Sharing A One-Bedroom: Creative Ways To Carve Out Space

Living in a one-bedroom apartment with another person can be challenging, but it's not impossible. There are a few things to consider when approaching this situation. Firstly, it's important to assess your personal circumstances and decide if sharing a one-bedroom apartment is truly the best option for you. If you decide to go ahead, there are ways to make it work. For example, having a separate space like a kitchen or walk-in closet can provide privacy and help you take a breather from each other. Additionally, using furniture to divide the space can create separate living areas, giving the illusion of more space and privacy. It's also crucial to keep the apartment clean and uncluttered, especially when sharing a small space.

Be mindful of lease agreements and tenant rights

When sharing a one-bedroom apartment with another person, it is important to be mindful of lease agreements and tenant rights. Here are some key points to consider:

Lease Agreements

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a single-tenant and a multiple-tenant lease agreement. In a multiple-tenant lease agreement, more than one person is listed as a tenant and is responsible for renting the property. This type of agreement is common when renting to roommates or when a co-signer is needed. Each listed tenant needs to provide their signature on the lease, and most states require that all individuals living in the rental property be included in the lease agreement.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

All tenants who sign the lease agreement have the same legal rights and responsibilities, known as cotenants. This means that one cotenant's negative behaviour, such as not paying rent on time or violating the lease, can affect everyone's tenancy. Landlords can legally hold all cotenants responsible for the actions of one and may even terminate the tenancy for everyone. Therefore, it is important to carefully screen all potential roommates and ensure they understand their responsibilities.

Subleasing

Subleasing occurs when a tenant wants to move out and finds a replacement tenant to take their place. While this may be necessary in some cases, it can complicate matters as sublessors do not sign the original lease and are not jointly liable for rent or other obligations. Landlords may choose to disallow subleasing to avoid potential issues.

Joint and Several Liability

In a multiple-tenant lease, all tenants are typically responsible for ensuring the full amount of rent is paid each month. This is known as joint and several liability. If one tenant cannot pay their share, the others must still cover the full rent. Landlords often prefer to receive a single rent check to avoid the hassle of multiple payments.

Security Deposits

When renting with roommates, it is important to understand how security deposits will be handled. Landlords usually do not divide security deposits and will return them via a single check. Tenants are responsible for working out any issues regarding the security deposit if one roommate decides to leave.

Roommate Agreements

While not legally binding, roommate agreements can be helpful in setting clear expectations and avoiding problems. These agreements can cover various issues, such as borrowing personal items, sharing food, having guests, and cleaning responsibilities. While landlords are not involved in creating or enforcing these agreements, they can encourage tenants to create one.

Consider the cost of a two-bedroom apartment

When considering the cost of a two-bedroom apartment, it's important to note that real estate, including apartments, is typically priced by the square foot. This means that the larger the apartment, the higher the rent will be. The increase in rent for additional square footage will depend on the property values in the city, with higher property values resulting in a higher cost per square foot. For example, in Washington, DC, where property values are high, the cost per square foot for an apartment was $2.95 in 2018, while in Little Rock, with lower property values, the cost was just $0.75.

In general, larger, densely populated cities with high demand and limited availability tend to have higher rent prices per square foot than smaller cities with more availability and lower demand. For instance, in Sacramento, the average one-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,243, while a two-bedroom apartment, with approximately 240 extra square feet, rents for about $1,492, a difference of $250 per month. Similarly, in Saint Louis, the price difference between a one- and two-bedroom apartment is about $170 per month. However, the difference in rent between one- and two-bedroom apartments can vary significantly depending on the city and specific apartment community.

It's worth noting that the cost of a two-bedroom apartment in a luxury building with high-end amenities may be comparable to or even higher than the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in a more budget-friendly community. Therefore, it's essential to compare similar apartments when considering rent trends and to determine if you can afford the extra cost of a two-bedroom apartment in your desired location. Additionally, keep in mind that a two-bedroom apartment may come with additional costs, such as furniture, accessories, and increased utility expenses due to the larger space.

Before making the decision to rent a two-bedroom apartment, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of having an extra bedroom. Consider how you plan to utilise the additional space and whether it justifies the increased cost. Also, don't forget to factor in moving expenses, such as first and last months' rent, security deposits, and potential fees associated with transferring utilities. As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to save up about three times your rent to comfortably cover these moving expenses.

