A residential arrangement where multiple individuals, who are typically unrelated, live together in a single dwelling and share common areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. This living situation involves tenants each renting a room or a designated space within the property, while jointly contributing to expenses like utilities and household supplies. The concept provides a cost-effective housing solution, particularly in urban areas with high rental costs.
This type of shared living fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for social interaction among residents. The practice can be traced back to various communal living models throughout history, but its modern form gained prominence as a response to increasing urbanization and housing affordability challenges. It enables access to housing options that might otherwise be financially inaccessible to individuals, especially young professionals and students. Furthermore, it offers an environment for sharing resources, reducing individual living expenses and potentially promoting sustainable living practices.
