often guests can come over, how many people feel comfortable, and what's okay when it comes to overnight stays. It just helps keep things easy and clear for both of you. Read more advice on overnight guests.

6. Manage noise levels

• Noise can easily affect each other's privacy, so try to keep things quiet when needed. You could look into small fixes like soundproofing or simply agree on some quiet hours. Read more about how to resolve noise concerns.

7. Written agreement

Write up a simple rental agreement that covers things like house rules and privacy, so everything's clear and there are no misunderstandings later on.

Living peacefully with a roommate really comes down to good communication, mutual respect, and setting a few clear boundaries. By chatting all this through early on and agreeing to some simple rules for shared spaces, you can make the place feel comfortable for both of you.