What kinds of problems can occur in a shared house? We'll introduce the causes, specific examples, and solutions!

Main causes of problems in shared housing

Differences in values ​​and lifestyles

• What one person considers "normal everyday sounds" might be perceived as "noisy" by another.
• Due to differences in lifestyle rhythms between night owls and early risers, noises late at night or early in the morning can be stressful.

• If some residents have the attitude of "I don't mind a little dirt," other residents may find it unpleasant.
• If there is a mismatch in expectations regarding things like taking out the trash and cleaning, managing common areas becomes difficult.

• For example, dishes using strong spices or dietary restrictions related to specific religious beliefs can lead to differences in smells and how shared spaces are used.
• Conflict can arise between people from cultures that do not drink alcohol and those who enjoy drinking.

Inadequate enforcement of rules

• Even if you're told "don't make noise," the problem arises when it's unclear what level of noise is acceptable.
• If cleaning duties aren't assigned to specific people, the burden will fall disproportionately on a few individuals.

• They don't follow the designated garbage collection schedule.
• They ignore the designated usage time for shared spaces and use the shower for extended periods.

• If there is a slow response when a problem occurs, dissatisfaction among residents will grow.
• If rule violations go unaddressed, the problem will escalate.

Lack of communication

• Problems tend to accumulate, such as "I'm bothered by the noise, but it's hard to say anything" or "I'm unhappy with how the shared spaces are being used, but it's hard to tell them to stop."
• By the time you realize it, the problem has become quite large.

• When residents don't interact much with each other and don't even know each other's faces, it becomes difficult to express dissatisfaction.
• Conversely, being too close and interfering with each other can also be a problem.

• In shared houses with many foreigners, language barriers can lead to communication problems and frequent rule violations.

Ambiguity in the rules for using shared spaces

• Leaving dishes in the sink after cooking instead of cleaning up.
• They use the food in the refrigerator without permission.

• Using the shower for extended periods during the busy morning hours prevents other residents from using it.
• No one cleans the toilets, so they become unsanitary.

• It was left unattended for a long time, making it unusable for the next person.
• The washing machine is used unevenly, and certain people are unable to use it freely.

Specific examples of problems that occur in shared housing and how to deal with them

Noise problems (everyday noises, loud noises)

• Everyday sounds: Sounds that occur unconsciously in daily life, such as footsteps, doors opening and closing, conversations, and alarm sounds.
• Artificial sounds: Sounds that are intentionally produced, such as loud television or music, online meetings, or musical instrument performances.

• The TV and music are too loud: Some residents have made it a habit to enjoy watching TV or listening to music at high volumes.
• Noises tend to carry easily, especially at night and in the early morning, and can disturb the sleep of other residents.
• Footsteps and door opening/closing noises can be loud: Depending on the building of the shared house, soundproofing may be poor, and everyday noises may be heard in the rooms below or next door.
• Footsteps late at night or early in the morning, and the sound of doors slamming shut can also be stressful.
• Online meetings and phone calls echo: With the recent increase in remote work, more residents are holding online meetings during the day. However, in shared houses with thin walls, conversations can be easily overheard, sometimes leading to problems.
• Frequent alarm sounds: Alarm sounds that go off repeatedly in the early morning or late at night can be a source of stress for other residents.

• Choose a property with good soundproofing (thick walls, carpeting, etc.).
• Check whether the company managing the shared house has taken measures to reduce noise.

• Set rules such as keeping the volume of the TV and music down at night (e.g., after 10 PM).
• We recommend using earphones and avoid listening through speakers.

• If the noise is bothering you, tell them directly (but in a calm tone).
• If you find it difficult to say it directly, you can consult with the property management company and ask them to indirectly bring the matter to their attention.

• Use earmuffs or earplugs.
• At night, wear slippers and close doors quietly to minimize noise.

Violations of etiquette in shared spaces

• Prolonged use of the bathroom and toilet: Using the shower for extended periods causes other residents to wait. This is especially common in the mornings and evenings, and overlapping usage times can easily lead to dissatisfaction.
• Kitchen etiquette violations: Leaving dishes and cooking utensils unwashed prevents others from using them. It also monopolizes refrigerator space, leaving no room for other residents' food.
• Failure to follow washing machine usage rules: Washing machines become crowded on weekends, resulting in waiting times. If residents leave their laundry unattended, others cannot use the machines.

• Set a guideline for shower time, such as limiting it to 15 minutes per person.
• I label the food items in the refrigerator to keep track of them.
• The washing machine will be operated on a reservation system, and its usage time will be managed.

• Establish cleaning rules for common areas and conduct regular inspections.
• Make kitchen and bathroom rules visible and raise awareness.

• If rule violations continue, a forum will be set up for residents to discuss the matter amongst themselves.
• If you find it difficult to speak up directly, consult with the management company to indirectly encourage improvements.

Problems arising from lending and borrowing money

• Small loans can escalate into trouble: Simple requests like "I don't have any change, can you lend me some?" can lead to unreturned loans and strained relationships.
• Ambiguous burden of shared purchase costs: In shared housing, it is necessary to purchase shared items such as detergent and toilet paper, but it is often unclear who is responsible for paying for them.
• Theft of valuables: In some cases, residents leave their wallets or cash in common areas and become victims of theft.

