Sharing a flat with other young internationals has become the most popular renting option in the biggest cities in Europe - including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Milan, Florence etc.

And it’s, mostly, all about perks! This way students and young professionals not only get to live with their best friends or meet other internationals, but also reduce the costs of adult life and can start saving while being independent.

This article is for the newbies, those who are about to live a flat-sharing experience in their own country or abroad. However, even if you are an experienced roomie, you may want to keep reading and give us your feedback or jump to the next article!

Our beginner guide to flat-sharing starts with telling you what exactly is a flat-share: as easy as it sounds, it consists of two or more people living under the same roof (but hey, we are not talking about couples or families).

In this case, you will have your own room and share the common areas, such as the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room.
All the tenants usually live accordingly to house rules which you can decide together or established by a landlord or real-estate agency. 

Why choose a flat-share solution?

Flat-sharing is the best way to cut down living expenses (for those who want/need to leave their parents house), split the bills and also get to live in a really cool place. Why? Well, if you don’t have a huge budget, by splitting the apartment rental fee among several tenants, you could choose a nice apartment in the best neighbourhoods in town.

How to find the perfect flat-share solution?

Nowadays there are plenty of people (especially young ones) looking for this type of housing solutions all over the world. You will be able to find uncountable places where to look for an entire apartment for you and your friends, for a room for rent in a shared flat (in case you’re on your own) or even for flatmates.

Traditional agencies, Facebook groups, room for rent websites, or housing platforms connecting tenants and landlords.

Things to know before you rent a room in a shared flat

Before you get started with your flat-hunting, here we have a few tips for you.

When renting your first property, the agency or the landlord may ask you to provide some specific information and documents. It may vary depending on the housing solution: for entire apartments the information usually has to be more specific while for renting a room you don’t need much things.

When renting an apartment, you will probably need to show a landlord reference or, since it’s your first time, a proof of your bank statements, your income and proof of employment and your ID.

Moreover, if you decide to go for an entire apartment, remember you have some costs and things to keep in mind: 

- Monthly rent

- Deposit (+ Agency fee, if it’s through an agency)

- Choose the providers and subscribe to a contract for these services: electricity, water, gas, Internet.

Therefore, we usually suggest going for a room for rent instead! It’s easier to get for young international students and you will have more fun meeting other people just like you. 

For example, at helpHousing, beside the ID and the basic personal data, we don’t ask for proof of employment or university enrollment.

And you have to check out the balance in your online account to pay the rental fee and the bills, while we take care of anything (Internet services, electricity providers, maintenance and weekly cleaning service)

Basic variables to choose your next flat-share:

1. Budget: this has to be the first filter for your research.

2. Location: do you want to live close to your university/office or in the city centre? Read articles, collect information about the city, the neighbourhoods, ask for opinions on Facebook groups. 

3. Public transportation: if you don’t have a car or a personal transport, make sure the area you choose counts with a good public transport and several connections (both for your daily duties and for the fun when going out at night!).

A few more tips...

And now we have a few tips for our soon-to-be tenant before you start your first flat-sharing adventure!

1. Don’t rush your decision about the room/apartment!

2. Ask information about your flatmates.

3. Make sure you know everything about the room and apartment (which services are included in the price, the furniture, etc.)

4. Read carefully the contract and the cancellation policies before signing anything and paying any amount.

5. Make sure you have all the documentation required.

6. Always keep a folder with the rental contract, the bills, other important papers, etc.

7. Enjoy your housing experience!

And oh, in case you’re going to live in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Milan or Florence, feel free to check out our rooms for rent in those cities. We will be more than happy to help you in a customised housing journey and give you the best experience abroad!