Surviving Roommates - Home Security Tips For Shared Spaces
Ask anyone who's had to live with roommates, and they'll probably have at least one horror story about the experience.
The fact is that while roommates are often chosen--unlike, say, family members--this doesn't make them any easier to live with.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are not ready and willing to obey the social contract, or are simply too young or inexperienced to know what steps should be taken to maintain a household.
Whether you're simply coming from a different perspective or have serious communication issues that are hindering home security, not finding a constructive way to fix trouble with roommates can lead to an unpleasant home environment, not to mention one that isn't conductive to anyone's needs.
The best time to do damage control with roommates is actually before anyone moves in with anyone else, because this is a much more ideal time to discuss household rules and concerns.
If it is your property or your name on a lease, then you are that much more invested in the space's safety and security, so be sure to choose potential roommates wisely.
Just because someone is your friend or someone you know vouches for them does not mean that it is a good idea for the household.
Try to interview all potential roommates and find out a little about them and their habits.
It's also very important to make sure that they are employed, have a way of paying for their monthly rent and expenses, and take things like home security seriously.
When multiple people share a living space, it can be tough to divide chores and make sure that things like groceries don't get pilfered.
One of the best ways to do this is to establish some sort of weekly meetings, where people get together and talk about any problems that might be occurring in a house, but in a constructive environment where solutions are emphasized.
For instance, if there is a home alarm system in the house that needs to be armed before the house is left vacant, make sure that everyone knows how.
Likewise, if you have a roommate who is prone to having a lot of parties and visitors, be sure to stress the importance of keeping the security code secret, so that the entire neighborhood does not have access to your home.
Another important step when it comes to roommates is making sure that when presenting ideas, you don't sound as though you are accusing or attacking, even if you are legitimately fed up.
The first time that you mention something, it should always be in an open-ended and constructive way.
Even if it is absolutely driving you crazy that your roommate forgets to close and lock doors and windows, the first time you mention this, stress your own personal perspective.
Use "I" statements such as, "I would feel a lot more comfortable if the windows and doors were locked when the house was unattended.
After all, it's bad for everyone's possessions and for our home security if people can just walk in.
" But part of being a roommate is also knowing when to put your foot down.
Do not let people walk all over you, refusing to pay rent and utilities on time, or if it is your property, don't allow people to cause damage and then try to get away with not paying for it.
After all, you have to be your own advocate, and if you are in a situation where it's not just home security but your apartment's well-being that is at stake, you need to be able to say something and assert yourself.
The fact is that while roommates are often chosen--unlike, say, family members--this doesn't make them any easier to live with.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are not ready and willing to obey the social contract, or are simply too young or inexperienced to know what steps should be taken to maintain a household.
Whether you're simply coming from a different perspective or have serious communication issues that are hindering home security, not finding a constructive way to fix trouble with roommates can lead to an unpleasant home environment, not to mention one that isn't conductive to anyone's needs.
The best time to do damage control with roommates is actually before anyone moves in with anyone else, because this is a much more ideal time to discuss household rules and concerns.
If it is your property or your name on a lease, then you are that much more invested in the space's safety and security, so be sure to choose potential roommates wisely.
Just because someone is your friend or someone you know vouches for them does not mean that it is a good idea for the household.
Try to interview all potential roommates and find out a little about them and their habits.
It's also very important to make sure that they are employed, have a way of paying for their monthly rent and expenses, and take things like home security seriously.
When multiple people share a living space, it can be tough to divide chores and make sure that things like groceries don't get pilfered.
One of the best ways to do this is to establish some sort of weekly meetings, where people get together and talk about any problems that might be occurring in a house, but in a constructive environment where solutions are emphasized.
For instance, if there is a home alarm system in the house that needs to be armed before the house is left vacant, make sure that everyone knows how.
Likewise, if you have a roommate who is prone to having a lot of parties and visitors, be sure to stress the importance of keeping the security code secret, so that the entire neighborhood does not have access to your home.
Another important step when it comes to roommates is making sure that when presenting ideas, you don't sound as though you are accusing or attacking, even if you are legitimately fed up.
The first time that you mention something, it should always be in an open-ended and constructive way.
Even if it is absolutely driving you crazy that your roommate forgets to close and lock doors and windows, the first time you mention this, stress your own personal perspective.
Use "I" statements such as, "I would feel a lot more comfortable if the windows and doors were locked when the house was unattended.
After all, it's bad for everyone's possessions and for our home security if people can just walk in.
" But part of being a roommate is also knowing when to put your foot down.
Do not let people walk all over you, refusing to pay rent and utilities on time, or if it is your property, don't allow people to cause damage and then try to get away with not paying for it.
After all, you have to be your own advocate, and if you are in a situation where it's not just home security but your apartment's well-being that is at stake, you need to be able to say something and assert yourself.