Living with other people can lead to some lasting friendships. Alternatively, the experience can develop into your worst nightmare. A lot depends on preparation, communication and a bit of common sense.

Thoughtful screening of potential housemates and the agreement of some clear ground rules up front, can mean the difference between a welcoming home and just the place you live (but try to avoid). To make the most of the share living experience, check out our tips below:

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Locating a potential housemate

Whether you are looking to rent a room or find a housemate, a share accommodation service or housemate website is a good place to start. It can also be very effective to leave your details on the community notice board at your local shopping centres (or search these boards for people seeking a house/housemate).

Establishing whether you should live with friends or family

Best friends and family sometimes become the worst enemies when renting together. They say opposites attract, and the best of friends can have vastly different attitudes to many things when living together. Simple things like when you each wash up after dinner (there and then or the next morning), playing music or reducing energy consumption around the house can lead to built up resentments and potential blow ups. You have an advantage when screening friends as potential housemates: Consider carefully the things that bug you already about your nearest and dearest…these will be amplified tenfold in a share house.

Deciding whether you want to live with single/s or a couple

Often it’s a great idea to live with a couple. It can be cost effective as couples will cut down your share of the bills. Couples generally also do things together (like cooking, laundry and cleaning) where multiple housemates will often do their own thing (which can create queues for the kitchen or laundry). It is often helpful however, to establish some key things up front, for example, how long has your couple been together: If they are they used to living with each other you may avoid getting embroiled world war 3 if they are great lovers but incompatible room-mates.

Meeting your potential housemate/s

Meet somewhere public. Throughout the meeting, look out for signs of whether he or she feels safe and honest to you. Go prepared to discuss your key areas in this first meeting to get a real handle on their living habits as this will also give you an idea about their personality and sharing ‘values’.

Discussing contentious areas like sharing bathrooms, parking and ‘the fridge’

Comparing interests, daily habits etc. It’s important to clarify some details about each other before you take the plunge. You should establish with your new housemate:

• What is his/her typical work or study schedule?
• What temperature does he/she they think is comfortable? You may laugh but air-conditioning or heating has led to many a share houses’ demise
• Are they neat or ‘relaxed’? It’s a good idea to clarify what neat and untidy means to them (as people’s interpretation here differ greatly).
• What is he/she’s least favourite household shores and how to do they like share the load? If they are averse to cleaning or housework, you can suggest you clean every fortnight and they pay for a cleaner every other week.
• When should you both worry if the other is not home at a certain time? Establish a method of allaying any fears (This is especially pertinent if your housemate is female and works at night)
• Are you or they extra-sensitive to any odours or chemicals? Talk about gym etiquette, cleaning products or other triggers which may irritate you/them.
• Are they allergic to anything and/or do they have any dietary requirements (halal, celiac etc? This is particularly important if you are sharing pots and pans. (Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, pollen, smoke).
• How do they relax? Do they smoke, drink, or use any other kinds of recreational drugs?
• Are the particularly talkative or do they prefer to keep to themselves?
• If you are moving to a new house or apartment, what will their contribution the house be? It’s important to establish who has what, and where superfluous items (Eg: washing machines, fridges and sofas) will be stored.
• What kind of music do they listen to and, more importantly, will it be loud?
• How much TV do they watch? What do they watch? For example, will they want to watch sport constantly? If you hate sport, consider suggesting they have their own entertainment centre in their bedroom.
• Is he/she an early riser, night owl, light or heavy sleeper?
• Do they have a partner? Can you meet them? How often will they invite their partner around? Many arguments evolve when room-mates don’t disclose that their partner will be spending several nights a week in a share house. Still more arise when the partner doesn’t gel with you (or you don’t gel with them)

Aligning expectations

Finally, find out what your potential roommate expects out of the arrangement to assess how their expectations compare with yours. Some people want a roommate just as a way to cut the rent cost, with minimal interaction; some value the opportunity to make friends through a share arrangement. Make sure expectations match. Be honest about your personality traits when discussing things with potential room-mates: If you are anal…say so!

Horror Housemate ‘Types’

We’ve all had one. See some of our writer’s worst outlined in ‘types’ below:

The Facebooker

Social and enthusiastic, the ‘facebooker’ documents everything that’s happening in and outside the house. This is just annoying, until you are burgled on a week night.

The Personal Space Invader

Gregarious and caring, the ‘personal space invader’ seems too good to be true. When he starts bringing you tea in the shower, he probably is.

The ‘All Back To Mine Party Planner

A perennial party animal, the ‘all back to mine party planner’ invites everyone from the pub back for late night drinks. Things frequently go missing from the house.

The Couch Slug

A true homebody, the ‘couch slug’ never goes out, and is always on the couch watching TV (or worse) playing Playstation. Unless something shifts in the universe, your couch will never be your own again.

The Geek

Misunderstood and generally quiet, the ‘geek’ is frequently in hibernation. He is useful around technology and you’ll never pay too much for broadband, but beware the Star Trek marathon in the Lounge Room.

The Loungeroom Lothario

Talkative and poetic, the ‘loungeroom lothario’ just ‘loves women too much’, which is fine if he plays away. When you start becoming his concierge and personal answering service, it’s time to part ways.

The Borrower

Engaged and observant, the ‘borrower’ is interested in everything you have and do, and frequently compliments you on your good taste. When you notice him wearing your missing watch on Facebook, however, it’s time to cut your losses.

The Deep Fryer

Sluggish and grey in appearance, the ‘deep fryer’ won’t eat anything unless it’s deep fried and never changes the oil. He constantly smells of rancid oil and kippers, and unless someone moves out, you might too.