What questions should you ask before agreeing to live together?

Sharing a room is a popular and convenient way to reduce the cost of renting a house in Calgary, as well as to find new friends and support in a big city. However, in order to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, it is very important to discuss key issues with potential neighbors or roommates in advance. This will help you understand whether this accommodation option is right for you and whether your lifestyles match. Below is a list of the main topics and issues to discuss before agreeing to live together in Calgary.

1. Living conditions and payment.

• What is the rent and what does it include? Find out how much you have to pay each month, if utilities, internet, parking, etc. are included.
• How are the utility bills distributed? It is important to know who pays for electricity, water, gas, and internet and how.
• What is the amount of the deposit? Is it refundable upon departure and under what conditions?
• What are the terms of the lease agreement? Is there a written agreement, the lease term, and early termination rules?

2. Lifestyle and habits.

• Daytime and work schedule:** Do the roommates have nighttime jobs or do they like to be quiet in the evening?
• Smoking, alcohol consumption, guests:** Whether smoking is allowed in the apartment, how often guests come over, and how they feel about parties.
• Pets:** If anyone has pets, are they allowed to keep them.
• Cleanliness and order:** What are the expectations for cleaning the common areas.

3. Personal space and privacy.

• Do roommates respect personal space?
• Are there general rules for using the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room?

4. Safety and responsibility

• Who is responsible for the security of the home? Is there an alarm system, locks, and do all roommates have keys?
• How are conflicts resolved? Is there an agreement on joint problem solving?
• Are roommates willing to comply with fire safety and other regulations?

5. Communication and interaction.

• How often and in what way do roommates communicate? Are they open to discussions or do they prefer to avoid conflicts?
• Is there an agreement to have regular meetings or discussions about living arrangements?

6. Logistics and household issues

• How is cleaning organized? Is there a schedule for who cleans what?
• Distribution of responsibilities around the house:** purchase of household goods, garbage collection.
• Use of common resources:** Internet, TV, washing machine.

7. Duration of stay and possibility of changes

• How long do you plan to live together?
• Is it possible to replace a roommate if necessary?

Where can I find more information and help?

There are many resources for newcomers and those looking for housing or roommates in Calgary. For example, the official Newcomer's Guide provides useful information on housing, utilities, emergency numbers and social programs. There are also local organizations that help immigrants and new residents to adapt and find housing.

Conclusion

The right approach to finding roommates and discussing key issues before living together will help to avoid many problems and make life in Calgary comfortable and safe. Do not hesitate to ask important questions, be open and honest - this is the basis for harmonious cohabitation.