Top-tips for being a considerate flat-mate.

Noise

We can all do our bit in helping to reduce noise nuisance to others. Of course, some noise is unavoidable but there are lots of simple ways to avoid disturbing others. Read on to find out how you can be a ‘top’ house-mate…

• Try to reduce the effect of noise from your TV and Stereo by moving them away from your neighbour’s walls. If you live with people beneath you, raise your TV, stereo and speakers off the floor.
• Top Tip If you can hear your music from outside the room, so can everyone else! Consider headphones and observe the time in which you are playing your music, remember there is legislation which stipulates what times noise can be made and your tenancy agreement will include not being a nuisance to neighbours.
• Try to keep the volume of your TV and music as low as possible. Set your hi-fi bass control at a low level- the bass beat can be particularly irritating.
• If you play a musical instrument, consider practising it at a reasonable time and not early in the morning or during the late evening or night when the noise could be most disruptive.
• Top Tip Speak to neighbours & flat-mates to advise them when you are likely to practise an instrument. Respect their concerns; you may decide to agree on certain days or times.
• Warn your neighbours if you are going to make unavoidable noise- having a party for example. Its considerate to inform them face to face, giving them plenty of notice.
• Be aware of others when returning home late at night, close doors quietly, remove shoes and refrain from shouting.

Top tips to help improve communication in the house

Disputes often start over a small issue. It is best to try and resolve disputes at an early stage to prevent problems from escalating. The tips below should help resolve disputes at an early stage.

• If you are responsible for the utility bills (check your tenancy agreement) share the costs between you. Tenants of a property are jointly responsible for the cost of the energy they use. The names of all tenants in the property should be given to the utility companies as soon as you move in.
• Top Tip It’s only fair to contribute to your share of the bills. Discuss this early on and agree how all bills will be paid. Budget plans often work well- speak to your supplier.
• Share the chores. Tenants of a property are jointly responsible for the cleaning of the communal areas in the house. It’s important to keep these areas in a reasonable standard as Unipol carry out inspections throughout the year. All tenants can have their deposits deducted if properties are left unclean.
• Top Tip Draw up a cleaning rota or an agreement which includes everyone (Unipol can assist with this). If some of you leave the accommodation before the end- date of the tenancy, hang on to your keys and agree a day for you all to return to clean the house together.
• Have a chat with your flat-mate before you get angry or upset. If you or your flat-mate have been drinking, it may be better to wait until the next day and calmly and politely explain the problem you experienced.
• Top Tip Remain calm and friendly. Do not threaten to retaliate or wait until you are at the end of your tether. Do not be ashamed to say how much it has upset you or be afraid to make your own views clear.
• Think about having a house meeting. Having everyone together at one time is a good idea to help restore communication. Be open to listening, expressing feelings and compromising. Do not assume that the first solutions you come up with will be the best. Be reasonable – if your neighbour offers to make concessions, see if you can do the same.
• Top Tip Unipol can help with arranging a house meeting. Prepare some issues you wish to raise in advance. Think about how you would like the situation to be in the future and keep to issues that are currently relevant.

And finally, all households will suffer the normal stresses & strains of its busy occupants at some point. People have different views about levels of cleanliness, expectations and different lifestyles. If you are a good communicator, are willing to listen, you have the chance that it will be a happier house for all concerned.