Basic rules for visitors to a share house

When you tell your friends that you live in a share house, they often become interested.
What are the basic rules for inviting friends to a share house?
I have summarized it in two points below.
1. Visitor rules 2. Visitor times and number restrictions

Rules for visitors

In most share houses, it is okay for friends and family to visit or stay overnight, but there are some share houses where only residents are allowed to enter, and some share houses have areas within the residence that you can and cannot enter.
Share houses that have entry restrictions within the residence are often dormitory-style share houses rather than those with individual rooms.

Share houses that restrict entry to non-residents do so for the following reasons:

-There is a risk of theft of equipment and personal belongings.
- It is easy to get into trouble with other tenants.
・(Properties for women only) For crime prevention purposes.
・(Property for women only) No one other than women is allowed to enter the property.

Also, due to the risk of trouble, some share houses allow friends but not romantic partners to enter the room.
If you plan to stay overnight, you may be charged an additional accommodation fee, so be sure to check with the manager or management company before moving in.

Restrictions on visitor times and numbers

Even in share houses that allow visitors, there are some that have restrictions on the times and number of people who can enter.
The times when entry is permitted will vary depending on the rules of the share house, but in share houses that do not allow overnight stays, entry is usually permitted only during silent time (around 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

In addition, most share houses have a limit of two people. Rules vary depending on the share house, so we recommend checking when viewing the property.

The importance of communication when visiting

What should you do if you actually end up inviting a friend to stay at your share house?
Below are two points to keep in mind when communicating with visitors.
1. The need for prior communication 2. Confirmation of rules between residents

The need for advance notice

When inviting friends to a share house, it is important to inform the other residents in advance and get their approval.
Specifically, let them know the date, time, number of people, and characteristics of your friends.

Even after you've let people know in advance, it's a good idea to let people you meet in common spaces on the day know again.
Other residents may become uneasy if there is an unfamiliar person in the common spaces, so be sure to give specific details about your friend.
Also, if you inform not only the tenant but also the manager or management company, it will be less likely to cause any problems later on.

When friends come to visit your share house, be sure to greet the other residents in the common areas.

Checking the rules between residents

In a shared house where visitors are allowed, it is important for tenants to check what the rules are.
Specifically, be sure to check the following points:

- Until what time can I use the shared space?
-Whether or not overnight stays are permitted.
If I smoke, where is the smoking area?
-How many people can enter the room?
It is important for both parties to have a common understanding in order to live comfortably together.
Also, if you are expecting guests, be sure to double-check to make sure they have not left any personal belongings in the common areas.

In addition to the rules regarding visitors, there are also unexpected troubles that can arise within a shared house.
Of course, you should follow the rules, but you should also communicate with other residents on a daily basis so that you can discuss anything if something happens.

Advice for those worried about trouble when guests come

Even if all residents of a shared house confirm the rules, problems may still arise.
Below are two points to note about problems that may occur when visiting.
1. Examples of problems and how to deal with them 2. Tips for residents to be aware of them

Trouble cases and their countermeasures

When friends come to a share house, common issues can easily arise, such as noise and how the common spaces are used.

There are many problems where other tenants complain because residents speak loudly in common spaces or private rooms, or leave common spaces without tidying up.

The most important thing to do to avoid trouble is to explain the rules of the share house to your friends and family before moving in, and to be careful about how you spend your time there.
However, if such a problem does occur, you should not only apologize directly to the tenant, but also inform the manager or operating company of the problem and ask them for their advice on what to do.

Points for residents to raise awareness among each other

Since multiple people live in one residence, consideration for each other is of utmost importance.
If there is an opportunity for all tenants to get together and discuss any rules that have become meaningless or are not in line with reality, then create rules that suit the current tenants' circumstances.
If you are unable to set up a meeting with all tenants to discuss the matter, you may want to consider consulting the manager or management company.
Let's be conscious of making the share house a place where everyone can live comfortably.

summary

Since multiple tenants live in one residence in a shared house, there may be more room for problems to arise.
However, in order to make life in a share house fun and mutually improving, it is important to follow the rules while you are in the share house and have fun within the rules.

If you can build good relationships not only with the residents but also with their friends, you may even be able to make new friends.
We hope this article will give you an opportunity to think about the rules for living in a share house and for visitors.