Top tips to consider when renting shared accommodation in Newcastle

Renting shared accommodation in Newcastle can be a great experience and this page includes a few helpful tips. 

Choosing the right housemate

House sharing can be great fun but it all depends on choosing the right housemates beforehand. You may be in a hurry to find a new housemate, but that's no reason to say 'yes' to the first person you find.

Bills and utilities

If bills and utilities are not included in your rent, then you're responsible for paying them. We'd recommend that on the day you move in, make sure you take readings from the gas and electricity meter and tell both your landlord and suppliers the readings. If you don't do this, you could end up footing the bill for the previous tenants. If only one person's name appears on the bills, remember that person will be liable to pay them, so be sure to double check that you're not the only one named on the bills.

Cleaning

It's always best to write up a rota when living in shared accommodation in Newcastle. That way everyone knows their responsibilities and no-one ends up feeling like they're constantly cleaning the toilets six times in a row. To save arguments when renting shared accommodation, we recommend making a kitty with everyone paying a monthly contribution to cover all household necessities including cleaning equipment, loo roll, and general items that everyone in the house uses.

Compatibility

When considering moving into shared accommodation in Newcastle, it's important to take into account if you are going to be compatible with your fellow housemates. This could be in terms of general interests, hobbies, or your lifestyle overall. It's helpful to find people who are alike, as it means that they will likely be easier to get on with, and therefore there'll be fewer awkward silences to fill when you’re all together.

When living in shared accommodation, you should also be mindful of those you are living with. This means keeping noise to a minimum, cleaning up after yourself in communal areas, and communicating any intentions of having guests over to your housemates. These rules apply to all tenants living in a shared accommodation. 

If for whatever reason you and your housemates are not compatible and disputes start to become an issue, this cannot be handled by the Seekers team. All interpersonal issues and anti-social behaviour must be dealt with internally between you and your housemates. 

The location of your property will also play a big part in this too, as those who prefer a quieter life would likely prefer our rentals in Sandyford, or student houses in Heaton, whereas social butterflies tend to flock towards places which are more vibrant in nightlife, like our properties in Jesmond and our accommodation in Newcastle City Centre.

To find out more, or if you've got any questions, please email us at enquiries@seekersproperty.co.uk