Living with Housemates: How to Maintain a Harmonious HMO

Living in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) can be a fantastic experience, offering affordability and a built-in social network. However, sharing a home with other young professionals also comes with challenges. Differences in schedules, lifestyles, and cleanliness standards can sometimes lead to tension if not managed properly.

So, how do you ensure a peaceful and enjoyable shared living experience? Here are some essential tips for maintaining harmony in an HMO.

1. Set Clear House Rules from the Start

The key to a well-functioning HMO is setting expectations early. Whether you’re moving in with strangers or friends, discussing house rules helps prevent misunderstandings.

A. Cleaning & Household Chores

·       A lot of HMO’s (like ours!) come with weekly communal cleans, but its good to agree on a cleaning schedule for shared spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room to keep ontop of these spaces between visits

·       Keep personal belongings out of common areas to maintain a tidy space.

B. Noise Levels & Consideration

·       Be mindful of noise, especially late at night or early in the morning.

·       Use headphones for music, gaming, or TV if others are sleeping or working from home.

·       Agree on quiet hours to respect different work and sleep schedules.

C. Guests & Overnight Visitors

Most tenancy agreements will give guidance on guest and visitor policy.

·       Discuss whether overnight guests need to be agreed upon in advance.

·       Be mindful of shared spaces, constant guests can disrupt house dynamics.

2. Communicate Openly and Respectfully

Clear communication is essential for a harmonious household. Issues often arise from assumptions rather than actual conflicts.

A. Use a House Group Chat

Create a WhatsApp group to discuss bills, cleaning, and house matters. This makes it easier to organize shopping, rent payments, and social plans.

B. Address Issues Early

If something bothers you, address it calmly and directly rather than letting it build up. Use statements instead of blame (e.g. I feel uncomfortable when dishes are left in the sink instead of you never clean up).

C. Respect Different Lifestyles

Not everyone will have the same social or work schedule. Be understanding if some housemates prefer quiet evenings while others are more social.

3. Sharing Spaces Without Conflict

Respecting common areas is crucial to maintaining harmony.

A. Kitchen Etiquette

·       Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink clean as you go.

·       Have a house ‘kitty’ to share the cost of essentials like washing up liquid, sponges, cooking oil.

B. Bathroom Courtesy

·       If you share a bathroom, agree on shower times to avoid clashes.

·       Don’t leave personal items all over the sink store them neatly.

·       Replace toilet paper and other shared essentials when needed.

C. Living Room & Shared Areas

·       Keep common areas clutter-free take personal belongings back to your room.

·       If you use shared entertainment like a TV or gaming console, be mindful of time so others can enjoy it too.

·       Be considerate with heating and electricity usage dont leave lights or appliances on unnecessarily.

4. Handling Conflicts

Even with the best intentions, conflicts can arise. The key is to address them constructively.

A. Avoid Passive Aggression

Leaving sticky notes or complaining to other housemates instead of speaking directly can create tension. Approach the person calmly instead.

B. Hold Regular House Meetings

If issues keep cropping up, schedule a house meeting to discuss them. This keeps everyone on the same page and allows for fair solutions.

C. If It’s a Major Issue, Speak to the Landlord

For serious problems like property maintenance or disruptive behaviour that doesn’t improve, involve the landlord or letting agent.

5. Making the Most of Shared Living

Living in an HMO can be more than just splitting rent, it’s also an opportunity to form friendships and create a positive home environment.

A. Plan Social Activities Together

·       Organize a house dinner or movie night occasionally.

·       Celebrate birthdays or milestones to build a sense of community.

·       Respect that not everyone will want to socialize all the time, and that’s okay.

B. Be a Good Housemate

·       If you borrow something, return it in the same condition.

·       Leave shared spaces clean and tidy after use

·       Offer to help when needed, whether its taking out the bins or grabbing shared groceries.

·       Show appreciation, sometimes a simple thank you goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Living with housemates in an HMO can be an enjoyable and cost-effective experience if approached with mutual respect, clear communication, and consideration for others. By setting boundaries, being mindful of shared spaces, and handling conflicts maturely, you can create a harmonious and positive living environment.

Are you currently living in an HMO? What strategies have worked for you in maintaining a good house dynamic? Share your experiences in the comments!