Living in a Co-living Space: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving to a different city can be an exhilarating adventure full of exploring new locations, meeting new people, and participating in various activities. Nonetheless, the main challenge lies in finding a suitable place to live. Mumbai, for example, is well-known for its costly housing, which could impede someone’s desire to reside in a vibrant urban area. 

In order to address the problem of exorbitant housing costs, people often turn to the traditional practice of sharing living space with others, which is commonly known as having roommates. However, a new trend in housing called “coliving” gives this practice a modern twist. Some liken coliving to communal living or dormitory life, but some individuals are unsure of how it differs from the traditional roommate arrangement.

The differences include:

• Community – Coliving spaces promote a sense of community and social involvement among inhabitants that may not exist with conventional roommates who may not have the same degree of social interaction or interests.
• Management – In general, coliving arrangements are overseen by a professional company, whereas traditional roommates are accountable for managing their own household.
• Shared Amenities – Coliving apartments usually offer a greater number of shared amenities like kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces, in contrast to traditional roommates who may have fewer resources to share.

Coliving is a well-organized lifestyle that prioritizes forming a community and cultivating shared experiences, whereas living with roommates is a more informal setup with minimal attention given to community development.

This comprehensive guide covers all the essential information about coliving and helps you decide whether it’s a good option to explore during your apartment search. Let’s delve into it.

• What is the concept of Coliving?
• How Do Rent Payments Work?
• What’s included in the rent?
• Pros of Coliving?
• Cons of Coliving?
• Is Coliving for me?
• Final thoughts  

What is concept of Coliving?

Co-working may be familiar to you, but there’s a fresh idea called co-living that’s becoming more popular. This concept, like co-working spaces, addresses the ongoing problem of affordable housing and is rapidly gaining traction among young city dwellers around the globe. 

Coliving is a new way of living, where people share living spaces and common areas with others, usually unknown to them before, but with whom they share values, interests and attitude towards the world. Coliving spaces are designed to provide a perfect balance between privacy and community. Each resident has their own private room, and sometimes even their private bathroom, while at the same time, there are common areas where residents can work, socialize and relax, without feeling isolated. The spaces are often equipped with everything one might need, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, laundry rooms, and high-speed internet. One of the biggest advantages of coliving is the sense of belonging and community that comes with it. 

Coliving also has a positive impact on the environment. It encourages resource sharing, which helps reduce waste and promotes sustainable living. It also promotes a healthier lifestyle as there are often fitness facilities and outdoor spaces that residents can utilize.

How Do Rent Payments Work?

Rent payments in coliving spaces operate differently compared to conventional housing. In a coliving arrangement, tenants are generally required to pay a set amount of money each month that caters to rent, utilities, and additional services like cleaning and shared spaces. The fee often includes all essential items such as toiletries, kitchen supplies, and bed linen, making the rental process stress-free.

Typically, rent payments are processed through online means and may entail a security deposit to account for any potential damages that may occur during the duration of the stay. The deposit is generally reimbursed at the end of the lease term, provided that no damages have been incurred on the property. Unlike traditional renting, most coliving spaces only require a one-month deposit instead of hefty deposits which is a major plus point. 

What’s included in the rent?

Most coliving spaces provide a comprehensive rental package that encompasses different facilities and services. These facilities and services may differ based on the location, cost, and type of coliving space. Here are some of the usual amenities and services that come with the rental fee of most coliving spaces:

1. Private bedroom: Every resident has their private bedroom, often furnished with a bed, study table, chair, and wardrobe.
2. Shared spaces: Coliving spaces offer shared spaces such as a living room, kitchen, dining areas, and sometimes even outdoor spaces like gardens or rooftops.
3. Utilities: Water, electricity, and gas are usually included in the rent, and residents don’t have to worry about separate bills.
4. Cleaning services: Most coliving spaces offer regular cleaning services for shared spaces and the resident’s private bedroom and bathroom.
5. Internet: High-speed wifi is typically included in the monthly rent, as it’s essential for residents who work remotely or need to stay connected.
6. Amenities: Depending on the coliving space, amenities may include a gym, swimming pool, laundry facilities, game rooms, and even coworking spaces.
7. Events and activities: Coliving spaces often organize community events and activities for their residents, providing networking opportunities, and creating a sense of community.

By offering an all-inclusive rental package, coliving spaces aim to provide convenience and flexibility for residents, allowing them to focus on living and thriving in a community that supports their lifestyle.

Pros of Coliving

There are many benefits to living in coliving spaces, including:

1. Affordability: Coliving spaces are often more affordable than traditional housing, as they offer inclusive rental packages that cover utilities, amenities, and sometimes even meals.
2. Flexibility: Coliving spaces often offer short-term rental options, making them ideal for people who move frequently or travel frequently.
3. Community: Coliving spaces foster a sense of community by providing shared spaces and organizing social events and gatherings.
4. Convenience: Coliving spaces provide many convenient amenities like cleaning and laundry services, which makes life easier for residents.
5. Networking: Coliving spaces bring people from different backgrounds and professions together, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.
6. Sustainability: Many coliving spaces prioritize sustainability by using eco-friendly products, implementing green initiatives, and reducing carbon footprint.
7. Location: Coliving spaces are often located in trendy and vibrant neighborhoods, making it easier for residents to access the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and entertainment spots.

Coliving spaces offer affordable, convenient, and community-oriented living solutions that are ideal for people who value flexibility and social interaction.

Cons of Coliving 

While coliving is an attractive housing option for many, it’s important to consider some of the potential drawbacks as well, which may include:

1. Lack of privacy: Even with a private bedroom, living in a shared space means that you will have less privacy than living alone.
2. Noise: With shared spaces comes the possibility of noise and, depending on your tolerance for it, this could be a significant drawback.
3. Limited space: While coliving spaces can provide many amenities and amenities, the individual private bedrooms are often smaller than what you might find in a traditional apartment or house.
4. Cultural differences: Living with others from different backgrounds and cultures can be enriching, but it can also be challenging if there isn’t some degree of compatibility or understanding.
5. Lack of control over the shared space: Not having complete control over the shared spaces can lead to disputes over where to store items, how to clean, and who is responsible for damages.
6. Covid-19 risk: Living in close proximity to others could increase the risk of infection during the crtitical times like COVID. 

Is Coliving for me?

If you are considering coliving, here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine if it’s the right fit for you:

1. Do I enjoy socializing and meeting new people?
2. Am I comfortable sharing living spaces with others?
3. Do I value convenience and amenities over privacy and space?
4. Am I comfortable with the uncertainty of living with people who may have different lifestyles and routines?
5. Is affordability a priority for me?
6. Is a sense of community important to me?
7. Do I prioritize location and accessibility to city amenities?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, coliving may be a viable housing option for you. However, if privacy, space, and control over your living environment are essential, coliving may not be the best fit. Ultimately, it is important to evaluate your individual needs and weigh the pros and cons before making any decision.

Final Thoughts –

Coliving is a new trend in modern housing that has its own benefits and drawbacks. It provides an affordable, social, and convenient living experience for people looking to live in urban areas. Living with like-minded individuals can also create a sense of community and offer opportunities for networking and collaboration.

However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks of living in a shared space before pursuing coliving. Lack of privacy, limited space, and cultural differences can lead to possible complications or conflicts. Additionally, living with others during the current COVID-19 pandemic can also pose a potential risk.

Ultimately, deciding whether coliving is the right fit for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. It’s important to evaluate the pros and cons and consider individual needs before deciding on this type of housing arrangement.