Create separate spaces for privacy

Living in a one-bedroom apartment with another person can be challenging when it comes to privacy. Here are some tips to create distinct areas and maximise your space:

Room Dividers

Room dividers are a great way to break up your space and can also add a decorative touch to your apartment. There are many options to choose from, such as folding screens, curtains, or even a hanging rack for your clothes. If you're looking for something more solid, you can opt for a bookcase or a large plant stand. For a more permanent solution, consider installing a barn door or sliding doors on a track.

Furniture Layout

Strategically placing your furniture can help create a sense of separation between different areas. For example, you can use a couch or a bookshelf to divide the space. A well-placed rug can also help define a specific area, such as a living room or bedroom.

Utilise Architectural Features

If your apartment has any nooks or recesses, make use of them! You can position a bed in a nook to create a sense of privacy and separation from the rest of the space.

Storage Solutions

Adding a shelving system or storage divider can help create a boundary between spaces while also providing much-needed storage. Look for pieces that can be customised with add-on parts like drawers, baskets, or storage boxes.

Colour and Accent Walls

Using paint colours to designate different areas is an easy and affordable way to create a sense of separation. Try painting an accent wall or using different colours to define zones in your apartment.

Use smart technology to coexist peacefully

Smart technology can play a pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious living experience for two people in a one-bedroom apartment. Here are some ways in which smart devices and systems can enhance your shared space:

Smart Entry and Security Systems:

Smart entry systems allow you to control access to your home from anywhere, at any time. You can grant temporary access to guests or service providers without being physically present. This adds a layer of security and convenience, especially when you and your roommate have different schedules or are expecting visitors.

Smart Lighting and Motorized Shades:

• Smart lighting systems offer unparalleled convenience and the ability to replicate natural light throughout your home. You can automate lighting schedules, adjust brightness, and even change colours to set the right ambiance for different occasions. This is especially useful when one person wants to stay up reading while the other goes to bed early.
• Motorized shades and drapes can be adjusted with the touch of a button, providing privacy in the evening and filling the room with natural light in the morning.

Smart Climate Control:

Smart climate control systems can maintain your desired temperature settings, even when you're not at home. These systems can also learn your routines and integrate with your shades to optimize energy efficiency, saving you money on utility bills. This is beneficial when you and your roommate have different preferences for temperature settings.

Smart Conference Room AV:

If either of you works from home or participates in online meetings, smart conference room audio-visual (AV) solutions can enhance your professional experience. This includes features like smart TVs that respond to voice commands, hidden speakers, and reliable Wi-Fi access points that ensure consistent connectivity.

Smart Home Support and Cyber Security:

Smart home support services provide peace of mind by keeping your smart devices up-to-date and secure. They can also offer remote troubleshooting and IT support, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. Additionally, with the rise of IoT devices and working from home, cyber security becomes crucial. Smart cybersecurity measures protect your personal information and devices from potential online threats.

By leveraging smart technology, you and your roommate can enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and secure living environment, making your shared one-bedroom apartment feel more spacious and peaceful.

Divide storage space equally

Dividing storage space equally is essential when sharing a one-bedroom apartment with another person. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Use a Room Divider

Room dividers are an excellent way to separate your space and can also provide additional storage options. For example, you can use a large bookcase or shelving unit as a room divider, providing storage space for both you and your roommate. This helps create a visual and physical barrier between your living areas while also offering a practical storage solution.

Opt for Closed Storage Units

When using a shelving unit or bookcase as a room divider, consider opting for a closed storage system with doors or drawers. This way, you can allocate specific shelves or compartments to each person, ensuring an equal distribution of storage space. Closed storage also provides a more private and tidy appearance, which can be beneficial in a shared space.

Assign Designated Spaces

Another way to divide storage space equally is to assign specific areas or compartments to each person. For example, if you're using a shared wardrobe, allocate an equal number of shelves or hanging spaces to each roommate. This ensures that both parties have an equal opportunity to utilise the available storage.

Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a great way to increase storage space while keeping the room feeling open and spacious. Install floating shelves along a wall, ensuring there is an equal number allocated to each person. This can be a stylish way to display personal items and keep frequently used belongings within easy reach.

Utilise Under-Bed Storage

Under-bed storage is often an underutilised area, especially in small apartments. Invest in some storage boxes or containers designed specifically for under-bed use. Ensure each person has an equal number of containers to store their belongings, making the most of this hidden storage space.

Be Creative with Nooks and Crannies

In a small one-bedroom apartment, it's essential to think creatively about storage. Look for nooks and crannies that can be utilised for storage. For example, you could install hooks or hanging organisers inside closets or on the backs of doors for additional equal storage options.

Frequently asked questions