Rapid Re-Housing Housemate Upsides and Downsides

September 10, 2014  |  Toolkits and Training Materials

This tool, developed by Advocates for Human Potential, Inc, can be used to help clients in considering if having a housemate would be a good option from them.

Do I want a housemate?

Having a housemate has upsides and downsides. Here are some things to consider.

Upsides of Having a Housemate

  • It might be the only way to afford to live in an apartment.
  • You can split the cost of rent and utilities.
  • You can share chores like cleaning.
  • A housemate can be a support and companion.
  • Most people live with other people – it’s a “normal” thing to do.
  • A housemate may have “stuff” you don’t have.
  • OTHER:

Downsides of Having a Housemate

  • You have to rely on someone else for their share of the costs like rent and utilities.
  • You may not like how they do things, their “style,” behavior, or attitudes.
  • Their problems can become your problems.
  • You may not like their friends.
  • You have less privacy because you have to share common areas such as kitchen and living room.
  • You have to figure out how to deal with disagreements and differences.
  • OTHER: