How coliving works

In a shared house you rent your own room, and share the kitchen, bathroom and often a living room with your housemates. In Dutch law this is called a non-independent home (onzelfstandige woonruimte).

Some houses are run by a landlord who picks the tenants. In others, the current housemates choose who moves in.

You pay rent for your room, and often service costs for energy, water, internet and cleaning of shared spaces. Ask exactly what the service costs cover, and whether they are settled once a year.

Most shared houses have rules, written or not. Ask about them at the viewing:

• Cleaning schedules
• Guests and partners staying over
• Quiet hours
• Shared groceries and costs
• Pets and smoking

The right housemates matter as much as the room. Think about what you want: a social house that cooks together, or a quiet one where everyone keeps to themselves.