House Rules in a Coliving Residence: How to Live Well Together
Coliving is based on a simple balance:
- Enjoying comfortable accommodation,
- Maintaining your independence,
- While sharing certain spaces and moments with other residents.
At La Villa Boileux, everyone has their own private space, but quality of life also depends on respecting the house and the other residents.
Here are the main rules and good practices that help everyone enjoy a pleasant coliving experience in Lille.
These guidelines are based in particular on the house rules and residence agreement at La Villa Boileux.
Rule No. 1: Respect the Communal Areas
In a coliving residence, communal areas are shared by everyone:
- Kitchen,
- Lounge,
- Coworking space,
- Garden,
- Gym,
- Laundry room,
- Home cinema.
Everyone’s comfort therefore depends on how each resident uses these spaces.
This means:
- Tidying up after yourself,
- Washing your dishes,
- Avoiding leaving personal belongings in communal areas,
- Cleaning up after using a space,
- And taking care of the facilities and equipment.
At La Villa Boileux, communal areas should be left clean and tidy, particularly in the evening.
Rule No. 2: Respect Other Residents’ Peace and Routines
Not everyone in the house has the same schedule or lifestyle.
In a house shared by freelancers, consultants, employees and remote workers, keeping noise levels down is important.
At La Villa Boileux, quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
This does not mean that you cannot invite people over or enjoy the communal areas. It simply means:
- Keeping noise levels reasonable,
- Avoiding loud music,
- Limiting noise at night,
- And respecting the neighbours.
Coliving works much better when everyone remembers that other residents may start work early in the morning or work remotely from the house.
Rule No. 3: Take Part in Community Life
Coliving is more than simply renting a room in a shared house. It also involves a certain sense of community.
This can take many different forms:
- Chatting with other residents,
- Joining shared meals or events,
- Helping to maintain a friendly atmosphere,
- Or simply communicating respectfully.
La Villa Boileux encourages a friendly and considerate atmosphere between residents.
That does not mean everyone has to spend all their time together. Each resident remains free to choose:
- Their own routine,
- How sociable they want to be,
- And how they organise their personal life.
Rule No. 4: Be Considerate When Inviting Guests
Having friends or family visit is a normal part of life in a coliving residence.
However, a few simple rules help ensure that everyone remains comfortable:
- Letting the other residents know,
- Respecting their peace and privacy,
- And avoiding excessive stays or disruption.
At La Villa Boileux, residents may occasionally accommodate a guest for up to 5 nights per month.
Residents remain responsible for their guests, including:
- Respecting the property,
- Keeping noise levels reasonable,
- And any damage they may cause.
Rule No. 5: Take Care of the Facilities and Furniture
Many facilities and items are shared in a coliving residence:
- Household appliances,
- Furniture,
- Television,
- Washing machines,
- Fitness equipment,
- Wi-Fi,
- And more.
Taking care of shared equipment is therefore essential to avoid:
- Tensions between residents,
- Damage,
- And additional costs.
The residence agreement also states that residents are expected to contribute to routine upkeep and quickly report any problems or faults.
Rule No. 6: Adopt Simple Everyday Habits
A well-run coliving residence often depends on a few simple everyday habits:
- Emptying the dishwasher,
- Taking out the rubbish,
- Cleaning up after cooking,
- Keeping communal areas free from clutter,
- And quickly reporting any technical problems.
At La Villa Boileux, cleaning of the communal areas is included, but this does not replace the everyday care expected from residents.
Shared living works best when everyone does their part.
Rule No. 7: Respect Everyone’s Privacy
Although coliving encourages social interaction, everyone should also be able to relax, work remotely or enjoy their private space in peace.
This means:
- Not entering other residents’ bedrooms,
- Avoiding intrusive behaviour,
- Respecting quiet time,
- And communicating respectfully if a disagreement arises.
Mutual respect remains the foundation of a pleasant atmosphere in the house.
Rule No. 8: Embrace a Community Mindset
Coliving works best when residents see the house as a shared place that everyone has a role in looking after.
This also means:
- Respecting the neighbourhood,
- Being mindful of energy consumption,
- Sorting waste,
- And taking care of shared spaces.
The house rules at La Villa Boileux encourage residents to:
- Save energy,
- Sort their waste,
- And use the property responsibly.
House Rules in a Coliving Residence: It Ultimately Depends on the Residents
Ultimately, quality of life in a coliving residence depends not only on the accommodation itself, but also on the people who live there.
That is why La Villa Boileux places importance on:
- Mutual respect,
- Finding compatible residents,
- A willingness to embrace community living,
- And positive communication between residents.
The aim is not to create a noisy student house share, but to provide a comfortable and enjoyable living environment for:
- Young professionals,
- Freelancers,
- And people relocating to Lille for work.
