Living with roommates can be an incredible experience—or a stressful one. It all depends on how everyone in the household communicates and contributes. Whether you’re moving in with friends or strangers, following some basic etiquette can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. Here are 10 essential roommate etiquette tips to help keep your shared space peaceful and positive in 2025:

1. Communicate Openly and Early

No one’s a mind reader. If something is bothering you or you’d like to make a change, speak up. The earlier you address an issue, the easier it is to avoid tension or resentment. A great way to set the tone is by establishing some shared house rules when you first move in. This creates a foundation of clear expectations and mutual respect.

2. Clean Up After Yourself

This one’s simple, but easy to overlook. After cooking, wash your dishes. If your pet has an accident, take care of it immediately. Finished a project in the living room? Pack up your supplies. When everyone tidies up after themselves, the home stays clean—and your roommates stay happy.

3. Ask Before Borrowing

Tempted to use your roommate’s speaker, hoodie, or snacks? Ask first. Always. Even if you think they wouldn’t mind, it’s best to get permission. Respecting boundaries when it comes to personal items helps build trust and keeps resentment at bay.

4. Respect Personal Space

Whether you’re introverts, extroverts, or somewhere in between, everyone needs personal space. Knock before entering a room, and avoid engaging if someone has headphones in or is clearly focused. Give your roommates the breathing room they need, just as you’d want for yourself.

5. Be Considerate with Guests

Having people over is totally fine—but don’t forget to check in with your roommates first. Let them know when you’re planning to host, and be mindful of noise levels, especially late at night or during study/work hours. A little heads-up goes a long way.

6. Share the Chores

No one wants to be the only one cleaning the bathroom. Create a system for dividing up routine chores like trash duty, vacuuming, or wiping down kitchen counters. If you have more than two roommates, a chore chart can help keep things fair and transparent.

7. Pitch In for Shared Supplies

Household basics—like toilet paper, dish soap, and cleaning supplies—don’t magically restock themselves. Make sure everyone contributes their fair share, whether it’s taking turns buying or splitting the cost evenly.

8. Pay Your Bills On Time

Late payments can cause real stress, especially if they affect the entire household. Budget wisely and prioritize rent and utilities. Most places allow online payments now, so there’s no excuse for forgetting. If something unexpected comes up, talk to your roommates and landlord immediately.

9. Be Fair with Shared Spaces

Common areas are for everyone. Don’t dominate the TV or turn the kitchen into your personal workspace. If someone needs quiet to study or work, grab your headphones or take your phone call in your room. Thoughtfulness here goes a long way.

10. Practice Kindness

The golden rule still applies. Be patient, be understanding, and choose your words with care. A little kindness—especially during disagreements—can help resolve conflicts before they escalate. After all, your roommates are people too, just trying to live comfortably like you.

Final Thoughts

Roommate life in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. With respect, communication, and shared responsibility, your living arrangement can be something you truly enjoy.

And if you’re still looking for a roommate or the perfect place to live, iROOMit makes the process easier and safer. With verified profiles, advanced matching tools, and flexible search options, you can find the right fit for your lifestyle before even moving in.

Happy co-living!