Or you are a renter, a friend or family member will provide you with a room. You think this is a win-win situation: they get a boost in cash flow, you inherit a landlord/roommate and he is also a friend. After all, what could be wrong?


Ok, one thing, it turns out. Here are five tips to avoid renting a nightmare.


1. Think twice


Have you ever heard an old saying, "You don't know a person until you live with them"? When you live together, anything that makes you hate someone will not disappear. In fact, this situation is likely to deteriorate in the close range. So, give some thoughts on the situation and personality. Ask yourself: Is our lifestyle similar? Which part of my daily life will bother my friends or family? vice versa? What is the danger here? What if there is a problem? Will it ruin our relationship? What if it happens?


2. Sign the agreement


No matter who you rent or who you rent, for whatever reason, you must sign a lease agreement. Yes, negotiations at the outset can be embarrassing, but the consequences can be more disruptive. If you do it right from the start, living with friends and family can be a great experience and you may repeat.


3. Outline basic rules


Doing everything right from the start is critical to any rental relationship. One of my friends rented from a friend's landlord. He said that summarizing the basic rules is one of the main reasons why they live happily together. I suggest sitting down and making basic rules before doing it. Not only financial, but also any internal rules - such as when you can ask someone to come, or how you share the housework.


4. Respect financial transactions


Renting a room to anyone - friends, family or strangers - is a financial transaction. So treat it as one. Put money in your heart and don't shy away from discussing it. Do not ask for help with rent or bills. This will put terrible pressure on your friend's landlord because they feel they have to agree, and if you don't pay, they are in a terrible situation, putting the whole relationship at risk. 


Moreover, from the perspective of the tenant, it is very important to consider the economic commitment of your friends here. This is a risk of their mortgage, not yours. Always pay rent and bills on time. Create a kitten for everyday expenses, such as home shopping, cleaning, supplies, etc.


5. Remove the most common friction points


Living with someone doesn't take long to know what your friction points are. Once you have solved them, take steps to resolve them before they get out of control to avoid a broken relationship. Regardless of your age, gender, or who you live with or from whom you rent, the most common common housing complaints (except money) are about cleaning and who eats all the food.


At last…


As with any relationship, communication is everything when you live with friends or family, so be sure to think clearly, talk clearly, and develop an escape plan to prevent things from developing into pear shape.