How To Be an Ideal Tenant and Flat-Mate… In Ten Easy Steps.
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A group of friends having a good time
Renting a room in a flat-share in Athens is supposed to be so much fun!
You get to meet new people. And you get to spend almost a year together.
Your flatmates become your friends. And more often than not, you create memories for life.
All the dinners together. Watching your favorite shows. Nice strolls through the lively streets of Athens.
Or those awesome trips to the stunning Greek islands. Dancing around the bonfire. The night swims. And so much more...
In all the years of hosting international students in Athens, we've seen it all.
And based on our experience, these are the simple ten steps you need to follow to have it all!
Follow them and never experience any issues with your landlords or flat-mates.
Step one
It must be self-evident.
Yet some people forget that you should be:
friendly, social, respectful and mindful of your flat-mates’ privacy race, religion, culture and customs.
Step two
Use your own food supply and toiletries!
You can't imagine how many times we've heard something like this:
I don't mind sharing food when someone asks, but why would someone take it without permission?!
Act wisely.
Step three
Keep your room and shared areas neat and tidy.
Ok, this is paramount! If you're messy in your room, it's your problem.
When you're messy in the shared areas, it becomes everyone's problem.
Tidy up after you use the kitchen and bathroom. And keep the living space neat and pleasant.
Respect your flat-mates.
Step four
Students like to party. We get it.
In fact, who doesn't like to party?
But remember that buildings have rules and regulations.
And you better make sure you ask before you book the room if you're allowed to have parties and large gatherings in your apartment.
Step five
Quiet hours.
Most buildings in Athens still follow the 2 pm to 5 pm quiet-hour rules.
Cut down on noisy activities during the so-called siesta time, lots of people still use this time to rest and nap.
Step six
Hanging out with friends.
When you do have guests over, and things get wild, try to end any noisy activities by 10 pm on weekdays.
On Friday and Saturday, you might spoil yourself by being naughty till midnight (again depends on the building rules, so ask your landlord beforehand)
Step seven
Flat-shares usually offer a flat rental payment that includes all the utility bills.
But it doesn't mean you need to act recklessly.
Switch off the AC & Water boiler when not in use.
Not only is it unfriendly to mother nature, but it carries the risk of electrocution and/or damage to the appliances.
Step eight
In Athens, the trash collectors are in the street.
Take the trash out regularly to avoid roaches and other unpleasant guests.
Step nine
Now, this is a little weird, but...the sewage system in most buildings in Athens isn't built to "digest" papers and other objects.
So, dispose of those things into the trash bin instead.
Step ten
Even if you're a certified electrician or plumber, please do not mess with anything in your rental.
Just get in touch with your landlord to handle it.
Even less so, when you learn how to repair a faulty electrical appliance on YouTube.
There you have it.
The ten simple steps that make you a flat-mate to love and tenant to desire.
Have a great time in Athens!
If you have any questions regarding your stay in Athens, get in touch with us now.
We're always happy to help.
