Rule #1
The golden rules of cohabitation
To live together peacefully: 10 simple rules for shared housing, flat-sharing and intergenerational cohabitation.
Living together without tension: clear rules from day one
Conflicts in cohabitation often arise from misunderstandings or unclear expectations. These shared living rules help create a respectful framework, whether you are a host, guest, or involved in housing in exchange for services.
Clarity
Simple, shared rules
Trust
A written agreement + dialogue
Peace of mind
Respect for privacy and daily rhythms
The 10 golden rules of cohabitation
Respect, communication and balance for peaceful shared living.
Rule #2
Respect others’ property
Rule #3
Maintain a healthy atmosphere
Rule #4
Inform others of unusual activities
Rule #5
Respect everyone’s lifestyle
Rule #6
Respect privacy
Rule #7
Create shared moments
Rule #8
Talk things through when issues arise
Rule #9
Keep shared spaces pleasant
Rule #10
Be supportive
Safety & trust: best practices
A successful cohabitation relies on transparency and communication. Our safety guide and ethical charter help you build trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a contract mandatory? +
A written contract is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It clarifies the accommodation, duration, services, schedule, charges, house rules, insurance and conditions for ending the arrangement.
A written document does not automatically solve every legal issue, but it reduces misunderstandings and provides a useful reference if a disagreement occurs.
Do I need to pay anything before visiting the accommodation? +
No. You should never pay to “reserve” accommodation before meeting the host and checking that the accommodation exists. A payment request before a visit is a warning sign.
Keep the exchange traceable, do not send money through unusual channels and report the profile if someone insists or pressures you.
Which rules should be set at the start of cohabitation? +
From the start, agree on rules that affect daily life: schedules, noise, guests, cleaning, kitchen, bathroom, storage, pets, private spaces, charges, services and exit conditions.
These rules should not remain implicit. What seems obvious to one person may not be obvious to another. A written agreement prevents many misunderstandings.
Which type of contract should I choose? +
The appropriate document depends on the situation: free accommodation, furnished rental, intergenerational solidarity cohabitation, home-for-services arrangement or employment-like framework. There is no universal contract for every case.
Before signing, check whether the document matches the real arrangement: value of accommodation, services, duration, charges, hours and degree of organisation.
Can I bring someone with me to a visit? +
Yes. You may come accompanied, and it can be a good safety reflex, especially for a first meeting. Tell the host in advance that someone will come with you.
You can also share the address, time and name of the person you are meeting with someone you trust. If the situation feels wrong, you can leave.
Should a shared-house rulebook be prepared? +
Yes, it is useful whenever a home is shared. A rulebook does not need to be complex, but it should cover frequent friction points: cleaning, guests, noise, equipment use, storage spaces and respect for private rooms.
The rules must be realistic and accepted by everyone. They can evolve if daily life shows that something was not precise enough.