{"id":98780,"date":"2023-12-04T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T07:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/colivys.com\/?p=98780"},"modified":"2024-11-19T22:49:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T21:49:47","slug":"shared-house-in-couple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/colivys.com\/en\/blog\/shared-house-in-couple\/","title":{"rendered":"Living together in shared housing: good or bad idea?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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For financial or practical reasons, shared housing is<\/span> increasingly favored<\/b> by young professionals and students. While it’s usually the choice for singles or those living alone, it’s not exclusive to them. <\/span>If you’re in a relationship, you too can fit into a shared living situation!<\/b><\/p>\n

This article will help you navigate the benefits of shared living, and the potential challenges you might face. From<\/span> community living rules<\/b> to understand your <\/span>rights<\/b> based on your civil and marital status, the differences between living as a couple in shared housing and cohabitation, <\/span>managing living spaces<\/b>, and more: you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to share a home while in a relationship. Let’s dive in!<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why choosing shared housing as a couple?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Increasing numbers of couples choose to live in shared housing, and it’s not just for the <\/span>financial perks<\/b>. Of course, it’s often more comfortable for a couple to live in a shared house than a regular rental. The couple gets<\/span> more space for a rent that’s significantly less<\/b> than if they had their own place. But finances aren’t the only reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

The initial stages of living together for a young couple can be challenging. With the hustle of life, studies, internships, starting a business, routine, etc., these can create stress that might strain the relationship. Living daily with others allows for <\/span>shared experiences<\/b> and a <\/span>constantly warm atmosphere<\/b>. This can make the present moment so much more enjoyable.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Differences Between Shared Housing for Couples and Cohabitation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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There’s a <\/span>distinction between living as a couple in shared housing and cohabitation<\/b>. As emphasized by the CAF, <\/span>shared housing<\/b> involves “<\/span>co-signing the same lease or multiple leases by <\/span><\/i>people<\/i><\/b> living in the same housing but forming <\/span><\/i>separate households<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i>” <\/span>Cohabitation<\/b>, on the other hand, is “<\/span>living together as if <\/i><\/b>[the individuals] <\/span><\/i>were married or in a civil partnership<\/i><\/b>. It entails sharing a home and financially or materially contributing to household expenses.<\/span><\/i>“<\/span><\/p>\n

Legally <\/b>speaking, living as a couple in shared housing is <\/span>akin to standard shared living arrangements<\/b> and offers no special status. Each tenant should have a separate rent receipt under their name. If they wish to apply for housing assistance, they must individually apply to the CAF, declaring their personal incomes and their portion of the rent. Cohabitation, on the other hand, has recognized legal status, even though it’s not the same as a civil partnership or marriage. It’s considered for certain facets, like joint tax filing or the allocation of certain social rights. If the cohabitation ends for whatever reason, there could be legal consequences, especially if assets were jointly purchased.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Benefits of shared housing for couples<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Opting for shared housing when in a relationship has a plethora of enticing advantages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, the most prominent benefit is financial. Sharing a home <\/span>reduces costs<\/b> and gives access to better quality accommodations. Enjoy spacious, prime locations. But, as you’ve gathered, it’s not all about the money. Being in shared housing as a couple also means forming <\/span>new social connections<\/b>. If you’ve recently moved to an unfamiliar city or country, you can instantly connect with other tenants, explore the city with them, learn about their cultures, and expand your social circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Living with others provides practical assistance and shared <\/span>daily responsibilities<\/b>. As everyone knows, chores and shopping take time. In shared housing, it’s not always up to you or your partner to handle them. Depending on the house rules, tasks rotate, lightening everyone’s mental load and fostering daily support.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might not consider it, but shared housing can be a <\/span>genuine opportunity<\/b>. It can promote discussions on various topics, enhance your cultural awareness, develop your skills, and perhaps even <\/span>expand your professional network<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who’ve never lived together, shared housing can be an excellent first step. It<\/span> teaches cohabitation<\/b> and helps tackle the challenges of shared life, all while having external support.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Challenges of couple roommating<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Sure, couple roommating has its upsides, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges! It’s essential to understand that while sharing a living space with your partner in a shared housing setup might sound dreamy, it’s not always a fairy tale. If one half of the couple joins the shared house before the other, the dynamic could change. Existing roommates might feel intruded upon, leading to potential tensions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like all <\/span>relationships<\/b>, couples have their <\/span>ups and downs<\/b>. Disagreements are common, but it’s crucial to ensure these don’t sour the overall atmosphere of the shared home. The mood between the couple shouldn’t spill over and impact the other roommates. Thus, it’s always a good idea to discuss personal issues away from others and refrain from dragging them into personal disputes \u2013 especially if things head towards a breakup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another aspect to consider is the <\/span>management of personal spaces<\/b>. Carving out personal space can be tricky in a regular shared housing situation, let alone when a couple is part of the mix. While it’s essential to spend quality time together as a couple, remember that this housing setup might not always provide the perfect setting. It’s crucial neither to alienate other roommates nor to let the couple become isolated. Finding the right balance and rhythm can be a challenge, but communal moments are key.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Rules depending on the couple's status<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Whether you’re roommating alone or as a couple, there are legal and social rules to be aware of. The rules change a bit when two people share a life together.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Rules for a married couple<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you’re married, you’ll likely sign a<\/span> joint lease<\/b>. This means you both are seen as co-lessees. According to <\/span>French civil code Article 1751<\/span>, <\/span>\u201ca residential lease belonging to a married couple is assumed to be equally held by both spouses\u201d<\/span><\/i>. In simpler terms, <\/span>both spouses hold equal rights to the lease and share responsibilities tied to the lease<\/b> (hello, solidarity clause!). In cases of conflicts or separation, the couple’s property rights are protected under family law.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the social side, a married couple has its dynamics. However, each partner should be treated as an individual roommate, ensuring everyone’s on an equal footing. Communication is vital. It’s important for all roommates to understand each other’s needs and address everyday issues like privacy, noise, chores, and sharing responsibilities. This ensures a harmonious living environment. Naturally, these social rules apply to all types of couples \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Rules for a civil union couple<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For couples in a civil union (PACS in French), the law is closely <\/span>similar to married couples<\/b>, with a few distinctions based on the lease agreement. If both partners sign the <\/span>same lease<\/b>, they’re seen as <\/span>co-lessees <\/b>and hold the <\/span>same rights and responsibilities as married couples<\/b>. However, if the <\/span>lease is in only one partner’s name<\/b>, only the <\/span>signer is granted the associated rights<\/b>. Nevertheless, the other partner remains jointly responsible for any breaches of the legal and social obligations of the signer.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Rules for cohabiting couples<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When it comes to cohabiting couples,<\/span> two scenarios <\/b>also arise. If <\/span>both of you are listed on the rental contract<\/b>, you’ll have the status of <\/span>co-holders<\/b> of the lease. Just like other roommates, you are responsible for paying the rent and utilities. Unlike married or civil union couples, cohabitants are not jointly liable for debts incurred by one of them, unless they were incurred jointly or for mutual needs (like buying furniture or appliances).<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if <\/span>only one of the cohabitants has signed the lease<\/b>, <\/span>the non-signatory has neither rights nor obligations<\/b>. This can be problematic if the one listed on the lease were to pass away.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How to find the ideal shared living space as a couple?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You might guess, this isn\u2019t necessarily the easiest step. <\/span>Several criteria and mutual priorities will need to be defined<\/b>. While essential, it can be time-consuming and cause many headaches. If you don\u2019t know where to start, we’ll help:<\/span><\/p>