• Clearly define the rule: "We will not lend or borrow money."
• Avoiding monetary transactions between residents helps prevent problems.

• We will create a system that allows for smooth payment by utilizing apps such as LINE Pay.
• A system where the operating company manages all consumables and includes them in the rent is also effective.

• Do not leave valuables in shared spaces; store them in a locked box.
• If theft occurs, report it immediately to the operating company.

Crimes such as theft, harassment, and fraud

• I forgot to lock my room door when I went out, and my wallet and electronic devices were stolen.
• Food and daily necessities left in the common area were used without permission.
• There are residents who use other people's belongings without permission.

• Other residents persistently talk to me and follow me around.
• There is someone among the residents who is secretly filming and eavesdropping.
• There are inappropriate remarks and actions towards members of the opposite sex.

• Residents exploit the trust they have with each other to solicit investment schemes or network marketing businesses.
• I was approached by a religious group and, unable to refuse, was persuaded to join.
• Residents approach you with the intention of swindling you out of money.

• It is important that a trustworthy management company conducts background checks on residents.
• In cases where the residents' backgrounds are unknown, the risk of crime increases, so caution is necessary.

• Always lock your room door (using a lockable locker is also recommended).
• Do not leave valuables unattended in common areas.
• Solicitation and lending/borrowing of money are prohibited in principle.

• Security cameras will be installed in common areas and entrances.
• We will establish a system that allows for immediate reporting to the operating company in the event of any problems.

Problems arising from cultural differences

• Table manners differ (e.g., eating noisily, eating with hands).
• Shower usage differs (unlike in Japan, where there isn't a culture of keeping bathrooms clean).
• They don't follow the rules for sharing the refrigerator (using other people's food, exceeding their designated space).

• They don't understand Japanese, so they can't understand the rules.
• Minor misunderstandings can sometimes escalate into major problems.

• The rules for using shared spaces will be posted in multiple languages.
• Clearly instruct users on how to use the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen.

• We hold regular exchange meetings to create opportunities to learn about each other's cultures.
• To reduce language barriers, we communicate using simple English and gestures.

• I chose a shared house designed for international exchange, and I live in an environment that acknowledges cultural differences.

Guests' violation of rules

• Unannounced visitors: Bringing acquaintances without informing the residents can create distrust.
• Monopolizing shared spaces: A friend occupies the kitchen or living room for extended periods, preventing other residents from using them.
• Noise problem: Visitors make noise until late at night, disturbing other residents.

• We will implement a system requiring visitors to register in advance.
• Prohibit overnight stays, or clearly define the rules for overnight guests.

• We will station management staff within the shared house to prevent rule violations.
• If you'd like to learn more about the rules and how to avoid problems when inviting friends to your shared house, please see this article.

Trouble caused by not following the rules

• Failure to follow cleaning schedules: Common areas become dirty because some people don't do their assigned cleaning duties.
• Failure to follow the bathing schedule: Occupying the bathroom for extended periods at night, preventing other residents from using it.

• A duty roster will be created so that all residents know who is in charge.

• If rule violations continue, the operating company will issue a warning.

Cross House's efforts to address problems in shared housing

Measures to prevent theft, harassment, and fraud

• The submission of identification documents will be made mandatory, and identity verification will be thoroughly implemented.
• Check for any ties to anti-social forces.
• Check if there is a history of problems in previous shared housing.

• Security cameras are installed in common areas and entrances to monitor for suspicious activity.
• It can be used as evidence in the event of a problem, enabling a swift response.

• We have established a system to accept trouble reports from residents at any time.
• In the event of theft, harassment, or fraud, we will respond immediately and cooperate with the police as necessary.

• At Cross House, house supporters and staff regularly inspect properties to ensure safety.
• We check the management status of common areas and the relationships between residents, and respond quickly if any problems arise.
• If a resident feels uneasy, staff will provide direct support.

Measures to prevent problems caused by cultural differences

• House rules are provided in Japanese, English, and Chinese upon move-in.
• Instructions on how to use the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are provided through multilingual signs.
• Clearly define waste sorting rules to prevent confusion caused by cultural differences.

• Welcome parties and social events are held regularly to foster camaraderie among residents.
• To provide opportunities for language exchange and intercultural understanding, and to maintain good relationships among residents.

Efforts to prevent violations of visitor rules

• Overnight stays are prohibited (however, exceptions may be made with prior application).
• It will be mandatory to notify residents in advance of any visitors coming to common areas.
• Visits late at night are prohibited to prevent noise problems.

• A "Guest Rules Guide" will be provided upon move-in to ensure everyone understands the rules.
• If a rule violation is discovered, the operating company will take strict action and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Measures to prevent problems caused by not following the rules

• Post cleaning duty rosters and bathroom schedules in common areas to create an environment where all residents can follow the rules.
• If rule violations continue, a warning will be issued, and if no improvement is seen, eviction will be considered.

• If a resident does not follow the rules, the management staff will directly instruct them to prevent trouble.
• The management company acts as a mediator to resolve disputes, thus preventing conflicts between residents.

• We regularly dispatch professional cleaning staff to maintain a hygienic environment in common areas.
• We have introduced a system to reduce the burden on residents and decrease conflicts.

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