News and Inspiration
How much deposit can a landlord ask for?
A guide to deposits: How much deposit can a landlord ask for? Renting out a room as a landlord or finding suitable accommodation as a lodger can be a mutually beneficial arrangement, especially in the current rental market. However, it is important for both parties to understand the legal obligations and rights associated with deposits.…
Read MoreMeeting people in a new city
Moving to a new city can be an exciting but daunting experience, especially when you haven’t moved for a while, or feel that you haven’t met any new people in ages where you live right now. While the prospect of meeting new people may seem challenging, there are various avenues available to help you build…
Read MoreBBC Radio London House Share discussion
Jumoké Fashola of BBC Radio London speaks to Cohabitas Co-founder Nick Henley about renting in the capital, and how and why house sharing is becoming a topic of discussion among the over 45s. Includes lots of tips for saving money on your rent and bills, as well as some predictions for shared living in the…
Read MoreHow many lodgers can I have?
Many live-in landlords prefer to have only one lodger, but if you have a larger home and want to offer more rooms for rent, then the questions of how many lodgers you can legally have will arise. In the UK, HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) regulations apply to properties with three or more tenants who…
Read MoreKey flat sharing advantages and disadvantages
Flat sharing, or co-living, has become increasingly popular among people of all ages in recent years. While it is often associated with young people, there are many advantages to flat sharing for those aged 40 and over. Everyone has different expectations and needs, so here we explore the common advantages and disadvantages of flat sharing…
Read MoreHouse sharing is better than ‘right-sizing’.
Research by legal company Shakespeare Martineau, has found that the majority of people believe that rightsizing to a home that better suits their needs is either unaffordable or reserved for ‘when I get older’. The research, compiled from over 1,000 survey respondents and 20 in-depth interviews, showed that people aged 65+ were most likely to…
Read MoreThe building blocks of healthy living
When renting a room in a house share, or indeed buying a place to live, we bring with us both a conscious and unconscious set of requirements. But how about taking healthy living as a principle? We all know how our mood and general sense of well-being are affected by where we live. What do…
Read MoreHousemates who need each other
Apart from the fundamental house share exchange of needs, where one person needs a home and another has space in their property, there are so many housemate combinations that can make sense. You just have to find the right match. Here are some sharing combinations ot think about – update the sharing preferences on your…
Read MoreFree Premium membership for parents with children
If you are a parent with a child (under 16) looking for a room in a shared house or flat (a housemate), then finding a suitable house share is quite tricky. One of the best solutions is to find other mums and dads in a similar situation to ‘buddy-up’ and create a new house share.…
Read MoreA tiny room is impossible to share
Tiny rooms do not seem suited to house sharing, which balances two elements: privacy and community. So it was with horror that I read about micro apartments in Tokyo, which offers only one element – privacy. I can appreciate the joy of having your own private space, close to the city centre, having enjoyed several…
Read MoreSharing a hot meal together
Over the last few weeks I’ve felt slightly daunted by the prospect of high energy bills. So, as the nights draw in, I found myself preparing an evening meal for one (again); a cheese sandwich – the leftovers having run out. My kids joke that this is all I eat. Not true, I love to…
Read MoreLet’s talk about sharing bills
Do we really have to talk about sharing bills? Well, yes, we do! With energy bills increasing, many home-owners and flatmates are worried about how to pay additional costs. The large majority of flat share and house sharing agreements are inclusive of bills, so there is a real possibility of tensions growing between live-in landlords…
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